Ocean Sailing and the H-170
What a great thread.Hi guys. As some of you may know, I have had my h-170 for about four years now, however, it has yet to see fresh water. I have considered taking it to some of the lakes in California, such as Lake Tahoe, but have yet to go. All of my sailing is in bays, harbors, and open seas. The most important things to know are your local weather, your boats capability, and your capability.I have been in the sea when it is almost dead calm, and when it was 25+kt breeze. I find that <20kts is fine, under most conditions, for the experienced sailor whom also knows the h-170.Some harbors, such as Ventura Harbor that Glenn mentioned, requires no consideration for tides while sailing in or out of the harbor, or launching and retrieving. However, some bays and harbors require a great deal of consideration. Sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge, during an ebb tide, at full hull speed, in a fast Melges 24, may still find you sailing backwards.It does not matter wether you are sailing in fresh or salt water. But, what does matter, is that you know your weather, water, boat, and capabilities. Sail safe. Danny