170 windy day psychology

[gball]

I took my 170 out a couple weekends back (between Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne) and it was really blowing -- 20mph baseline winds with gusts over 25, easy. Since the wind was so consistent (unusual in September here), I opted to leave the auxilary outboard off the boat FOR ONCE since I bought the thing (a Yamaha four stroke 2.5). I felt more assured and safe than I normally do sailing in this much heavy wind, and wondered if the fact that there was no expensive motor dangling off the back made me less worried about capsizing/turtling, and therefore able to enjoy the day more. Has anyone else experienced 'sailing psychology' like this, and is it for real?

 

[Frank]

Yes it is real

Yes it is really more fun and worry free. It is even more fun when you add the Hobie float to the top of the mast,because it is then so easy to recovery that you'll find yourself trying to tip it for grins. Learning just where the edge is gives you more confidence when you are carrying a motor or children as well.