What a disapointment. Finally after 1.5 months of getting my newly purchased First 26 ready, I tried to go sailing this weekend. It didn't happen. My first clue should have been the very unusual wind change, coming from NE, instead of the S as it does 90% of the time. As I am backing out of the slip(for the third time in my life) I cut it to quick, and the wind pushed my back brodside into the end of the slip. By this time, my baby, Jack, started to cry, my wife looked at me like I was insane, and instanly, seemingly an entire cadre of boat owners appeared as if from no where, realizing not only were their vessels in danger, but that poor sould is so crossed up, he may end up bashign into cars, houses, etc. Luckily, some of those owners came over (very quickly) and provided much appreciated assistance, and much needed advice. I will be eternally grateful for those that came over to maneuver the boat by hand, as it was certainly somethign the "captain" was not going to be doing anytime soon. After a couple of tries, with their guideance, we finally got the boat's bow swung out into the wind, so that I could power forward and still stay in the, in my perspective, sliver of space between the slip rows. Well, I motor out finally. I am getting towards open water, and I realize just how hard it is blowing. It is from the NE. I have to head NE. There are not only swells/waves, but whitcaps, and aggitated ripples all over the lake. I cut the enginge, and the boat gets pushed away from the wind as if I had the sails up already. Didn't though. I see a big Hunter 38' go by on about a heel that apparently the owner was looking to wash the beam decks by submerging them under water while under sail. I then see other boats come out, and go back in. Allot of other boats were kind of sailing around, but not actually going out of the same general area. I then wondered, hum, where am I going to go? I have never been on Texoma. Don't have a nautical chart. Don't know any anchorages, and don't know much about underwater hazards. . . I began wondering if I were completely studid, or just had some sort of mental failure. . . I started to think, finally, hum, I wonder if this inagural trip was not a good idea. Newborn baby of 14 weeks, wife who has never sailed, and I, who have only sailed daysailors only as big as a Sunfish. This on a new lake to me, a new boat to me, and winds that seemed massivly danderous, and not sure how much gas mileage I could get, never dropped the anchor purposely yet. . . I tried to guage the wind strength in earnest. In my mind at this point it was of course gusting to at least 30-40 knots. . . I do know it was a constant 15, with gusts to at least 20 knots from the NE. However, if sure felt at that vulerable moment that is was greater than 20. After going in circles for about 40 minutes evaluating the situation, I made the call to head back to the slip. Mind you, this was no piece of mind at all, considering my previous display of complete lack of boat handling. I approached the marina entrance with a great amount of anxiety and prayer. Every motion was deliberate, every movement of the boat computed in a focused attention that only comes from deep inherent fear. Then I had a revalation. "Hey, Lisa, call out to those guys on the slip to come and help us dock." I figured a preemptive strike prior to doom may just stay if off perhaps. Once again, true mariners came running. Amazingly, I did glide the boat in without any drama. I use the word "I" loosely there, as I am sure God took pity, and guided my rudder. A dock line held fast upon my cleat never ever looked so good. Safety, finally. Understandibly, my wife excused her self to go up to the yacht club to go to the bathroom. I on the other had went below deck, and taking a cue from my fidgeting son, curled up in a ball and learned that sucking one's thumb even at 34 is still somewhat reassuring. To bad his diapers didn't exactly fit. . .
- Status
Think how much easier it will be next time!
Simple: you got in over your head in a situation that can literally be fatal. That doesn't happen to us very often is today's civilized world. I don't think I'd consider your inuagural sail a failure. You're still alive, aren't you? You learned a lot, didn't you? You certainly made the right decision to turn around when you did. And you also made the right decision to ask for help when you needed it. Those decisions, at least, can give you hope. The decision to take a newborn baby on board leaves me shaking my head a bit though. Even if it was dead calm out on the lake, I'd be wary of doing that. What kind of PFD did you propose to use for this infant? If I were you, I'd get a babysitter and invite along a couple of sailor friends the next bunch of times that you go out. Have them show you the ropes, so to speak. Then, have them sit back and you and your wife can practice your skills with some on-board backups in case things get dicey. But DON'T SELL THE BOAT!!!!!
