Engineless Sailing

robert dros · May 14, 2012

I guess better to have than not at all, our boat is berthed where the wind usually blows her against the berth, very handy when coming alongside, apart from the fact that in a crowded marina with expensive boats all around it is essential to use the engine to get our 'Current Affair' H 376 in and out, a part of good Seamanship I suppose.
We hoist the Main when clear off the Breakwater, in reverse when entering the Marina and motor her to her berth.

Scott · May 14, 2012

My wife and I love sailing, but we are not reluctant to invoke our 3 kt. rule to maintain a schedule. On a trip from Fairlee Creek to Annapolis one snotty, rough, July 4, morning the engine quit about a mile north of the Bay Bridge. Wind was abaft the beam but managed to get the main up and winch it in - too much wind for the genoa. We spent the next hour+ sailing to Annapolis and pondering how to get into the fuel dock without embarrasing us or damaging anything or person. The Admiral said we could call Towboat US; we looked at one another at the same time and "nahh." We REALLY didn't want to embarrass ourselves. Fortunately, the well protected harbor allowed us to tack through the mooring field and ease up to the fuel dock.

:dance: We occasionally sail into our slip just to know we can, and glad to have gained the experience. It instills some confidence for situations such as I have described.
Lesson learned: Never let the fuel tank get lower than 50%; rough seas sloshed the fuel enough to suck air.

njwtech · May 14, 2012

In much the same way as I resent when someone tries to force their particular brand of religion upon me, I resent the tone of certain books (I probably should not name any specific ones although one in particular comes to mind) that go on apparently unreasoned rants against anyone that has an engine on their boat and still dares to call themselves a sailor. But not everyone can leave the cares and responsibilities of life behind and go where the wind and tides take them - possibly living on the proceeds of their books - and on Mother Nature's timetable. Without writing skills or the ability to sell books denigrating other sailors that have auxiliary engines, I must work a regular job to feed my family. And if I could not go out to sail for fear I would not be able to show up for work on Monday because the wind died and I was sitting outside the harbor waiting for it to come back, then I simply could not sail at all. To suggest that somehow because I have family and responsibilities I can't say that I "sail" on the weekends is completely unfair. I love nothing better than the sound of silent propulsion on my boat, but this is 2012 and the realities of life for most of us have changed.

Indysailor · May 14, 2012

At our marina, if you have a motor in working order, you are required to use it. I like to practice out in the open area of the lake with starting, stopping, maneuvering, etc., just in case my engine conks out, but my slip is way back in a cove with a complete u-turn required to get into it, not exactly designed for coming in under sail.

Actually, if my engine does fail, I'll bring my boat in to a courtesy dock, which is a very easy approach. And I'll give my wife the tiller because she's a better dinghy sailor than I am.

SailingHarry · May 14, 2012

Well, it looks like something around 64-0, in favor of an engine. I'll add one more. I would never have a boat without an engine -- not because you HAVE to have it (Matt Ruthersford just circumnavigated the America's with something around 20 gallons of fuel, and the engine died forever off Brazil), but because the negatives FAR outweigh the positives. For instance:

* Not making a wonderful trip to a party 20 miles away on Saturday because Sunday predicts no wind and you have to work Monday.
* Waking up on Sunday to find the forecast of 10-15 has become 0-1 and you have to work Monday.
* Heading off across the Bay at 1/4 knot, only to find that there is a northbound freighter doing 30 knts and you haven't crossed the channel yet (my father tells of a scary night many years ago on an engineless USNA yawl encountering a tug, with no wind and obviously no electronics like VHF).
* Making it up the creek to my slip. Last year with engine trouble, I beat in 10-15 knots in a channel 100 yards wide -- until the wind died and we paddled the last 1/2 mile -- on a 34' sailboat!
* Not having to use oil navigation lights, being able to use VHF, being able to use my Lectra-San, having fans for the summer heat, etc -- an engine makes electricity as well as propulsion.
* Being able to get into the slip when the "fairway" is a dead beat. Being able to leave the slip too!
* Being able to go to that really nice creek with the 100 foot wide entrance.

None of the above items reflect on seamanship. Joshua Slocum couldn't solve the above items. And I'm not willing to pay that price in the interest of "becoming a better sailor."

Oh, and with regard to slips, in some places (like the Annapolis area), publicly accessible moorings are nearly impossible to find. Some, but very few. The "Nation's Sailing Capital" has almost no publicly accessible waterfront. There are a few marina's that cater to moorings, but very few.

