Computer Sail Simulators to be better sailor ?

[elvatoli]

I have been reading studying different books on sail trimming and rigging, and books about sailing performance and magazines, etc., to know how to be a good sailor and under a lot of different conditions, take the best speedand performance from my boat.
I'm revewing different computer sail simulators, like the Stentec Sail Simulator 5, wich is $30 euros. Do you know if a simulator can make you a better sailor on your next race ? or cruise ?
Or do you know wich is the best simulator around ?

Thank you
Hector
Port Isabel, TX

[bartmac]

small boat sailing THE best way to hone your skills

[tchariya]

I've found the best way is the real way. Its hard to simulate the constant change or loss of wind and your reactions to
the changes on a computer. Your reaction times and your reaction to these changes can only be tweaked on the water.

I agree with the previous poster...a smaller boat makes it easier to handle the rigging and tweak your skills.

[bartmac]

Sailing = feel ......no computer will give you the sensation of wind, tide,rudder angle, sail trim,boat speed.The thrill of small boat sailing is unreal....like snowskiing,surfing,landsailing.

[dennisneal]

Hector,

Its a good idea to read books about how to be a better sailor. But, I think the best way to learn is to get out on the water and have fun with your boat. If you stay fairly close to your local marina, you should'nt get into any trouble. If you have a good outboard motor, you can always use it to get back to port. Be aware of the weather forecasts. Don't go out if they declare small craft warnings.

Your Mac X is an easy boat to sail. But, don't expect to be a race winner for at least a few months.

Enjoy

[Catigale]

Small boat sailing indeed...for us, its

Optimists, Harpoon, Island, Turnabout, Lasers....

[jschrade]

See if you have a community sailing center or sailing club that has a stable of dinghy's and sailing classes. It's nice to join a sailing center or club as this can be inexpensive and offer a variety of dinghy's to sail. Clearwater had Prams, Sunfish, Big Fish, JY15', Hobies, Oday daysailor ...

When you realize there is no actual requirement for a motor and you can maneuver confidently on any point of sail you are a sailor! One of the greatest pleasures in sailing is feeling the boat respond to a good trim.

The ability to confidently dock under sail on a dinghy proved to be quite useful as I had to sail my Macgregor into the dock under sail. The connector on my gas line failed and I had no replacement (I knew that spring belonged to something!). I drew a small crowd that couldn't believe that you could put a boat, in a slip, under sail, that easily. Without my dinghy sailing experience, I would have never attempted it.


Jim

[Divecoz]

Games are fun.... Howver Practice makes perfect .. Hands on real sailing ( or whatever) Practice..

[Catigale]

MAcs are real tough to sail to dock...Ive pulled it off a few times, but the windage is brutal...

I took an Optimist to Cuttyhunk last summer and it was lots of fun...could sail it up to the dinghy dock, no prob....