Simple: you got in over your head in a situation that can literally be fatal. That doesn't happen to us very often is today's civilized world. I don't think I'd consider your inuagural sail a failure. You're still alive, aren't you? You learned a lot, didn't you? You certainly made the right decision to turn around when you did. And you also made the right decision to ask for help when you needed it. Those decisions, at least, can give you hope. The decision to take a newborn baby on board leaves me shaking my head a bit though. Even if it was dead calm out on the lake, I'd be wary of doing that. What kind of PFD did you propose to use for this infant? If I were you, I'd get a babysitter and invite along a couple of sailor friends the next bunch of times that you go out. Have them show you the ropes, so to speak. Then, have them sit back and you and your wife can practice your skills with some on-board backups in case things get dicey. But DON'T SELL THE BOAT!!!!!
Hell no!!
The fun has just begun! Things can only get better from here on. Just ask one of those helpful people on the dock (they were probably there for good reason!) to go out with you next time. Happy sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
The fun has just begun! Things can only get better from here on. Just ask one of those helpful people on the dock (they were probably there for good reason!) to go out with you next time. Happy sailing. Peter H23 "Raven"
Good Story!
I had a chuckle while reading your report. If you don't want to scare the family away from sailing, be careful to only take them out in conditions where you are confident. It sounds like you know where you went wrong. Pick your days carefully, and start out in lighter winds (6-8 to start). You will be going out on 20 knot days and think nothing of it in no time, but there is no need to rush that, especially with the family along. Do get a chart and get familiar with the area you will be sailing. Pete
I had a chuckle while reading your report. If you don't want to scare the family away from sailing, be careful to only take them out in conditions where you are confident. It sounds like you know where you went wrong. Pick your days carefully, and start out in lighter winds (6-8 to start). You will be going out on 20 knot days and think nothing of it in no time, but there is no need to rush that, especially with the family along. Do get a chart and get familiar with the area you will be sailing. Pete
Don't Sell
That's life. You'll learn. Take some lessons from someone local who will go out on your boat from your slip. I'm down here in Houston and around on weekends. You're welcome to come out on my H37C for some pointers. As for the baby on board... I used to take my son and his diaper bag flying in a 1947 Luscombe. Everyone said I was nuts! He grew up okay! I commend you on taking your family with you. A lot of guys are very willing to leave their family at home. One final thought; that really wasn't a lot of wind. before the summer is over you'll watch for days like that to have some fun... Stay with it. You did something right because you got back in one piece.... Ron/KA5HZV
That's life. You'll learn. Take some lessons from someone local who will go out on your boat from your slip. I'm down here in Houston and around on weekends. You're welcome to come out on my H37C for some pointers. As for the baby on board... I used to take my son and his diaper bag flying in a 1947 Luscombe. Everyone said I was nuts! He grew up okay! I commend you on taking your family with you. A lot of guys are very willing to leave their family at home. One final thought; that really wasn't a lot of wind. before the summer is over you'll watch for days like that to have some fun... Stay with it. You did something right because you got back in one piece.... Ron/KA5HZV
Almost everyone starts like that
_Everybody_ has some humiliating moments in a sailboat, and they're more likely to happen when you first start. Fact is, they'll happen even after you know what you're doing, but by then you'll have more perspective (as will your wife). You'll have helped out other folks and realize that we all miss a slip now and then. Hang in there! It gets better and I'm sure your next sail will be fantastic!
_Everybody_ has some humiliating moments in a sailboat, and they're more likely to happen when you first start. Fact is, they'll happen even after you know what you're doing, but by then you'll have more perspective (as will your wife). You'll have helped out other folks and realize that we all miss a slip now and then. Hang in there! It gets better and I'm sure your next sail will be fantastic!
Baby Steps
You didn't learn to sail a daysailor in one trip? Keep at it, be patient and I concur with the earlier posters, get someone on board who you trust and has some more experience. The issues that you mentioned are all the issues that "new" sailors contend with, and also old sailors in new surroundings. You might feel less stress if you were to leave your whole family ashore the first few times you go out. Once you have some experience, and have internallized more of the boats workings, you can then take them aboard. This will also releave the fear of "losing it all" should something happen. Also, you would be amazed how a little bit of confidence, and some demonstrated ability will go a long way in making your spouse more at ease. Good Luck and Fair Winds. BTW - I love to get charts and cruising guides etc. for Dad's day. b-days and xmas. Maybe you could drop a hint?
