SAILING A LARGER SAILBOAT

[gcerrito]

I always find awesome advice here, so I will ask my Compac Brethren....

Background:  I have been sailing my COMPAC 19 for just over a year.  Sail a couple of times a month, all year.   Before that, I sailed both a CATALINA 22 and 27 for about a year each.  I have been sailing a total of 4 years, usually single handed.

Conditions:  My wife and I have always wanted to sail in the BVI;   we chartered a bareboat with SUNSAIL under the added security of sailing with a flotilla  ( several boats with a lead boat).  I secured their smallest boat, a Jenneau 32.  I just received a call that due to availability, we are being upgraded (at no additional fee) to a Jenneau 36.  Most people would be thrilled... I feel and small knot starting for form in my stomach. 

QUESTION:    I was comfortable sailing the CATALINA 27.  I have never sailed anything larger.  The 32' didn't sound too intimidating, but the 36' is making my wife uneasy ( maybe me a little at the risk of sounds less than manly.... but hey.... you can't see me anyway).   I know the fundamentals are of course all the same, and the ocean has plenty of room vs. the lakes I've sailed on for the last 4 years.   

I would appreciate any feedback you have what I can expect or if anyone has similar experience.   Am I asking for trouble?   

[NateD]

My experience had been limited to 22 foot or smaller boats when a friend and I chartered a 36 footer for a weekend. He was certified with the chartering company up to 38 or 40 I think, but the boat was still on the large side for our experience level. The biggest issue was docking. Once we made it out of the marina we practiced slow speed maneuvering out in the open water to see how far she would glide and how bad the prop walk was. We stayed at anchor for the weekend, so we only had to dock when we came back to the marina and it went smoother than expected.

Under sail/anchoring we really tried to think ahead about all of the steps ahead of time. Reefing a mainsail on a 36' is a whole different game from a Com-Pac 16. It helped that we had a total of 6 adults on board (though only 2 of us had significant sailing experience).

If you don't feel totally comfortable with the 36' boat, tell them to give the free upgrade to someone else and that you would really prefer the 32. If that is not possible, see if someone from the charter company can come on board for the first couple hours and give you some pointers on maneuvering and handling the boat.

[Harrier]

Before last year I had never even been on a sailboat.  Ignoring all common advice I jumped in with both feet and Purchased my 27.  While I shared the knot in your stomach, I have no regrets.  You sound like a fairly experienced sailor, so I say go for it.  However, that being said, you are going on vacation and want this to be an enjoyable experience, and I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself just a fine in a 32.  Just ask yourself "Which will I regret more? Getting the 37 and spending the trip wishing I got the 32, or getting the 32 and spending the trip wishing I got the 37?"

[brackish]

When I chartered in the BVI the largest boat I had owned and captained was a 29'.  I chartered a Endeavour 38CC.  No problems.  Particularly since you are with a flotilla with radio contact if you need help, you should be fine.  Very little difference between 32 and 36 other than a little more luxury below.  The issue is docking and anchoring.  So the question is can your wife handle one of the functions, either the wheel or the anchor/docklines when you are doing that?  If so, you are good to go.  Have a great charter, you will really like the BVI.

[moonlight]

This is one of those reverse-engineering or against-common-knowledge predicaments.  In my experience, which includes almost 35 years of casual sailing and starting and operating my own sailing school ...
Bigger is EASIER.  There is ALOT more machinery and mechanical systems and infinitely more complex electrical systems; but you're in a flotilla so they handle that.  If it doesn't work, it's not on you to fix it; just make the call. 
But so far as sailing goes, Bigger is EASIER.  The vessel is heavier, and thereby much more forgiving.  You have the basics; if in doubt point up (dump wind) or unsheet (dump wind) and what have you ... but the boat will be much more seakindly and stable.  you'll have infinitely more fun and space, once you get past the three page manual on how to use the toilet.  But mother nature taught you your part, the charter company will teach you theirs.
Sure, the greater mass makes for more inertia and a bit more time knowing to turn, slow, et cetera but you're already considering all that so you'll be over-prepared.  And unlike a 16, 19, 23, 25, or 27 she'll generally turn a bit slower and more methodically; with less upset.

Back to the sailing school stuff; I remember once I was doing charters off a dock party, and even though regs are pretty specific that you can only take six passengers for hire on an uninspected passenger vessel, I had a group of like 10 or 12 that just insisted on going together.  On a ComPac 25.  And we were sailing on and off the dock, not using the diesel.  And you know what?  It went just fine.  Leaving the dock was easy; she sailed like a pig 4~6" too low, and returning to the dock I made one simple request: NO BODY MOVE.  I now know how she's handling, just so and just like this, so NO BODY MOVE.  I didn't want any upset to the trim or heel, and sailed right up to the dock just like Cap'n Ron.  All ashore that's goin ashore!

[capt_nemo]

Having singlehanded six (6) sailboats from 12' up to 35' I don't think you'll have a problem with the basics of sailing, just relax and think about what you are doing with each task. Hardware and control lines are similar to what you are used to, just a bit larger (stronger).

With regard to maneuvering under power, again don't be afraid, BUT DO BE CAUTIOUS! In approaching the dock, GO VERY SLOW, just fast enough to maintain steerage. AND, don't hesitate to shift into NEUTRAL to gauge how the hull reacts (carries momentum) 'cause you can always go back into FORWARD if necessary. If backing might be required, try it out in open water to see how the stern reacts in REVERSE.

In anchoring, instruct your First Mate on the basics of engine handling, gear shift & throttle, and the hand signals you will use to communicate your instructions while YOU set the HEAVY anchor. My wife became quite adept at controlling sailboats and a 36' Trawler while I set the anchors. I sometimes had to enter the water (leave the boat) with mask and fins while setting anchors in the Bahamas by diving down and manually assisting the anchor flukes to dig into a stubborn bottom. Here too hand signals were essential for success.

[gcerrito]

As always, you guys are great.  I really appreciate the comments and advice, as some of it confirmed what i hoped was true.  I definitely feel much more at ease as i tend to be overly cautious, or better said, overly anxious.

I will report back on my experience, and hope i can be a resource the next time someone else has a question or concern.

[dbinvermont]

If I may chime in
I just came back from vacation in Florida (Siesta Key). Until then, the biggest boat I had ever sailed was a Hunter 23 that I had a few years back (now I have a CP19).  While in Florida, I sailed a 42ft Morgan.  It took an hour or two to "adapt" to the big boat, but overall it was the same, just bigger.
Mostly the feeling was that we weren't going very fast, but the knot meter was showing 5 - 6 knots. What really amazed me was the bigger boat's ability to point.
Have no fear, you will be fine and will love it. Watch your depth, give yourself room, and you will have a great time.
Sounds like a great trip!

-Dave