Im realativly new to the sailing world and have a 94 hunter 26. I live in san Diego and have sailed the big bay many times but the ocean is calling. So Im curious about others experience with this boat outside of bays and harbors and into the blue. Bad idea? Cool as long as the conditions are right? Open the discussion up, Im all ears. Thanks!
H26 in open ocean
- Thread starter Astrozombie
- Start date
With decent safety gear and a careful eye on the weather I would be there. You may enjoy the experience and you may not, but you will then Know for your self, what to expect and what you can handle.
I would take a sailing friend (could spell me or help me) and let someone shore side know my plan.
Enjoy!!
I would take a sailing friend (could spell me or help me) and let someone shore side know my plan.
Enjoy!!
Weather Wather
Weather Weather Weather is your enemy and ask me how I know one time me and my wife went out in expected 20 knts of wind in my H-36.
Well every thing was OK and me and wife been sailing for many years in these type of winds but the wind went above 30 knts and stayed there and I was OK
but wife was not and went into panic mode.
She could not help me steer as I tried to get in main sail and reef jib and she was just holding on for dear life and could not move.
Lucky for her our H-36 is pretty sea worthy and have made a trip from NY to Fl all Ocean so we were OK and was able to get the main in but my jib got all ripped and lucky was able to repair.
I could tell you about a 26 power boat went into the Gulf and 1 out of 4 was rescued.
So use caution on a nice day and I made a bad decision that day
Nick
Weather Weather Weather is your enemy and ask me how I know one time me and my wife went out in expected 20 knts of wind in my H-36.
Well every thing was OK and me and wife been sailing for many years in these type of winds but the wind went above 30 knts and stayed there and I was OK
but wife was not and went into panic mode.
She could not help me steer as I tried to get in main sail and reef jib and she was just holding on for dear life and could not move.
Lucky for her our H-36 is pretty sea worthy and have made a trip from NY to Fl all Ocean so we were OK and was able to get the main in but my jib got all ripped and lucky was able to repair.
I could tell you about a 26 power boat went into the Gulf and 1 out of 4 was rescued.
So use caution on a nice day and I made a bad decision that day
Nick
As the others have said, keep an eye on the weather. I used to own that very same boat. We sailed it many times with a double reefed main and and a jib furled to the size of a handkerchief. It handles well in 25 knots of wind. But when things get lumpy and you try to rely on that long shafted outboard it may spend as much time in as out of the water. Just my $.02.
I assume you are talking about daysailing right? Out and back the same day? If yes then just pick a nice weather day and go for it. Just remember your entire coast is a lee shore.
As others note I'd be most concerned about relying on an outboard.
As others note I'd be most concerned about relying on an outboard.
Thanks for all the replys and advice. I've spent many days along our coast up to 30 miles out in a small fishing boat so that has given some experience with the weather and such. I can think of only one time it got scary, everything was going good then turned to look at the bow and saw nothing but a swell higher than our t-top rolling in. We were 18 miles out and packed up to head home. Needless to say it was a wet white knuckled ride back. I do admit my sailing experience is far below par to take her out yet. So some more experience and more knowledge of weather patterns for my area and ill be more confident to head out.
I live in San Diego also. It would be nice to see another H26. You can contact me at rimaadams@sbcglobal.net. I have only had my boat out in the "Big Bay" it would be nice to take it out with another H26.
We are currently moored in Two Harbors, Catalina in our Hunter 26. 2 weeks ago we left Ventura for the 12 hr trip. We definitely watch the weather. This
You should contact the Venture Yacht Club of San Diego. This is a trailer sailor group with several Hunter 26's and 260's. They will be very helpful. Just spent a few days with them in Avalon, Catalina. Nice group.
If you can sail the boat well up-wind (close-hauled) and down-wind (wing-'n-wing) or on a broad reach inside the bay in 12 to 15 kt, then the chief difference you'll see outside is the seas. Start on days with 2-foot seas or less if you can get it. Sail to Mission Bay (Mariners Basin); spend the night--go back the next day; it's about 15 n.mi. one way from La Playa. Wind typically builds in the afternoon, so go up in the mid-morning and return in the mid- to late afternoon. Learn to anchor b/f you go. Use La Playa on weekends to practice--make a "reservation" with the Port of San Diego. Drive over to MB to see the entrance; walk along the breakwater and visualize your entry coming from sea. Use NOAA Buoy-- San Mateo Point to the Mexican Border---for weather information. Be sure to avoid the kelp which is abundant at less than 100 feet depth.
Awesome glad to hear others on SD waters have a h26, I've always kept an eye out while sailing but have never seen one. Ill definetly look into the yacht club and say hi. Thanks again for all the info.
I live in San Diego, and just got a 94" H26, haven't had it out yet, so I can't speak from experience with it. But I also have a Macgregor 26S, which I'm trying to sell. I sailed off the coast with the Mac no problem. I expect the H26 to handle even better!
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