You didn't learn to sail a daysailor in one trip? Keep at it, be patient and I concur with the earlier posters, get someone on board who you trust and has some more experience. The issues that you mentioned are all the issues that "new" sailors contend with, and also old sailors in new surroundings. You might feel less stress if you were to leave your whole family ashore the first few times you go out. Once you have some experience, and have internallized more of the boats workings, you can then take them aboard. This will also releave the fear of "losing it all" should something happen. Also, you would be amazed how a little bit of confidence, and some demonstrated ability will go a long way in making your spouse more at ease. Good Luck and Fair Winds. BTW - I love to get charts and cruising guides etc. for Dad's day. b-days and xmas. Maybe you could drop a hint?
A lesson for me to learn...
Having just bought my first sail boat and on my way to Louisiana this Friday to bring her back to Texas, your experience is just what I needed to hear. Like you, my only previous experience with boating without the roar of an engine is with several weekends with a Sunfish - most of it with the sail in the water and the dagger board out of the water. I will take your experience to heart as well as the recommendations of the others that have already replied to your story. Thanks for sharing it.
Having just bought my first sail boat and on my way to Louisiana this Friday to bring her back to Texas, your experience is just what I needed to hear. Like you, my only previous experience with boating without the roar of an engine is with several weekends with a Sunfish - most of it with the sail in the water and the dagger board out of the water. I will take your experience to heart as well as the recommendations of the others that have already replied to your story. Thanks for sharing it.
That which does not kill you...
...only makes you stronger. You made the right choice returning to the dock. However, I personally would recommend doing what I did on my inaugural voyage - take a couple of able bodied friends with to help shake down the boat WITHOUT your wife or baby. A couple of short shakedown trips with radically improve your sailing abilities and comfort level with the boat. That way the family will be safer when you decide to take a "real" trip. Fair winds! Keith K. S/V Vesta
...only makes you stronger. You made the right choice returning to the dock. However, I personally would recommend doing what I did on my inaugural voyage - take a couple of able bodied friends with to help shake down the boat WITHOUT your wife or baby. A couple of short shakedown trips with radically improve your sailing abilities and comfort level with the boat. That way the family will be safer when you decide to take a "real" trip. Fair winds! Keith K. S/V Vesta
Take the wife
I disagree with the posters that say to leave the wife at home. I assume she's a competent human being and is as capable of learning as any guy. Hell, I know a number of women sailors that are on par with any of the guys I know! This process of learning to sail is a great one for you to do together. Don't treat her as a passenger, and don't treat her as crew. Treat her as a co-skipper. Take turns being in charge... odd/even days, perhaps? If fact, take turns practicing sailing "solo" -- you never know when one of you is going to get sick, get bashed on the head with the boom, or get knocked overboard. You both need to be able to handle things in an emergency.
I disagree with the posters that say to leave the wife at home. I assume she's a competent human being and is as capable of learning as any guy. Hell, I know a number of women sailors that are on par with any of the guys I know! This process of learning to sail is a great one for you to do together. Don't treat her as a passenger, and don't treat her as crew. Treat her as a co-skipper. Take turns being in charge... odd/even days, perhaps? If fact, take turns practicing sailing "solo" -- you never know when one of you is going to get sick, get bashed on the head with the boom, or get knocked overboard. You both need to be able to handle things in an emergency.
Have you had lessons?
Your experience sounds pretty normal, I wouldn't worry about it. If you don't have any friends that are good sailors you might want to see if you can hire a skipper for an afternoon. It doesn't need to be one of those formal "certification" courses but just a little time getting to know your boat under the guidance of an expert. You'll still end up learning by trial and error to some extent but at least you'll have something to build on. There's a lot more to operating a big boat than just sail trim. Don't sell your boat! Just get a little experience with it under safe conditions.
