For many, the sailing season is about half done... for others, it's just getting started. What's been the highlight of your season so far? New waters, testing new skills, new gear, maybe a race or two? Or is the most memorable day a simple sail with good friends in good weather? Tell us about your best experience so far, then take the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Flat means flat.
Helpful people on this site said to flatten the mainsail to reduce heel. I gave it a couple of half-hearted attempts and wasn't pleased with the results. Finally, really cranking on the halyard, outhaul and mainsheet on our h23, I saw what a great improvement was made. We've enjoyed some comfortable, controlled sails in 20-plus winds, a situation that kept us at the dock previously. Thanks again to all who help. Mac
Helpful people on this site said to flatten the mainsail to reduce heel. I gave it a couple of half-hearted attempts and wasn't pleased with the results. Finally, really cranking on the halyard, outhaul and mainsheet on our h23, I saw what a great improvement was made. We've enjoyed some comfortable, controlled sails in 20-plus winds, a situation that kept us at the dock previously. Thanks again to all who help. Mac
Best experience so far
was bringing our newly purchased Oday 34 home to Milwaukee from Lake St Clair - just north of Detroit. Almost 600 miles, Lake St Clair, St Clair River, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. We did it starting the last week of April - trying to extend our sailing season as much as possible!
was bringing our newly purchased Oday 34 home to Milwaukee from Lake St Clair - just north of Detroit. Almost 600 miles, Lake St Clair, St Clair River, Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. We did it starting the last week of April - trying to extend our sailing season as much as possible!
Love, hate & sweat equity ..
3 weeks on the hard. This poor boy does all his own repairs and upgrades on his 1974 Catalina 27. So, rebuilt the keel stump, new keel bolts, re-wired most of the boat, refaired the keel, faired numerous little chips in the hull, painted, stained, new mast sheaves and a bunch of running rigging. A point came where the interior looked like a bomb had gone off in a tool crib. I realized I had 2 check lists to help keep track of my check lists. I also realized how frustrated and stressed I was getting. So much learning as I go. So many little details to fret over, knowing full well the Ol’ Girl will fail me if I don’t get it just right. Realizing one of the previous owners was A LUNATIC WHO SHOULD BE SHOT! IF I SURVIVE THIS I’M SELLING HER FAT ASS AS SOON AS I CAN! Then came launch day. The glimmering, freshly rigged and waxed mast went on effortlessly, all the through hulls for the newly installed ST40 stuff didn’t leak. The motor started so easily I didn’t even hear the starter. Once the sails and remaining lines were on, we slipped away down river to cross the bay and head to the marina. 6 knots on the nose allowed us to hoist the main in the river. We unfurled the 150 as soon as we could fall off. Our course for Thunder Bay took us just down a point from a beam reach, the Ol’Girl leaned a bit against the lake and swept away. The magic moment came near the harbor when I looked back and saw that ruler strait line she left in the water, the tiller easily handled with 2 fingers, the Mirage 26 I passed far behind and struggling to lose no more ground. I gently patted coachouse and said “ I love you baby, I’m keeping you forever” Later, eh! Ferg
3 weeks on the hard. This poor boy does all his own repairs and upgrades on his 1974 Catalina 27. So, rebuilt the keel stump, new keel bolts, re-wired most of the boat, refaired the keel, faired numerous little chips in the hull, painted, stained, new mast sheaves and a bunch of running rigging. A point came where the interior looked like a bomb had gone off in a tool crib. I realized I had 2 check lists to help keep track of my check lists. I also realized how frustrated and stressed I was getting. So much learning as I go. So many little details to fret over, knowing full well the Ol’ Girl will fail me if I don’t get it just right. Realizing one of the previous owners was A LUNATIC WHO SHOULD BE SHOT! IF I SURVIVE THIS I’M SELLING HER FAT ASS AS SOON AS I CAN! Then came launch day. The glimmering, freshly rigged and waxed mast went on effortlessly, all the through hulls for the newly installed ST40 stuff didn’t leak. The motor started so easily I didn’t even hear the starter. Once the sails and remaining lines were on, we slipped away down river to cross the bay and head to the marina. 6 knots on the nose allowed us to hoist the main in the river. We unfurled the 150 as soon as we could fall off. Our course for Thunder Bay took us just down a point from a beam reach, the Ol’Girl leaned a bit against the lake and swept away. The magic moment came near the harbor when I looked back and saw that ruler strait line she left in the water, the tiller easily handled with 2 fingers, the Mirage 26 I passed far behind and struggling to lose no more ground. I gently patted coachouse and said “ I love you baby, I’m keeping you forever” Later, eh! Ferg
Fun with the kids
The best outing this year so far was taking my father, my 9 year old daughter and her friend out for the afternoon. Its been hit or miss with my daughter as to whether she wants to go out at all, and her enthusiasm for this trip was great. Light winds (no scary heeling!), interesting sights to see, and then anchoring in a calm harbor for jumping off the boat (with PFD's on), and lunch. Both girls wanted to steer and it was an absolute pleasure to see their excitement. I am planning on taking a couple of overnights later this summer, but so far, this was the highlight of this cold and rainy spring/summer.
