[Rhodes22-list] New sailor

[Robert Skinner]

Kathy Wood wrote:
>         I guess my hesitation here is the fact that I have 3 days of
> sailing experience on a 14' Hunter and am afraid a boat that size may be
> too much for me.

1.  The control systems on an R22 are highly evolved - i.e. 
    reliable and effective.  The design is not static, but 
    improves each year.

2.  The R22 is big enough to take care of itself.  The boat, 
    as others have observed, can take more weather than the 
    crew.  The accommodations are apparently simple, but make 
    ingenious use of space, and are well designed for the 
    cruising couple or young family.

3.  The R22 is small enough to trailer and set up without 
    marina facilities.  There is no limit to your sailing 
    grounds.

4.  The comradeship of R22 sailors, as is apparent in this
    email group, constitute a tremendous resource, 
    instantly available to help with any issues relating
    to the R22 -- and some others as well...

5.  Finally, paraphrasing what another has said, watch the
    weather while you are learning your way around the boat.
    Take it slowly, and the boat will teach you how to sail 
    her.  Give yourself time to learn what feels right under
    normal conditions, and you will build the skills and 
    confidence to deal with more "interesting" situations.

Stan IS the R22.  He is honest, smart, a gentleman, and a 
damned fine boat builder.  Get an R22 while he is among us 
(may he enjoy life forever!).

/Bob