Your experience sounds pretty normal, I wouldn't worry about it. If you don't have any friends that are good sailors you might want to see if you can hire a skipper for an afternoon. It doesn't need to be one of those formal "certification" courses but just a little time getting to know your boat under the guidance of an expert. You'll still end up learning by trial and error to some extent but at least you'll have something to build on. There's a lot more to operating a big boat than just sail trim. Don't sell your boat! Just get a little experience with it under safe conditions.
You're Not Alone!
Daniel, I had a similar experience four years ago with my first sail on our new to us boat. I had my wife and 18 month old son with us and we thought it would be a good idea to just motor around the harbor to get the feel of the boat-it was also the Concordia Reunion at the local boat yard so the inner harbor was chock full of beautiful antique wooden yawls. Here was our chance to see these classics up close and personal on the water! Well - the tour of the harbor went fine but as we motored back to the mooring,(with the current of course - I had read somewhere that you should ease up to the mooring against the current but the significance of that piece of instruction did'nt sink in at first)I reached thru the child safety netting to throttle down the outboard only to get tangled in the netting as we bore down on the buoy at about 3 knots. When I finally got to the throttle, I of course over reacted and stalled the engine and watched as we glided past the mooring pennant at a good clip. My son, down below is now screaming as I fiddled thru the netting with the motor. Hearing my wife's urgent call, I look up from my task to see the bowspirit of a neighboring boat glide across the cabin top barely missing the starboard shrouds of our mast - ok bullet dodged - back to the motor. The motor roared to life on the first attempt! My relief soon passed as we got our prop tangled with the same neighboring boat's mooring line which was not as forgiving as the bowspirit had been. The motor obligingly stalled. We now were pihouetting into the side of this lovely innocent - wife now screaming as loudly as the child and me thinking this was supposed to ease my work-a-day stresses. We did have the foresight to have our fenders at the ready so when we ultimately cozyed up to our neighbor no damage was done. The entanglement gave us a brief respite and the chance consider our options-one of which was to hop into the dinghy and pretend we never went on the boat. Instead, I decided to free us from the mooring line by lifting the motor up. Having done that we again were at the mercy of the current. I raced to the bow and deployed the anchor - remembering that Chapman's Manual said to practice this manuever often because it does'nt always set - of course I had'nt. Well Neptune was looking out for me and my family as the anchor set and held. I was safely set in the harbor with no damage to anything but my pride. Before I had a chance to get too smug, I turned to my left and saw that the draw bridge was opened, and the causeway leading up to it was lined with about a hundred cars (some 50 yards away) all of whom had just enjoyed a wonderful sideshow while they waited for the bridge to close! Anyway, I'm still sailing after that and not regretting my choice one bit. I've learned a lot since that first episode and continue to learn as I go. Don't give up! Greg Jones
Daniel, I had a similar experience four years ago with my first sail on our new to us boat. I had my wife and 18 month old son with us and we thought it would be a good idea to just motor around the harbor to get the feel of the boat-it was also the Concordia Reunion at the local boat yard so the inner harbor was chock full of beautiful antique wooden yawls. Here was our chance to see these classics up close and personal on the water! Well - the tour of the harbor went fine but as we motored back to the mooring,(with the current of course - I had read somewhere that you should ease up to the mooring against the current but the significance of that piece of instruction did'nt sink in at first)I reached thru the child safety netting to throttle down the outboard only to get tangled in the netting as we bore down on the buoy at about 3 knots. When I finally got to the throttle, I of course over reacted and stalled the engine and watched as we glided past the mooring pennant at a good clip. My son, down below is now screaming as I fiddled thru the netting with the motor. Hearing my wife's urgent call, I look up from my task to see the bowspirit of a neighboring boat glide across the cabin top barely missing the starboard shrouds of our mast - ok bullet dodged - back to the motor. The motor roared to life on the first attempt! My relief soon passed as we got our prop tangled with the same neighboring boat's mooring line which was not as forgiving as the bowspirit had been. The motor obligingly stalled. We now were pihouetting into the side of this lovely innocent - wife now screaming as loudly as the child and me thinking this was supposed to ease my work-a-day stresses. We did have the foresight to have our fenders at the ready so when we ultimately cozyed up to our neighbor no damage was done. The entanglement gave us a brief respite and the chance consider our options-one of which was to hop into the dinghy and pretend we never went on the boat. Instead, I decided to free us from the mooring line by lifting the motor up. Having done that we again were at the mercy of the current. I raced to the bow and deployed the anchor - remembering that Chapman's Manual said to practice this manuever often because it does'nt always set - of course I had'nt. Well Neptune was looking out for me and my family as the anchor set and held. I was safely set in the harbor with no damage to anything but my pride. Before I had a chance to get too smug, I turned to my left and saw that the draw bridge was opened, and the causeway leading up to it was lined with about a hundred cars (some 50 yards away) all of whom had just enjoyed a wonderful sideshow while they waited for the bridge to close! Anyway, I'm still sailing after that and not regretting my choice one bit. I've learned a lot since that first episode and continue to learn as I go. Don't give up! Greg Jones
Don't get discouraged!