The best outing this year so far was taking my father, my 9 year old daughter and her friend out for the afternoon. Its been hit or miss with my daughter as to whether she wants to go out at all, and her enthusiasm for this trip was great. Light winds (no scary heeling!), interesting sights to see, and then anchoring in a calm harbor for jumping off the boat (with PFD's on), and lunch. Both girls wanted to steer and it was an absolute pleasure to see their excitement. I am planning on taking a couple of overnights later this summer, but so far, this was the highlight of this cold and rainy spring/summer.
This weekend
We had a nice sail on Saturday, especially since the wind forecast was for 5 knots of wind, but we experienced 12-14! Everything went just right. We had better sail trim and helm control, saw porpoise in mid Galveston Bay, and docked just perfectly.
We had a nice sail on Saturday, especially since the wind forecast was for 5 knots of wind, but we experienced 12-14! Everything went just right. We had better sail trim and helm control, saw porpoise in mid Galveston Bay, and docked just perfectly.
a little bumpy ride
The 4th of July long weekend was very eagerly anticipated. We had to replace our 7.5 Honda on Saturday and were trying to get on the water for Sunday, Monday Tuesday. We found a nice new Merc 9.9 longshaft and installed it that day. Sunday was a go. Got up Sunday, checked the weather, 3 sources, and launched. We were sailing in Tampa bay with our destination Bishops Point on the Manatee River. We could see a storm coming in the distance and as we felt it getting closer, we dropped and stored the sails, dropped the hook to ride it. 55mph winds and 8 fout seas, our Oday 25 took it all with a smile. Wish I could say the same for me. I rode out the storm with tiller in hand trying to keep her nose in the wind. About an hour later, the storm passed, the anchor held strong and we all were soaked to the bone. That same storm spawned 50 plus calls to the coast guard and sunk two 30 plus foot sailboats that were anchored in 6 feet of water. The storm slammed their keels into the bottom and through the sole of the boat. We now know that deeper water is a better anchorage as our first thought was to run for shallower water. The remainder of the weekend was great, beautiful days and had a great sail back to St. Pete on Sunday. Managed 6 knots all the way home and never had to tack. Gotta love it. But several hard lessons were learned, watch the weather, not just on tv, radio and online, but with your eyes. It's easy to get into a situation that is pretty hairy. Full sails to you all Ross Oday 25, 1979 Lola Tampa FL
The 4th of July long weekend was very eagerly anticipated. We had to replace our 7.5 Honda on Saturday and were trying to get on the water for Sunday, Monday Tuesday. We found a nice new Merc 9.9 longshaft and installed it that day. Sunday was a go. Got up Sunday, checked the weather, 3 sources, and launched. We were sailing in Tampa bay with our destination Bishops Point on the Manatee River. We could see a storm coming in the distance and as we felt it getting closer, we dropped and stored the sails, dropped the hook to ride it. 55mph winds and 8 fout seas, our Oday 25 took it all with a smile. Wish I could say the same for me. I rode out the storm with tiller in hand trying to keep her nose in the wind. About an hour later, the storm passed, the anchor held strong and we all were soaked to the bone. That same storm spawned 50 plus calls to the coast guard and sunk two 30 plus foot sailboats that were anchored in 6 feet of water. The storm slammed their keels into the bottom and through the sole of the boat. We now know that deeper water is a better anchorage as our first thought was to run for shallower water. The remainder of the weekend was great, beautiful days and had a great sail back to St. Pete on Sunday. Managed 6 knots all the way home and never had to tack. Gotta love it. But several hard lessons were learned, watch the weather, not just on tv, radio and online, but with your eyes. It's easy to get into a situation that is pretty hairy. Full sails to you all Ross Oday 25, 1979 Lola Tampa FL
all good