Harry

Ross · May 14, 2012

Just as I am able to work wood entirely with eighteeth century tools I can sail my boat with eighteenth century skills. But every woodworker in every age used the newest and best tools available and I am no exception. . The very same can be said for sailors. An engine is noisy, expensive, demanding of space and time and money and could be easily replaced with two or three crew. No sailor in the past would have ventured forth on a voyage with less than the best equiped vessel he could afford. Joshua Slocum sailed around alone with only sails but he did on occassion get a tow out of a harbor.

LuzSD · May 14, 2012

njwtech said:
In much the same way as I resent when someone tries to force their particular brand of religion upon me, I resent the tone of certain books (I probably should not name any specific ones although one in particular comes to mind) that go on apparently unreasoned rants against anyone that has an engine on their boat and still dares to call themselves a sailor. But not everyone can leave the cares and responsibilities of life behind and go where the wind and tides take them - possibly living on the proceeds of their books - and on Mother Nature's timetable. Without writing skills or the ability to sell books denigrating other sailors that have auxiliary engines, I must work a regular job to feed my family. And if I could not go out to sail for fear I would not be able to show up for work on Monday because the wind died and I was sitting outside the harbor waiting for it to come back, then I simply could not sail at all. To suggest that somehow because I have family and responsibilities I can't say that I "sail" on the weekends is completely unfair. I love nothing better than the sound of silent propulsion on my boat, but this is 2012 and the realities of life for most of us have changed.

Did someone actually say as much here or are you just making your point?
Of course you are right, and ridiculous if there is a need to defend a motor.
I think we all adore the sound of silence ... isn't that why we sail for 6 hours and enjoy the trip vs motor in 1 and happy to be there!

Ross · May 14, 2012

There is hardly a place on the planet that has never been touched by a human footprint. Practically none of those places required mechanical transportation, feet were always adequate and still are. However crossing water barriers requires something that will float because people don't float so well. A log and a stick will serve , not well but well enough. It won't take long for an enterprizing person to see a need for helping people cross the water and will improve the log and stick. And we have been doing it ever since. Today I can cross the Susquehanna River in about five minutes and not even get my feet wet. There are trade routes that traditionally followed the seasons and the weather patterns sail out in the spring and return home in the fall. That was the trade route and schedule between Persia and east africa.

soggysocks · May 14, 2012

If the question is only - "is it necessary" then one could make the case for a "no" answer but the reality is that a normal active family or even a normal active lifestyle that would utilize a boat pretty much when any opportunity strikes would be very much affected by not having an auxiliary engine.

Sailing without one is a fun and consciousness raising experience and sailing out-of and in-to my slip in windy Richmond California and other San Francisco locations was always good fun and definitely got the hairs up on my neck a few times - but I never had even one incident though it scared some of the folks at dock a few times - (we had Captain Ron moments and I was proud of it!).

All that aside - I can think of countless times that trips would not have been considered if I had no engine. And I can think of countless times that the Pardee's would not go out because they did not have an engine.

Taking into account the elements, your boat and crew takes on a whole new dimension if your boat does not include a motor. Even if it does include a motor, you need to take into account its power, range, fuel consumption and tankage.

In general, if you are without an engine then "time" changes: a "quick spin" is dependent on the wind and currents and just how much time you can allocate to variables.

I you have a lifestyle that allows for leaving the dock when you want, going where you want and changing pretty much everything at a moments notice - and you have the provisions, awareness and fortitude - then engines are much more "optional".

I will say that sailing all over busy San Francisco Bay is no problem without a motor - but if you happen to have crew struck by Sea Sickness - a motor can be a nice thing to have on a light wind day. Or if the wind suddenly dies and you would like to meet with your wife for a prearranged wedding anniversary dinner - an engine would be nice. Or
you and your wife are not having a "good day" and the wind is in the wrong direction and the current is against you - an engine would be nice. But - you could definitely get by without a engine......

Ross · May 14, 2012

In one of his books Jimmy Buffet tells of taking a friend out for and afternoon sail. He arrived at the dock with two bags of food. When his friend asked why so much food he replied "in case the wind fails." the friend said you can just start the engine. Buffet said "No engine." The friend asked if he was serious. "As a heart attck", replied Buffet. So if the wind fails what we wil do? answer, eat the chicken.

eusjim · May 14, 2012

On many a lake, an engine is essential to dock.

bechelt said:
All,

I'm curious to know what the general consencious is with regards to having an auxilary engine on a modern sailboat? Is it really a necessity, or a luxury? Can someone sail in the 21st century without it, or is it a crutch? I've read many a book that advocate either way, but I thought I would open this can of worms. There are many benefits/consequenses to both as well. I'm looking for all opinions and comments.

