I have owned my Capri 14.2 since I got it new around 1987. I used to sail it solo on small lakes in Massachusetts, with no problem. In 1997 my wife and I bought a summer home in Mattapoisett, on Buzzard's Bay (MA). When I tried to sail the Capri solo on Buzzard's Bay, I found I could not sail comfortably because winds are often 10-15 knots or higher. I am a small guy, only weigh about 130 pounds. I don't think I have enough weight to keep the boat stable. I have no reefing points on my standard mainsail. Do others as small as me find that they can sail without capsizing or feeling overpowered in winds more than 10 knots?
My level of discomfort was enough that after about a year, I bought a smaller boat (Escape Captiva) that I sail all the time, regardless of wind conditions (unless perhaps 20 knots or so.)
Even though the Escape is fun, I would like to go back to sailing something closer to the 14.2, so that I could gain more experience adjusting the rig (sail trim, balance). I have considered buying a small keel boat, perhaps a Cape Cod Bullseye, to deal with the winds and chop on Buzzard/s Bay. Any thoughts or suggestions? thanks
My level of discomfort was enough that after about a year, I bought a smaller boat (Escape Captiva) that I sail all the time, regardless of wind conditions (unless perhaps 20 knots or so.)
Even though the Escape is fun, I would like to go back to sailing something closer to the 14.2, so that I could gain more experience adjusting the rig (sail trim, balance). I have considered buying a small keel boat, perhaps a Cape Cod Bullseye, to deal with the winds and chop on Buzzard/s Bay. Any thoughts or suggestions? thanks