Does anyone actually know the exact distance for one lap around Central Park? I’m talking about the loop where those skaters head out through the main gate.
Thanks, k.
Which gate are you talking about???
If you take the inner loop—following the path along the south side, then heading east and hitting the northern path alongside the road—it's roughly 3.7 miles. The outer loop, if you head south via the roadway, is a bit longer, maybe around 4.0 miles. That's my best guess... does anyone have the precise measurement?
Brandon Mitchell6 said:I wouldn't say I'm crazy just yet, though I'm getting pretty close. We're rushing to get everything finished before the big race in Florida. Right now, I'm sourcing some tubing for the wing frame. Maybe I'll catch you at the shop; I've got a few things to wrap up today, but after that, I'm wide open for the rest of the week.
I checked with a buddy about those tubes, but unfortunately, he doesn't handle carbon fiber fabrication 😢 so I can hardly believe it. At this rate, I might just have to start my own manufacturing firm for specialized tubing 🙂
Brandon Mitchell6 said:I haven't quite lost my mind yet, though I’m getting close. We’re rushing everything to make sure it's ready before the trip to Italy. Right now, I'm busy sourcing some replacement parts for the wing frame. Maybe I'll run into you in Palm Beach; I've still got a few things to wrap up today, but after that, I'm wide open until the end of the week.
How about grabbing a beer tomorrow afternoon, Thursday?
Brandon Mitchell6 said:I've sailed through just about every conceivable condition and season imaginable; I've even dealt with snow falling mid-voyage. One time, I actually stepped out into a blizzard just for the hell of it! :-)))
Anyway, why did the Boeing take off? 🙂 Down in Palm Beach, I 🙂
Thomas Wilson85 said:Thanks, Martine, but you know as well as I do that it’s just not realistic when you have to work to make a living. Besides, sailing is a huge passion of mine, and I’ve put quite a bit of sweat equity into it over the last ten years, so there's definitely some truth to that old saying about "earning your crust." I never did the whole rental charter thing; we always sailed strictly for the sport.😎
Why on earth were you acting so defensive? 🙂 What on earth were you all doing out sailing in the middle of winter? 🙂
Thomas Wilson85 said:But unfortunately, it seems they rarely drop by this forum... what a shame. It's always the same story—the second someone brings up politics or some trashy gossip about sex, everyone suddenly floods online! There was a time when I spent my days intensely sailing; in fact, I practically lived on sailboats out on the islands... but sadly, one has to make a living, and sailing just isn't a career path for most people. So, as the years have passed, I've found myself getting less and less time out on the water. I truly miss that raw energy of the ocean, that endless view of the horizon, and the feeling of the wind...😛
It's a real shame; you really need to spend as much time as possible out on the water 🙂 damn... work 🙂
Amanda Ramos48 said:Martine wants to do some kind of course in July—I'll actually be back home in Miami on vacation then. To be honest, I don't know the first thing about sailing. None of my friends own boats, but lately, I've been absolutely obsessed with the idea. Since I haven't been able to coordinate with anyone to just rent a boat and head out for a few days, I've been feeling a little frantic about it.
I have the drive, I have the passion, and I can even borrow the funds—is there any hope for me? 🙂
I'm not sure about July, maybe 🙂 Right now, I'm organizing this for two friends, so we decided that instead of just a casual trip, we'd turn it into a serious sailing and cruising course and take four more people along on the boat. If I end up switching jobs, I'll start running a regular school. 🙂
Brandon Mitchell6 said:I'll answer based on what I know. It doesn't matter if it's a small motorboat or a sailboat. For a vessel of that size, you have to pass the exam for a recreational boat operator license; otherwise, you're looking at Category C requirements.
A holder of that Category C license is authorized to:
-- operate all types of recreational boats - yachts up to 20 tons (which basically means boats up to about 20 meters, assuming an average of one ton per meter), regardless of their purpose or where you're sailing them.
As far as I know, the radio certification is being phased out starting this year, though it wasn't much used in practice even before then. The course cost is roughly $3,000$1667. It lasts about seven days. After that, you head to one of the local Coast Guard stations to take the exam. What the school teaches you is decent and useful, but the real goal is to soak up as much information as possible. In my opinion, the most critical things are mastering onboard safety, reading nautical charts (plotting courses, etc.), and knowing the rules of the road to avoid collisions. The school covers all of that. The trickier part is the hands-on experience—actually handling the boat on the water, especially docking and undocking in marinas. Our US marinas can be pretty cramped and absolutely packed during the summer; if you don't know how to handle a boat properly, you can cause total chaos. It would be best if you could get on a boat once it's ready and go out with an experienced skipper who can show you all those little tricks regarding docking and maneuvering.