We all have days like those. Don't let it get you down! I would definitely try to find someone who's experienced to go with you next time - you might try hiring an instructor. It could be well worth it, especially if your wife comes along as well (leave the kid at home). Anyway, welcome to the club - you've passed the initiation!! LaDonna
We all have days like those. Don't let it get you down! I would definitely try to find someone who's experienced to go with you next time - you might try hiring an instructor. It could be well worth it, especially if your wife comes along as well (leave the kid at home). Anyway, welcome to the club - you've passed the initiation!! LaDonna
We all take our turn...don't feel alone!
I got out of the Navy in '68 and bought a beat up Sunfish from a buddy in Norfolk. Brought it home to NJ, then shortly thereafter met Terri. To impress her I took her sailing on this "vessel" that I had never been on before. Since I was in the Navy, she figured I was a "sailor". After a half hour on the water I proceeded to ram the bridge going at a pretty good clip. We were 18 then and I still hear about it at 53, so your experience will be with you a long time! DON'T SELL THE BOAT!! It makes for good conversation at cocktail parties.
I got out of the Navy in '68 and bought a beat up Sunfish from a buddy in Norfolk. Brought it home to NJ, then shortly thereafter met Terri. To impress her I took her sailing on this "vessel" that I had never been on before. Since I was in the Navy, she figured I was a "sailor". After a half hour on the water I proceeded to ram the bridge going at a pretty good clip. We were 18 then and I still hear about it at 53, so your experience will be with you a long time! DON'T SELL THE BOAT!! It makes for good conversation at cocktail parties.
It happens.
Don't feel bad. After 15 years of almost incident-free sailboat experience, I bought my first powerboat a couple of weeks ago. My first experience with it happened to be in new and difficult to navigate waters, instead of the deep lake I've done most of my sailing on and am intimately familiar with. Big mistake. The result: I ran aground three times, destroying two props in one day. So goes my first day as a powerboater. And this from a guy who has logged thousands of hours on sailboats without ever running aground. Only even bumped a couple of times.
Don't feel bad. After 15 years of almost incident-free sailboat experience, I bought my first powerboat a couple of weeks ago. My first experience with it happened to be in new and difficult to navigate waters, instead of the deep lake I've done most of my sailing on and am intimately familiar with. Big mistake. The result: I ran aground three times, destroying two props in one day. So goes my first day as a powerboater. And this from a guy who has logged thousands of hours on sailboats without ever running aground. Only even bumped a couple of times.
Just one of lifes little experiences.
Charlie: This is not the last time that something will happen while boating. Unlike an automobile a boat is more like an airplane. We have the take-off and the landing. These can be the most eventful part of the journey. Docking skills can only be aquired. If you spend some time on the boat with other sailors they can help you with the finer points. I would suggest that you spend a few bucks and get into either a group lesson or a private lesson (both you and your spouse). These instructors will take you from the most elementry thru the intermediate points of sailing. You will have a better understanding of all the points of sailing. When you are done with the lessons you can then begin the application of the principals aboard your own boat. I would suggest that you have an experienced crew help you out until you feel a little more self assured. I will tell you that this has probably happened to everyone at one time or another. Keep the boat and get the experience. It is something that you will enjoy for many years to come. PS: Now you have your first sailing story to tell.
