Are you ready to go to sea?

[jssailem]

I find it amazing and hard to believe, 2 years ago I was planning for a 1500 nm sailing adventure with @dLj .

2020 Pandemic Panacea Passage - SUCKER-PUNCHED

This morning has me looking at still another examination of the 1979 Fastnet race and how conditions affect boats. The attached youtube video reviews the events aboard the Grimalkin. I enjoyed the description regarding the boat’s design and how it contributed to the failure in the Storm conditions that occurred.

This quote at the end summed up the challenge all sailors face. “If you set sail, it’s up to you to understand the limitations of your vessel and be prepared for whatever conditions come your way…”

 

[dLj]

I just watched that same video a couple days ago. This one focused only on that boat, for info on others-I'd recommend reading the book.

Definitely agree with that conclusion!

dj

 

[PaulK]

This book:https://www.amazon.com/Desirable-Undesirable-Characteristics-Offshore-quarterly/dp/0393033112
or this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Fastnet-Force-10-Deadliest-History/dp/0393308650

?
Both are worthwhile and informative.

 

[dLj]

Well, I have both - but I was referring tot he second one above for specifically the Fastnet '79 analysis. I agree with you @PaulK - both are worthwhile...

The Offshore Yachts is a bit dated now, but still a good read.

dj

 

[jssailem]

With limited knowledge or experience would be sailors jump on board a boat, untie the lines and head out to sea.

I guess it is not too much different than the adventurers who jumped into bi-planes, started the engine and prayed that the plane would be airborne before they reached the row of trees at the end of the field.

The phrase "a fool and his money are soon parted", could easily apply to the wannabe new boat owner dreaming of sailing the Caribbean waters never thinking about hurricanes or squalls.

What is that question we so often hear.... "What is the best blue water boat?"

 

[kappykaplan]

Tks for sharing, John.

 

[Crusty Ol Salt]

That is some scary stuff. I have been on a destroyer and a couple of aircraft carriers in some nasty weather. I cannot imagine doing it on a sailboat.

Many lessons in safety are learn at the cost of someones life.

 

[jon hansen]

never ever liked those IOR racers

his description of hull speed is flawed

ted turner on his sturgeon bay/PJ built boat won that race. i love strong, well built boats. built to go to sea. the VP in charge of sailboat construction at PJ's, (also Pat Haggerty's race captain) taught me a lot about sailboats. i used to call him my professor. he taught me how to and why to do things better.