I'm not sure if there are schools in Washington, D.C., but I'm from Cleveland and there's one here.
I agree with everything mentioned; the only thing you can learn beyond the theoretical level is a Rolex course, which is the category above the C license. From what I understand, in Washington, D.C., they even use large ship simulators alongside the theory.
Regarding practical experience, you really need to spend at least two or three weeks at the helm under various weather conditions to feel confident enough to dock and depart without issues (assuming you don't already have prior experience with any kind of watercraft). You can get those two or three weeks in through specialized training courses or by helping out an experienced skipper.
The emphasis has to be on different weather conditions, because practicing docking in calm waters is nothing like doing it when a Nor'easter is blowing 20 knots or more. A lot of people who learned to steer with a tiller struggle immensely when they finally find themselves behind a real wheel.
Another vital skill every skipper needs to master is crew management—basically, knowing how to clearly explain everyone's roles during maneuvers. For example, you don't want to deal with someone grabbing a mooring line from the water and pulling it toward the shore, fighting against both you and the engine.
Anonymous said:I've been scouring the classified ads myself, but finding a modern, narrow Moth that doesn't break the bank is nearly impossible. That's exactly why I decided to just build one from scratch.
Best,
Ivan
Occasionally, an older, lighter design gets converted for foiling and pops up on the market. I actually missed out on two of them recently—they sold incredibly fast. 😢
Where are you planning to have the boat built?
I’m actually considering that exact same route; I'm just waiting for the guys over in Seattle to wrap up their current build. 🙂
Just a quick update: we have 4 spots available for a sailing program that’s a bit different from the standard curriculum you'll find at most training schools. We're looking at the week of June 16th this year:
"Sailing and Cruising Course"
What the week covers:
- Pre-sailing prep (gear, meal planning, route planning, etc.) – includes a lecture in Chicago one week prior to departure - Crew organization - Basic onboard safety protocols - Vessel preparation for sea - Understanding boat components, rope work, sails, and winches - Knot tying - Anchoring techniques - Docking in marinas or harbors - Steering basics, docking, and maneuvering lines - Rigging the boat, hoisting, and dropping sails - Fundamentals of sailing and wind dynamics - Maneuvers - Sail trimming - Reefing sails - Navigation - Introduction to racing and regatta rules - Cooking onboard - Extras: tailored to what the group wants—think visiting local coastal eateries, cycling through islands, and so on.
The core focus here is pure sailing—specifically, how to navigate safely and efficiently using the wind.
Theory sessions: 2 hours per day Hands-on training (onboard): 6 hours per day Remaining time: leisure activities (free sailing, sunbathing, swimming, fishing, biking, etc.)
We have two potential routes planned: the southern or central Atlantic Ocean coast, depending on the weather and what the participants feel like doing. The vessel we'll be using is a First 40.7.
Price per person: $1333
Additional costs: food, marina/harbor mooring fees, and national park entrance fees.
Requirements for participants: - Non-smokers - Must be 18+
Brandon Mitchell6 said:To get a Moth up and running, you really need at least 7 knots of wind—unless, of course, you’re weighing in at 220 pounds. Out on the Atlantic, you rarely deal with anything more than a half-meter swell, so even then, it isn't much of an issue. Especially during the summer months when you mostly get those steady onshore breezes like a tramontana followed by a maestral, or occasionally a gusty north wind; they tend to be land-based winds that don't kick up massive waves. As for the hydrofoils... well, they aren't exactly easy to snap. If they're made of carbon, you really have to go out of your way to break them. It’s true, though, if you actually manage to crack one and you don't happen to have a buddy nearby who specializes in carbon fiber repair, you are absolutely screwed. I mean, the sensation of sailing these boats is just unparalleled. When you look at their cruising speed, hitting 15 knots is perfectly normal, and when you manage that in a dinghy or something else, the crew just loses it. And let's not forget, the record on a Moth is 28 knots!
Rohan says he can take off at just 5 knots🙂 but he's light; I doubt he weighs more than 135-140 lbs.
Brian Moore67 said:By the way, let’s talk about "sailing democracy": I’ve been looking over this footage, and honestly, it really hits home how much the technical side of the sport evolves. You watch these sailors battle through the elements, and you realize that even the most seasoned pros are constantly being pushed by new gear and shifting conditions. It’s one thing to talk about the theory behind a racing line or how to handle a swell, but seeing it play out on the water—especially when things get heavy—is a whole different beast. It makes you think about the sheer grit required to stay focused when everything around you is in motion. Take a look at this footage. You’ve got windsurfers, kitesurfers, Open 60 trimarans, Open 60 monohulls, maxi catamarans, small racing catamarans, beach cats, and even a Trifolier—all out there together. It's a total democracy on the water, truly demonstrating the pure beauty of the sport. 👍
Let’s take a quick look at the various classes available, specifically regarding how well they align with your personal goals, skill level, sailing style, practicality, and overall availability on the market.
