14 or 16 for a newbie

Hi,

I have the rather fortunate position of living next to a beach in Fiji and am therefore currently thinking of buying either a 14 or a 16.

The only issue is that (aside from at a resort once) I have never sailed.

There are two boats I am currently looking at- one is a 14 (non-turbo) one is a 16. In terms of condition, the 16 seems much much better.

There will be two adults on the boat most of the time though it is a learning experience for us both.

I would like to go for the 16, but i definately dont want the extra workload of the jib until i get to learn things more.

So... 14 or 16 and what about the jib?

Thanks

James,

I am sure you would regret it if you didn't get the 16. I bought my H-16 new in '85 and have been sailing it since. A friend of mine told me you can learn all you need to know about sailing in 20 minutes, the rest of your life you spend trying to go faster. The jib is not a problem. In fact it is a big help in getting the boat to come about. I also think the 14 is a little small for 2 people.

There certainly must be a lot of people sailing there who would be glad to help you get started. Get the 16 and enjoy it.

Howard

H16, no question. The H14 will not carry two adults well. Also, the jib makes it easier to learn and gives the crew something to do. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

You've got the H16 World's coming your way soon. Buy the 16 and go hang out at the regatta site. You'll learn a lot.

http://www.hobieworlds.com/h16-2007/index.html

Thanks- to be honest, that is one of the reasons I am considering it right now! There's a lot of hype at the moment and i sit at work about 10 yards from the regatta site!

I guess i am a little nervous having never done it (properly) before- though it seems from various posts that it is possible to go from zero to sailing with care fairly quickly. That said, today is not the day; blowing about 20-25 knots- good for the World Champs, not good for a beginner.

Thanks

How lucky is that?!?! Take the week off, hang out, ask questions, volunteer to help out. If you can, take the 16 to the race site. If there's some down time you may get attacked and have your boat completly rebuilt. Most cat sailors are pretty good about helping newbies out.

Take some pictures and post them here.