It has all been good, After puchase last July we had so much to learn and so much to do. All labors of love. We heard that racing was the best way to learn, so race we did. From a decided last to a very respectable last and coming on fast. What a way to learn. We actually can go where we want now. Going on a Hunter Rendezvous this week. Looking for ways to extend the summer
It has all been good, After puchase last July we had so much to learn and so much to do. All labors of love. We heard that racing was the best way to learn, so race we did. From a decided last to a very respectable last and coming on fast. What a way to learn. We actually can go where we want now. Going on a Hunter Rendezvous this week. Looking for ways to extend the summer
Great Lakes Rendezvous!
Sailing with friends and family is always the high point of my boating season! But now we're enjoying preparations for an even more "fun" adventure: the 2006 Great Lakes O'day Owners' Rendezvous! We make a GREAT 6-hour passage across Lake Erie to Scudder marina on Pelee Island, visit with friends and family there - then hop over to beautiful Leamington for the Rendezvous the last weekend in July. It's the most fun I have all year! Join us! Bill on STARGAZER
Sailing with friends and family is always the high point of my boating season! But now we're enjoying preparations for an even more "fun" adventure: the 2006 Great Lakes O'day Owners' Rendezvous! We make a GREAT 6-hour passage across Lake Erie to Scudder marina on Pelee Island, visit with friends and family there - then hop over to beautiful Leamington for the Rendezvous the last weekend in July. It's the most fun I have all year! Join us! Bill on STARGAZER
Everyday has been great
Everyday has been great since I put my newly purchased '85 Hunter 31' in the water. Last week was awesome on the 3rd sitting out at Monroe Harbor watching the fireworks and barbecuing - moored about 100 yds from the fireworks barge with my SO - what a blast! Couple days later took a 30 mile round trip on a close reach with 10 - 15 knot winds doing 6 to 7 knots, water spraying over the bow - awesome. My little 19 foot daysailor was fun but it doesn't compare to a heavy keel boat when the winds get up.
Everyday has been great since I put my newly purchased '85 Hunter 31' in the water. Last week was awesome on the 3rd sitting out at Monroe Harbor watching the fireworks and barbecuing - moored about 100 yds from the fireworks barge with my SO - what a blast! Couple days later took a 30 mile round trip on a close reach with 10 - 15 knot winds doing 6 to 7 knots, water spraying over the bow - awesome. My little 19 foot daysailor was fun but it doesn't compare to a heavy keel boat when the winds get up.
Memorial Day weekend
was spent aboard DreamBoat, at Dauphin Island, AL. Saturday afternoon we anchored just out of the ship channel, between Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines (site of Admiral Farragut's famous quote "Damn the Torpedoes! Full speed ahead!). We got in the water at slack tide, on our floats, and enjoyed the warm water and sunshine. When the tide started out, we tied a line to the bow and a line to the stern and trailed them in the water. We would jump off the bow, hold the bow-line until we got to the knot in the end, switch to the line on the stern, and slide to the end of that line. With a tidal flow of 3 - 4 knots, this rivaled a water-park ride. Unfortunately, we underestimated the effects of the south Alabama sunshine, so we spent an uncomfortable Saturday night in the un-airconditioned v-berth.
was spent aboard DreamBoat, at Dauphin Island, AL. Saturday afternoon we anchored just out of the ship channel, between Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines (site of Admiral Farragut's famous quote "Damn the Torpedoes! Full speed ahead!). We got in the water at slack tide, on our floats, and enjoyed the warm water and sunshine. When the tide started out, we tied a line to the bow and a line to the stern and trailed them in the water. We would jump off the bow, hold the bow-line until we got to the knot in the end, switch to the line on the stern, and slide to the end of that line. With a tidal flow of 3 - 4 knots, this rivaled a water-park ride. Unfortunately, we underestimated the effects of the south Alabama sunshine, so we spent an uncomfortable Saturday night in the un-airconditioned v-berth.
