To Sail or Not to Sail, but that is the question

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Bad Obsession

Bad Obsession

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May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
This Saturday's Forecast seems like a mess in my area. In the Potomac where I sail a strong North West wind means big waves. The forecast is 10-15 gusting up to 30.

On Sunday it will be nicer with winds out of the South West at 7. Still, both days are a little cool and the evenings are in the 40s.

Normally, I would watch the way Saturday pans out and if it ends up being favorable I would go for it. This time it is supposed to be my new Fiancee's first over-night sail and I don't want her to get scared and I want it to be really fun.

I have a bad feeling that I may be staying in port on Saturday and day-sailing on Sunday. It just seems like a good idea unless the forecast changes before Saturday and the winds abate.

How much heat would I get in the morning if I ran the oven for a while in the cabin?

Anyone else have any suggestions or pearls of wisdom?

FYI....If I did head out I would be heading towards Cobb Island or Bretton Bay which would mean it is a downwind sail on Saturday.
 
Bob S

Bob S

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Sep 27, 2007
1,805
Beneteau 393 New Bedford, MA
This time it is supposed to be my new Fiancee's first over-night sail and I don't want her to get scared and I want it to be really fun.
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I'd do the Sunday sail. I took my wife out when we first bought our boat. It was blowing and as it turned out the furler wasn't set up properly. The drum wasn't secured to the deck. As soon as I pulled the head sail out she paniced the minute the boat healed. When i tried to furl it back in it wouldn't work. I headed into the wind and the jib started luffing. The sheet put a hole in my dodger window.....:eek: It was an experience. Ruined her day and mine. It was tough getting her back into the boat the next season. Now she love it...thank God!
 
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Johnb

Johnb

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Jan 22, 2008
1,464
Hunter 37-cutter Richmond CA
Before you use an oven for heating find out all about carbon monoxide, there have been innumerable posts on this forum. Else you could wake up dead - harsh but true
 
Bad Obsession

Bad Obsession

.
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
I have a CO2 detector. I also have vents in my cabin. It will be fine.
 
Bob S

Bob S

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Sep 27, 2007
1,805
Beneteau 393 New Bedford, MA
I usually cook something in the evening to warm up the cabin before bed. Nice apple pie with tea. Waking up and getting up is another story. Try to convince her to start coffee. :doh:
 
Sailm8

Sailm8

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Feb 21, 2008
1,750
Hunter 29.5 Punta Gorda
I would opt for a quiet romantic dinner at the dock on Saturday with a fine meal and good wine followed by soft music and talking by candle light. A good hearty breakfast cooked on the stove (by you) will warm up the boat in the morning. Then if weather is good a day sail.

I have too many couples where the wife will not go out after being scared one time. Take it easy the first time.
 
zeehag

zeehag

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Mar 26, 2009
3,198
1976 formosa 41 yankee clipper santa barbara. ca.(not there)
badobsession---- as she is a new fiancee, i would wait until more favorable weather--then do the overnite thing...donot even allow her to see the bumpy waterZ and the winds from hell until she is at least hooked on sailing....ladies do not get hooked in adrenaline rush situations, as do males--lol----be nice to the lady and intro her softly and gently--after there is more time under your belts then sock it to her lol.....she needs her first overniter to be gentle and smooth....if is cold--wait for warmer weather--i know you are chomping at the bit to share your love of sailing with her---BUT..........(just be patient!!!!!)


now for my REAL answer----if ye gotta ask.........lol.....:eek:
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,086
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Just for grins & giggles, I have to disagree with zeehag!!! Oh, No!!! :doh::doh::doh:

Take her out in the WORST of it. Heck, doesn't she deserve to know what she's getting into? :):):):eek:
 
Chris Burti

Chris Burti

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Dec 2, 2003
480
Catalina C-320 Washington, NC
Forget heating with an oven unless you are cooking her breakfast...(a sure winner by the way)...bring a down comforter...best sleeping there is in this kind of weather.

Avoid rough weather untill she has learned to trust your skills from experinece.
 
Bad Obsession

Bad Obsession

.
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
I am leaning towards staying in the harbor on Saturday and spending the night aboard. I will use the stove in the morning to cook her a pancake breakfast. That should heat things up well aboard.

The forecast, as always, is changing and the winds are not going to be as bad as they originally said. That being said, there is nothing wrong with hanging around and if the weather window opens up go through it, if not sit around and take it easy. Marina life can be just as fun and relaxing :)

I agree.....I won't show her heavy weather until she has her sea legs under her. This is a whole new world to her and I don't think that it is wise to baptize her by fire!
 
Bad Obsession

Bad Obsession

.
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
Another thought is provide her with all the information that I have and let her make the decision!
 
Ross

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
During the storms last winter did she want to go walking in the snow? or snuggle in front of the fireplace?
 
Paul Mermelstein

Paul Mermelstein

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Oct 3, 2008
325
Beneteau 393 Chesapeake Bay
Bad Obsession said:
Another thought is provide her with all the information that I have and let her make the decision!
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The information will not be understood because of her lack of experience. If she says "How bad is it?" then how do you answer? "Oh, not too bad". That means nothing to her. I have been married 35 years and introduced my wife to sailing over the last decade. I still need to be careful not to scare her. Take it slow, careful, and easy. Be patient and do it another time when the weather is near perfect. My opinion only, but I might just be right.
 
MrBee

MrBee

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Dec 30, 2008
425
Irwin 34 Citation Middle River, Md.
Treat it like you were thinking of reefing.... If you think it might be a little to rough for an introduction then wait. If she happens top be an adrenalin junky then all bets are off... go for it. Last season was my wifes first. She does NOT like living on the edge but is slowly getting more comfortable with heeling. This year i will be doing what another on this forum suggested a few weeks ago. Teach her to be in charge of the Main Sheet. Then she has complete control and can dump the wind if she wants to. The hope being that she learns how easy it is to stay i control so as not to freak out if the rail hits the water.

Brian
 
Bob S

Bob S

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Sep 27, 2007
1,805
Beneteau 393 New Bedford, MA
I'd be careful because you know you want her to be more than your wife at home. If you scare her too much starting out she just may turn out to be that.

As for heat......we usually share a bottle of wine or maybe a beer. It is awful lying under a down comforter with a full bladder and not wanting to get up!

Good luck!

BTW I wish I had this dilemma. My boat is still on the hard.
 
B

Benny

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Sep 27, 2008
1,149
Hunter 320 Tampa, FL
Hey remember the ultimate sailing destionation, once you are aboard you are there. Just go about your planning for a perfect evening at the dock and a good sail the day after.
 
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