Here in Texas I have a lot of familiarity with Lake Texoma and Ray Hubbard.
At Grandpappy's Marina in Texoma, which docks about 800 power and sail boats, with winds out of the south and a narrow channnel that dead ends to the South, it would be suicide to try short tacks. There is no tide to bring you in. At Chandlers Landing in Ray Hubbard, broader channel with entry at both ends, slips point North/South and prevailing wind is out of South. So should be a cinch with the entry to slip arms being again North/South. I have seen many a sailor without an engine bouncing off the ends of other boats. And when the wind comes from the East, it is impossible to enter the narrow channels between docks without an engine, because they dead end to the east.

At both lakes, when the wind dies, you will either need an engine or a TOW.

In my opinion, if no engine, the boat needs to be small enough for paddling.

njwtech · May 14, 2012

LuzSD said:
Did someone actually say as much here or are you just making your point?

Making the point that motors may be necessary for those of us who don't have the option to wait for the wind but still enjoy sailing - and referring specifically to a book I read recently that went on and on, chapter after chapter, in the most condescending way arguing that only he and his colleagues that had removed their engines had earned the right to be called sailors - and the rest of us could only be called "motorsailors". I finally had to stop reading it. I was wishing I had read sample chapters before I spent good money.

FlorenceB · May 14, 2012

Sails only

At 16, now much older I was designated first mate to oversee a 38 Pearson for a friend and his 3 and 5 year old. I was along to help. When I asked to take the helm I was told not until I could go into and out of the slip in a busy marina under sail alone. I learned quickly how to back out and go under sail alone and to this day I try to show my daughter that the motor is for emergency purposes and that it can all be done under sail.

FlorenceB · May 14, 2012

At 16 I was taught to sail in and out of the marina under sail if I wanted to be at the helm of a friends 38 Pearson with his two kids on board. To this day I am one of the few that sails in and out of the cove to the mooring. Motor available for an emergency but most responses can be handled under sail with proper planning

sailndayz · May 14, 2012

Some Marinas/Harbors require Power

For whatever reason my earlier post never appeared. So here it goes again.
Once upon a time I sailed (motored) from a Marina/Harbor that required all sailboats to enter/exit under power... no sails allowed. Following a beautiful day of sailing, I went to restart my engine. Would not start, period. So I raised the Jib and elected to enter under the one sail. Half-way in, the Harbor Master came alongside yelling at me to take down the sail and start my engine. I began a delaying tactic, all the while explaining my engine wouldn't start. Then we began the debate about him taking me under tow. Well I guess I delayed the debate enough to get me close to my berth. It became pointless to further debate the issue, the Harbor Master relented when it was obvious how close I was to my berth. Do keep a running engine. Understand that many Harbors/Marinas may require power.

NotCook · May 14, 2012

While I have sailed a 26 footer into a slip singlehanded at night, and I think it is a good skill to have, I would not consider taking our boat into a marina under sail. You would not want to encounter us in a crowded marina with sails up, even if our engine was running. It would be irresponsible on our part. Of course the old windjammers didn't have engines, but they also had crews, and while they might have sailed on and off docks, I'm not sure they did it in what we would call a marina.

While we like to have our sail covers on by the time we get into the marina, we do make sure we have the cover off the anchor windlass in case we have to drop anchor to avoid a hazard in an emergency.

timrdailey · May 15, 2012

Start em young

When I was a kid growing up sailing our Venture 22, my father refused to put a motor on the boat so I wouldn't have any choice but to learn how to sail in any situation. I pulled in and out of our slip for 5 years without ever having a motor.

Ross said:
harbors are very crowded today and I believe that it is prudent to have an engine.

Ross · May 15, 2012

Re: Start em young

One of the laments that I have is the amount of print given to sailing fast and the dirth of information for sailing slowly and carefully in tight quarters.

Ron20324 · May 15, 2012

Ross said:
One of the laments that I have is the amount of print given to sailing fast and the dirth of information for sailing slowly and carefully in tight quarters.

I know what you mean, Ross. Also, why are there so many sunSET pictures, but so few sunRISE pictures?