Charity auction sail
Took some older people out yesterday, and the fellow turns out to have covered the Lindberg baby trial in 1932. As a young man, he wrote photo captions for the New York Mirror and had to race the big photo plates back to Manhattan for publication. He enjoyed the sail.
Took some older people out yesterday, and the fellow turns out to have covered the Lindberg baby trial in 1932. As a young man, he wrote photo captions for the New York Mirror and had to race the big photo plates back to Manhattan for publication. He enjoyed the sail.
Ah, those were the days
I never had a boat big enough for Erie, but my friend did. Back in the 70's and 80's, we would sail out to Put-In Friday afternoon, and then make the trip out to Scudder the next day, and come back Sunday. Really miss those trips.
I never had a boat big enough for Erie, but my friend did. Back in the 70's and 80's, we would sail out to Put-In Friday afternoon, and then make the trip out to Scudder the next day, and come back Sunday. Really miss those trips.
Yesterday July 9th
Finally after a full year in storage (2005)and then a month in the back lane getting the deck sanded , primed and three coats of new sparkling white paint, she slipped into the lake for the season. I managed to step the mast with only a small amount of help from another sailor, then backed the trailer down the ramp and she slid into the water just like it had been planned. Launching single handed sure has it's moments. The day ended with a severe weather warning and a good ole' fashion prairie power-tower cloud burst complete with golf ball sized hail and two funnel cloudes (I was long home by then) A great day - and a memorable start (albeit a late one) to what I hope is three great months of summer then fall sailing. Cheers
Finally after a full year in storage (2005)and then a month in the back lane getting the deck sanded , primed and three coats of new sparkling white paint, she slipped into the lake for the season. I managed to step the mast with only a small amount of help from another sailor, then backed the trailer down the ramp and she slid into the water just like it had been planned. Launching single handed sure has it's moments. The day ended with a severe weather warning and a good ole' fashion prairie power-tower cloud burst complete with golf ball sized hail and two funnel cloudes (I was long home by then) A great day - and a memorable start (albeit a late one) to what I hope is three great months of summer then fall sailing. Cheers
A bit of nature
Last week was a couple of days of Daddy-Daughter Sailing on Lake Almanor. 80' pine trees. Clear water to over 8'. Fantastic cabin on the lake. And, imagine seeing a bald eagle sitting in its nest, guarding its baby. PG&E, the local power company, built a bald eagle nesting site in - yes, in the lake and roped it off so both people and eagles could use the lake. Plus, an Osprey diving from a bright, blue sky to catch a fish just off the dock. Gentle breezes, smooth water, wildlife and one-on-one time with a great little girl - that's why we spent so many hours restoring the Flying Penguin. Fair winds to all.
Last week was a couple of days of Daddy-Daughter Sailing on Lake Almanor. 80' pine trees. Clear water to over 8'. Fantastic cabin on the lake. And, imagine seeing a bald eagle sitting in its nest, guarding its baby. PG&E, the local power company, built a bald eagle nesting site in - yes, in the lake and roped it off so both people and eagles could use the lake. Plus, an Osprey diving from a bright, blue sky to catch a fish just off the dock. Gentle breezes, smooth water, wildlife and one-on-one time with a great little girl - that's why we spent so many hours restoring the Flying Penguin. Fair winds to all.
