AboutKeith Graham Expertise I have been sailing for 40 years in boats ranging from the 8` El Toro, the singlehanded Olympic Class Finn, to Snipes, Thistles (which I currently own) Thunderbirds, Excaliburs, Mermaids, Cal-40s, 6- and 12-Meter yachts. I have skippered, crewed, designed and built sailboats. So, if it`s a question about sailing, I`m your expert!
Expert: Keith Graham Date: 1/5/2007 Subject: How many people does it take to sail a 34'-38ft sailboat?
Question How many people does it take to sail a sailboat ranging from 34-38ft? How much experience should one have before attempting a sail from San Diego, CA. down to Baja and back on a vessel of this size range?
Answer Brandon,
You can best get the answer to your question and the experience necessary at the same place, a business that rents sailboats and teaches you to sail them.
Thell the business owners and trainers what your goals are and they will match you up with the appropriate sailboat. The will teach you to sail that very same boat, building up your experience in various conditions you should find during your trip.
When you and your trainers feel your skills have progressed enough to solo, you need to sail as long as it takes to allow you to feel comfortable.
Most training centers take 4, 6, 8 people out on the same boat to start with, and you can share further rent with others to cut down on costs.
As for the number of people it takes to sail a boat that size, I have sailed a 40 footer singlehanded, and people today sail 75 footers singlehanded around the world.
But I doubt if the get much sleep or pleasure from the "cruise."
Different boats require different sizes of crew, but I'm throwing out 4 to 6 as an average number. If you are just going to day sail along the coast and anchor every night, the 2 really experienced people, in a non-demanding boat, could do that. A high performance boat sailed day and night at sea would take at least 6.
I hope this helps.
Keith Graham