Charlie: This is not the last time that something will happen while boating. Unlike an automobile a boat is more like an airplane. We have the take-off and the landing. These can be the most eventful part of the journey. Docking skills can only be aquired. If you spend some time on the boat with other sailors they can help you with the finer points. I would suggest that you spend a few bucks and get into either a group lesson or a private lesson (both you and your spouse). These instructors will take you from the most elementry thru the intermediate points of sailing. You will have a better understanding of all the points of sailing. When you are done with the lessons you can then begin the application of the principals aboard your own boat. I would suggest that you have an experienced crew help you out until you feel a little more self assured. I will tell you that this has probably happened to everyone at one time or another. Keep the boat and get the experience. It is something that you will enjoy for many years to come. PS: Now you have your first sailing story to tell.
Work to get better prepared
Dan, Part of me is thankful that you are not near the Chesapeake, but hope your next experience is better. I usually check either the NOAA WEB site for weather and wind conditions or check with the marina office or fellow boat owners prior to leaving the dock. Additionally it pays to review you sailing area prior to leaving the dock, both for planned sailing areas, bottom conditions and alternative anchorage areas in case of emergencies. One last thought from some time back “IIDDGO” (If In Doubt Don’t Go Out) Best of luck in the future. Steve
Dan, Part of me is thankful that you are not near the Chesapeake, but hope your next experience is better. I usually check either the NOAA WEB site for weather and wind conditions or check with the marina office or fellow boat owners prior to leaving the dock. Additionally it pays to review you sailing area prior to leaving the dock, both for planned sailing areas, bottom conditions and alternative anchorage areas in case of emergencies. One last thought from some time back “IIDDGO” (If In Doubt Don’t Go Out) Best of luck in the future. Steve
Just a First Step
Daniel My wife and I have a story very similar to yours. It happened about 10 years ago, back when my children were 3 and 1, when we accidently killed our engine leaving a slip on a windy day and spent the next few minutes playing bumper boats. Today, we have sailed throughout New England and have been lucky enough to sail to the Caribbean and anchor in some of the most beautiful spots in the world. You have a lot to look forward to sailing your new boat. You and your family will have some great times and you will become quite the sailor. But rest assured, that story of yours will be shared at cocktail parties, harborside bars and whenever someone new comes for a sail on your boat. Your wife will tell it to keep you humble, but also to remind people how far you have come. Have fun learning!
Daniel My wife and I have a story very similar to yours. It happened about 10 years ago, back when my children were 3 and 1, when we accidently killed our engine leaving a slip on a windy day and spent the next few minutes playing bumper boats. Today, we have sailed throughout New England and have been lucky enough to sail to the Caribbean and anchor in some of the most beautiful spots in the world. You have a lot to look forward to sailing your new boat. You and your family will have some great times and you will become quite the sailor. But rest assured, that story of yours will be shared at cocktail parties, harborside bars and whenever someone new comes for a sail on your boat. Your wife will tell it to keep you humble, but also to remind people how far you have come. Have fun learning!
Doesn't sound so bad
My father bought a X boat (an inexpensive inland lake scow) and launching it the first time promptly ran into a moored A boat (an expensive inland lake scow). The damage was not too bad, but that was not his biggest problem. Upon checking with the dock office, he found out the boat his inexperiance had led him to belonged to his new boss.
My father bought a X boat (an inexpensive inland lake scow) and launching it the first time promptly ran into a moored A boat (an expensive inland lake scow). The damage was not too bad, but that was not his biggest problem. Upon checking with the dock office, he found out the boat his inexperiance had led him to belonged to his new boss.
Amigo, I had the same experience..3 days ago.
