Hobie Cat Sailing Lessons at Podickory Point (Annapolis MD)

I received a 16' Hobie Cat as a gift and I have no idea how to sail it. In fact, I've never sailed anything, but I seem to love this Hobie Cat already. Any chance you know of someone who could give lessons at Podickory Point (Annapolis MD) to a total beginner? Thanks!

I am in the same "boat" as you. I have sailed twice though and I bought my Hobie.
My first 10 mins of sailing a laser I flipped the boat but I learned how to right it quickly. I can't wait to do the same thing with the Hobie!
I have not taken my Hobie out because I need to rig the whole thing up and have no clue what I am doing. I am working on the tramp right now and just read about using the main sheet block or ratchet strap to flex the frame to get it tight today. (can't wait to do it)
So if anyone in the HR area wants to help me rig let me know.

I have read books and searched this site for a while now. It helps but I still think you just need to get out and do it.

A big learning curve for me has been the names of the parts and pieces and understanding what people are talking about. I would read up here and elsewhere and there are a few videos out there that may help.

Google sailing lessons in your area or I have seen on Craigslist lessons available. Try to find a local shop and ask around. I know Annapolis is a big sailing area so it should not be too hard.
Good luck!

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H16-Destroyed
Nacra 5.0
Pro-Angler 14

I've had my boat for ~4 years. I am still definitely a beginner, but I'd be willing to at least look her over and give you some advise and maybe even a quick spin around the block.

I have nearly completely rebuilt mine (incl. trailer) less any fiberglass work and have newbie knowledge that another newbie would likely value.

I've found that this is often even more helpful because old salts sometimes don't remember the really easy stuff that confounds us beginners.

I live in Fairfax and sail near Solomons, MD. If you can trailer her down or meet me halfway I can probably take a look at her.

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'81 H16

If it ain't a blowin', I ain't a goin'

I too bought a Hobie 16 and I had never sailed before which I quickly assembled and had ready, but the trailer needs some extensive work so I wasn't going anywhere. It killed me inside that I couldn't go out. So a few weeks ago on a trip to Key West I found a place that rented Hobie cats. When the attendant asked me if I had sailed before, I, fearing he wouldn't rent me one, lied. Yes, it was a dumb thing to do, but I really wanted to sail. Although I had never sailed before I had done extremely extensive research on sailing catamarans. I believe the craft I rented was a Hobie 14. I told the guy not to put on the jib sail since I was alone and the winds were blowing pretty good. At first I felt a bit uneasy but I quickly figured it out, the only trouble I had was tacking, it seemed that as soon as the boat pointed into the wind it would instantly stop moving and I had to work the rudders like paddles to bring the nose over. But I felt like I was getting better at it each time I tacked. Although I wasn't very good, I really had no real problems getting the boat where I wanted it to go.

My suggestion to you is to just go for it! stay close to shore and bring a friend to help and a paddle in case you feel uncomfortable sailing and need to get back to shore. I think lessons can only teach you the basic fundamentals(which can be learned on the internet), experience is the only thing that will make you good is real world experience. Some stuff may seem confusing when you read it on the internet, but it instantly makes sense the second you hit the water.

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'73 Hobie 16
1970's styrofoam snark

I just bought a 16 which included two sailing lessons from the former owner, which was a god send. Never sailed before. I think I could have figured it out on my own, but the lessons saved a lot of time and anguish. I have four more days of sailing under my belt and feel like I can handle it up to 15 to 20 knots, though I still have some learning, I can get from point A to B and back.

Read extensively on the subject and it will be of great help. Lot's of sailing, rigging, repair advice on line which is a big help. See Youtube.

Step 1. Buy this book http://www.amazon.com/Catamaran-Sailing ... 622&sr=8-1

Read it.

That was where I started after spending a week on a monohaul and getting "the bug". I found an 82 h16 that needed some TLC, picked it up for a good price, then I bought new lines, new tramp, new rudder cams and off I went!

I had an experienced cat sailor take me out one time on the boat, and I felt competent enough after that to sail it solo. I'm on season 5, I think with my h16 and I love it! Just secured a new spot to keep it masted, for free on the lake, better than what I was paying!

As for training, I've sailed out of Annapolis and I know there are a bunch of cats that sit on a beach there.. on the right hand side when leaving port. I don't think they are Hobies, but that doesn't matter much, you should get in touch with them, most sailors are pretty open about showing you how to do it!

I haven't planned any monohaul trips for this year, so I don't think I can help you... thats the only time I'm in Annapolis... but if you haven't had any training by next year, perhaps I can schedule an extra day in my trip to do a little cat sailing.

Here is a picture of the cats I'm talking about:

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1982 H16 (C:\Worthy)
Yellow/White Prism type sails