Power Boaters learning to sail

[seaox33]

A Big Hello from Miami, Florida. Just picked up a 1975 Com-Pac 16. She's in pretty good shape, even came with a 3hp Nissan to leave Black Point Marina and sail Biscayne Bay.
When we're more comfortable we'll probably head down Hawks Channel to play in the Keys. For right now the Bay will be our play area.
Just wanted to say we're very impressed with this site. Friendly and informative, couldn't ask for more.
Thanks for being here
Later----Ralph and Julie
Yup--she already says it's hers
Oh forgot this Hull # ABV 000971075 in case we're setting up a registry

[Salty19]

Welcome, Ralph and Julie.  Wow a 1975..one of the earlier versions.  I hear these are built with a slightly larger fiberglass layup than older models.  It will probably outlast all of us.

Biscayne bay looks like a wonderful place to sail.  Hope you enjoy the boat...it's perfect for those waters.

[JTMeissner]

Welcome.  And particularly to the low number club (I have hull #16).  I'd be curious as to seeing what might have been changed during the initial runs by Hutchins. 

Been slowly making modifications and upgrades over the last few years; the boat is really easy to work on and fun to play with.  You'll want to quit before she will.  I'm jealous of the ease to big water, I have several miles of river running to get to open spaces.  That is until I get the trailer upgraded for more peace of mind towing.

-Justin

[HeaveToo]

Welcome aboard.

It is nice to hear that she is in good shape.  Are you going to do sailing lessons or anything like that? 

[relamb]

I had never sailed prior to buying my CP16, although I'd been a lifelong power boater.  My local library was a great resource, they had several old sailing videos from the 1980's. One was a beginning sailing course from the Colgate sailing school, and another was a video on heavy weather sailing.  Watching those, and reading a couple of other books, my son and I at least learned the basics for free.
 

[HeaveToo]

Quite frankly, I did most of my learning that way.

Be careful and don't bite off more than you are ready for.  Watch the weather reports and keep an eye on them.  You will get more comfortable this way and not get a big scare.  Small steps are the key.

Learn how to reef your sail sand reef early, when you feel the need to. 

[seaox33]

Thanks for the input and advice. We were starting to think the words Power Boaters were dirty words here. We've read and read and watched countless YouTube vids on the net. Have a pretty good idea on what to do. Still no substitute for getting out there and doing it. If there was a wish list, a "how to rig a Com-Pac 16" would certainly be helpful. Although the one on the Puffer was pretty good 
Knee surgery today and hopefully on the water in a few weeks. I guess we'll find out then if we did it right. LOL