First off, let me just say:
The Laser is arguably the perfect starter boat. You can find them at basically every yacht club in the country, they’re incredibly easy to rent, and there is a massive circuit of regattas to jump into. Plus, if you want to learn, you're spoiled for choice with endless books, instructional videos, and coaches available to help you out. My only real gripe is that it feels more like a blunt instrument than a finely tuned racing machine. That said, there's nothing quite like the rush of handling a Laser when the wind picks up and the waves start rolling in. Over in England, there’s a whole bunch of similar classes that honestly make sailing a lot more exciting than what you get in a Laser—take the Streaker, for example.
If you're looking for something more refined than a Laser and you happen to be carrying a few extra pounds, the Europe is definitely the way to go. 🙂 Most of this applies to the Laser as well.
If you find yourself a bit too heavy for the Laser, the Fin is a solid alternative—though keep in mind there's a new sail option and lower mast section coming out for the Laser soon. Otherwise, if you're part of that crew weighing in over 200 pounds, you might want to look at the Rooster 8.1.
The International Moth is easily the most exhilarating single-hander out there. It’s incredibly lightweight—we're talking just about 66 pounds—which makes it ridiculously practical; you can literally tuck it under your arm and carry it straight into the surf. When the wind hits 15 knots, nothing moves quite like this thing, save for perhaps an A-class catamaran. If you're looking for a boat that actually delivers on pure adrenaline, this is the one. I’m definitely eyeing this for my next season of racing along the coast. 🙂 The only real downside? It’s a total seesaw until you actually learn how to fly. 🙂 It might not be the smartest move for a beginner who hasn't quite mastered the art of reading apparent wind yet. 🙂 When it comes to racing, you have to prioritize raw speed over tactical maneuvering—it’s a completely different game than sailing a Laser. Plus, forget about waves; they just aren't a factor here.
If you're looking for something to toss in the car for a beach day—something scratch-resistant and easy to handle when you just want to mess around during summer vacation—the Laser Pico (and its similar cousins) are the way to go. They’re just simple, straightforward boats.
If you find sitting down boring and have a burning desire to go solo on a trapeze, you should look seriously at the Musto Skiff, the RS700, or the Contender. Of that group, the Musto Skiff is easily the most extreme option.
Two-seaters:
The Tasar is hands down the most straightforward two-person boat you can find, and it’s guaranteed to deliver a massive amount of fun if you aren't looking for an intense, high-performance racing grind. Since there are no trapezes or spinnakers to worry about, you just focus on slicing through the chop and running downwind. It features a rotating mast and is incredibly lightweight at only about 130 pounds, which makes it the perfect setup for a husband-and-wife duo. It's a deeply tactical boat, too. Unfortunately, you won't find many competitive regattas for it here in the States—there just aren't enough boats around to make it happen. 😢 But honestly, once you finally get a chance to wash down a 470, the sense of satisfaction is just massive. 🙂 If you ask me, the Tasar is a far superior choice compared to those various RS double-handers that lack trapezes—the kind you see becoming so popular over in England, like the RS 200 or the 400.
If you’re looking for a serious rush and actually have the athletic chops to back it up, look no further than the 420 or the 470. We’re talking trapezes, spinnakers, and pure adrenaline. If you want to truly master high-performance hiking and tactical sailing, these are easily the best choices for getting started.
If you find yourself a bit too light for the 470, then the 505 is likely your best bet for a two-person boat featuring a single trapeze and a spinnaker. It stays incredibly stable even when the wind picks up, and the speed is just legendary—it’s pure adrenaline. Plus, weighing in at around 220 pounds isn't too much of a struggle on the wire. This class is really starting to take off here in the States. 🙂
If you’re looking to get a lighter crew involved, the 29er and 29xx are absolutely top-tier choices. They offer a level of excitement you just don't find when you're out on a 420 or a 470. That said, be prepared—they are significantly more demanding to sail, especially the 29xx once you start dealing with those two trapezes.
If you consider yourself a gymnast, there’s probably no better two-person boat out there than the 49er—it’s basically like sailing with two parallel high bars. 🙂 It’s an incredibly demanding boat to handle, but man, the sheer level of satisfaction you get from it is unmatched.