Hey, I hear you on all fronts. After dreaming about a sailboat big enough to sleep on since I was 9 years old, I recently purchased a Coronado 25. I've been sailing many times before, and have even owned a smaller sailboat, so I felt pretty confident. Last week was the first time out. Of course, winds of 8 or 9 while we were rigging turned into winds of 15 - 17 out on Lake Michigan an hour later. The boat was heeling like you wouldn't believe, my girlfriend is wondering what the heck she got herself into, and I'm scrambling about the boat, yelling instructions and trying desperately to lower the jib. I no sooner get that down then the starboard stay breaks free (no idea how that little gem happened), and the resulting vibration frees both spreaders. So now I can't get the main down fast enough, with the starboard stay and spreader whipping around and the port one loose and poking the sail. And of course, after all of that, the engine doesn't start until about the 75th crank, and the wind is strong enough in the harbor that it takes five tries to moor. With the shifting wind, each attempt through the rather crowded Monroe Harbor is like a slalom with moving trees. By the time we moored, my girlfriend had lost hold of the boathook, the stays were hopelessly tangled, and my patience was shot. We took an hour to just chill below, had a cup of coffee, and unwound. The whole time, my head was pounding with the same thought--what in the heck did I get myself into? It's frustrating, but I think that you and I both essentially just had ridiculously lousy days. Statistically, of course, they happen--we just didn't expect to draw them on the first run. And where more experienced sailors could have made better decisions, there's only one way ot become a more experienced sailor. For myself, I've learned quite a lot. I know I certainly won't be futzing about with both sails in winds that strong, for one thing, and I've checked all of my rigging and replaced a couple of turnbuckles. I've learned that steerage in a windy harbor takes more motor power than feels comfortable. And I've learned that you can repair your own spreaders with a hacksaw, a drill, and a calm afternoon. So while there's still a part of me that's nervous, I'm trying to focus on the part of me that soars when I feel the water start to slip softly beneath the hull. After all, what, really, is at risk? I'll certainly be wearing a lifejacket, I won't be taking any stupid weather risks, it's pretty well impossible to sink the boat, and I'm never going to be far from shore. Stick with it, my man--I need to know that other people out there are going through the same thing. Cheers!
Hey, I hear you on all fronts. After dreaming about a sailboat big enough to sleep on since I was 9 years old, I recently purchased a Coronado 25. I've been sailing many times before, and have even owned a smaller sailboat, so I felt pretty confident. Last week was the first time out. Of course, winds of 8 or 9 while we were rigging turned into winds of 15 - 17 out on Lake Michigan an hour later. The boat was heeling like you wouldn't believe, my girlfriend is wondering what the heck she got herself into, and I'm scrambling about the boat, yelling instructions and trying desperately to lower the jib. I no sooner get that down then the starboard stay breaks free (no idea how that little gem happened), and the resulting vibration frees both spreaders. So now I can't get the main down fast enough, with the starboard stay and spreader whipping around and the port one loose and poking the sail. And of course, after all of that, the engine doesn't start until about the 75th crank, and the wind is strong enough in the harbor that it takes five tries to moor. With the shifting wind, each attempt through the rather crowded Monroe Harbor is like a slalom with moving trees. By the time we moored, my girlfriend had lost hold of the boathook, the stays were hopelessly tangled, and my patience was shot. We took an hour to just chill below, had a cup of coffee, and unwound. The whole time, my head was pounding with the same thought--what in the heck did I get myself into? It's frustrating, but I think that you and I both essentially just had ridiculously lousy days. Statistically, of course, they happen--we just didn't expect to draw them on the first run. And where more experienced sailors could have made better decisions, there's only one way ot become a more experienced sailor. For myself, I've learned quite a lot. I know I certainly won't be futzing about with both sails in winds that strong, for one thing, and I've checked all of my rigging and replaced a couple of turnbuckles. I've learned that steerage in a windy harbor takes more motor power than feels comfortable. And I've learned that you can repair your own spreaders with a hacksaw, a drill, and a calm afternoon. So while there's still a part of me that's nervous, I'm trying to focus on the part of me that soars when I feel the water start to slip softly beneath the hull. After all, what, really, is at risk? I'll certainly be wearing a lifejacket, I won't be taking any stupid weather risks, it's pretty well impossible to sink the boat, and I'm never going to be far from shore. Stick with it, my man--I need to know that other people out there are going through the same thing. Cheers!
- Status