Why a Sanibel 18?

     I love the way our Beneteau sails, lively and spirited, often demanding, and yet comfortable with a very nice cabin.   But for years, I had wished to go back to a more easily trailerable boat.  (In fact, that's what I was looking for after selling our Starwind 223, when the Beneteau 235 was spotted, instead.)   A short list of boats that qualified, including the Sanibel, produced few results nearby.   Then a 1988 Sanibel 18 came up for sale only 200 miles away.  It needed a little more work than I had planned on, but seemed worth it for me, so we brought it home.

     I read someplace that a sailboat is a floating compromise of desires, and this one is no exception.   Like others in this class of light, shallow draft sailboats, the Sanibel isn't going to suit everyone.   It isn't for crossing oceans and no one is likely to mistake it for a racer nor a live-aboard.   It's a little different type of sailing.   No walking around below deck, tweaking every line for another 1/4 knot of speed, nor (hopefully) much need for a storm anchor with chain, nor a drogue.   Instead, the Sanibel 18 gives me a boat that's easy to trailer to different areas, quick to set up, and easy to launch.    Maintenance and upgrades are easier and less costly.   With all that, it still gives good enjoyable sailing with decent performance, a comfortable cockpit, and a nice cabin to sleep in.

     So, like many others, I look forward to sailing more often now that I can go to different places with a short setup time and shallow draft.   Hmmm...   Maybe smaller is better?