Other skiffs on the market include the Cherub, the I14, or even a 12ft skiff if you’re looking for something more extreme and high-adrenaline—though honestly, you'll find yourself pretty much on your own out here in the States.
The fundamental struggle for any skiff—whether you're piloting a 49er or a 12ft model—is managing those heavy swells and high-velocity gusts. It’s not just about technique; you need serious grit, endless hours of practice, and genuine physical stamina if you ever want to head out when the wind starts screaming past 15 or 20 knots. Honestly, I have nothing but massive respect for the crews who tackle skiffs in those conditions!
Catamarans:
The primary advantage of a catamaran is how incredibly easy it is to launch right from the beach. You just set it up on the sand, push off, and then haul it right back onto the shore when you're done. They are absolutely perfect for rental businesses at coastal resorts because they offer massive thrills and pure speed. However, be warned—they can be pretty dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, and getting them from point A to point B via trailer is a logistical headache.
Singlehanders: Stick with an A-class; anything else is just boring.
Doublehanders: There’s a huge variety out there, and your choice really boils down to weight, budget, and how much you care about racing. If you have the itch to compete, the F18 is the gold standard. A Tornado is way too expensive and honestly doesn't offer enough of an upgrade over the F18 to justify the price tag. But if you're just looking to hang out on the beach and catch some wind, any of them will do fine. 🙂
At the end of the day, sailing any of these boats is a blast; it really just comes down to what you want out of the experience and how much effort you're willing to put in. Do you need something you can rig in five minutes and hit the water immediately, or are you okay spending an hour on prep? Can you hoist it onto a roof rack or a trailer by yourself, or are you going to need a hand? And how easily can you right the boat after a capsize? These are the little practical details that actually dictate which boat you end up buying.
Here is what my current lineup looks like: - Messing around after work on the lake, especially when a thunderstorm rolls in over the city: Laser
- Doublehanded on the ocean: 505 (the rush in heavy wind is indescribable)
- When I'm solo on the coast: Moth (once it arrives), or a Laser for those heavy gusts
- For family outings: Tasar (I'm planning to pick one up used in a year or two)
- For the kids someday: As long as they stay interested, we'll be all set.
Don't get mad if I missed anything. 🙂
The one thing I truly cannot wrap my head around is why the older crowd here doesn't sail smaller boats. Is it just laziness? Is it easier to just sit in the shade with a beer? People still sail big keelboats, so what's the issue? Do they feel like they're losing status if they're out on something under 30 feet? The cost of small boats definitely isn't the hurdle; people in this country have plenty of money to blow on all sorts of nonsense (not that I want to list everything people waste cash on).
It probably boils down to laziness and the fear of being mocked by the local snobs sitting in air-conditioned bars in the shade. On top of that, you have to deal with the fact that most yacht clubs just don't understand recreational sailing—basically, if it isn't Olympic-level competition, they don't give it any respect.
Samuel Bennett2 said:So, what's the damage on a Moth? I've seen some photos and videos online, and it looks like an absolute beast of a class. I honestly think this is the future of modern sailing.
You’re looking at roughly $10,000 for a brand-new Bladerider here in the States or over in Australia. Unfortunately, the guy handling distribution for Europe in the Netherlands is asking closer to €10,000–€11,000.
A couple of weekends ago, I caught up with Rohan in London at the Dinghy Sailing show to get a close look at the Bladerider, and man, the boat is just incredible. 🙂 The whole setup weighs in at about 29.5 kg 🙂 including the mast, sails, foils, rigging, centerboard, and rudder... the design is just spot on.
Rohan is a great guy—really down-to-earth—though he did find it a bit awkward when we insisted on grabbing a photo with him. 🙂 uskoro mnogo detalj u morski prasac.
Brandon Mitchell6 said:Just wanted to breathe some life back into this thread. There's a new class starting to make waves over in Europe called the Moth. It's this tiny 3.3-meter dinghy with a sail that looks more like something off a surfboard. But here’s the kicker: the thing actually flies :-)). I mean it literally takes flight. Instead of your typical rudder and tiller setup, it has this hydrofoil underneath that acts like an airplane wing, and once you hit about 7 knots, the whole boat lifts out of the water. To give you an idea of how light we're talking, the entire rig, sail and all, weighs only about 30 kilos. Can you believe that? :-)). We'll be seeing the first Moths arriving here in America very soon, specifically down in Cleveland :-))
Central Park - yesterday was absolute madness!!! The wind was howling, and we were basically just sliding around in Las Vegas 🙂 today will probably be more of the same, unfortunately I won't be able to make it 😢