Sailing Bay of Green Bay
So far, this sailing season , even half-way through has yielded some terrific experiences! Sailed more NM in the first half of this season than we did during the entire first year we had the boat in the water! Most memorable and fun so far, was when wife 'n I did a night cruise up along the western coast of Door County. Left at close to 7 p.m., a steady rare easterly wind at 10 knots kept us on a beam reach all the way up along Door county. Clear sky, a little cooler than desires, but straight shot. Clear sky afforded fantastic views of the stars. anchored off in Little Sturgeon Bay (lost my anchor there), but oh well. Great sail back down on saturday. Got caught in severe storm front near Long Tail Pointe, but it's all good! Wife wants a bigger boat next year, more room and as she puts it, something to bigger to handle the bigger waves. But we've had a great 1st half of the season here in the Bay of Green Bay. Mark R. s/v Cattivo I 1972 Oday 23' Green Bay, WI
So far, this sailing season , even half-way through has yielded some terrific experiences! Sailed more NM in the first half of this season than we did during the entire first year we had the boat in the water! Most memorable and fun so far, was when wife 'n I did a night cruise up along the western coast of Door County. Left at close to 7 p.m., a steady rare easterly wind at 10 knots kept us on a beam reach all the way up along Door county. Clear sky, a little cooler than desires, but straight shot. Clear sky afforded fantastic views of the stars. anchored off in Little Sturgeon Bay (lost my anchor there), but oh well. Great sail back down on saturday. Got caught in severe storm front near Long Tail Pointe, but it's all good! Wife wants a bigger boat next year, more room and as she puts it, something to bigger to handle the bigger waves. But we've had a great 1st half of the season here in the Bay of Green Bay. Mark R. s/v Cattivo I 1972 Oday 23' Green Bay, WI
Day Sailors no more!
The highlight of this season was July 4th week where we finally broke out of lake St Clair and tackled Lake Erie! We have been day/night sailing for 8 years now on Lake St clair (25 nm across, between Huron and Erie) with several overnights and weekends in various marinas and anchorages but we recently moved up from a Catalina 27 to a Hunter 33 and decided we were ready for Lake Erie! We sailed to Put In Bay with stops at Boblo and Leamington before getting to the Erie Islands, it was a fantastic trip that we will do again.
The highlight of this season was July 4th week where we finally broke out of lake St Clair and tackled Lake Erie! We have been day/night sailing for 8 years now on Lake St clair (25 nm across, between Huron and Erie) with several overnights and weekends in various marinas and anchorages but we recently moved up from a Catalina 27 to a Hunter 33 and decided we were ready for Lake Erie! We sailed to Put In Bay with stops at Boblo and Leamington before getting to the Erie Islands, it was a fantastic trip that we will do again.
Monsoon Day
My 272 sailed for 5 hours on the bay in torrential rain using a GPS to find our course home. She stayed as dry inside as toast even though we had water everywhere! She also raced for the first half of a cruise and came in second. A C&C was faster!! She is a wonderful boat.
My 272 sailed for 5 hours on the bay in torrential rain using a GPS to find our course home. She stayed as dry inside as toast even though we had water everywhere! She also raced for the first half of a cruise and came in second. A C&C was faster!! She is a wonderful boat.
Sailing season cut short
This year I left the yacht club that I had been a member of for the past 11 years. As much as I loved being with the people in the club, I felt that the controlling members were taking the club in the wrong direction, so I rented a mooring at a local boatyard in North Dighton, a little further down river than I wanted to be, but I figured that I could get around that okay. I just took it for granted that they had a dock to pull up to for the purpose of loading and unloading gear and guests. I was wrong. You see; I use a kayak to get out to my boat, but I need a dock to load all my gear for overnighters, and two to three day trips. Had I known that a dock was forbidden for mooring customers, I would have gone somewhere else. Always make sure you know what you're getting when you do business with boatyards. Needless to say, a $500.00 mooring is useless to me if I can't get my gear to it. I brought it up with one of the yard owners, but didn't get anywhere with him. So, I brought the boat home, and she's sitting on the trailer beside the house. Maybe I'll raise the mast on her, and just hang out on her this summer and pretend I'm on the water. Don't let this happen to you.
This year I left the yacht club that I had been a member of for the past 11 years. As much as I loved being with the people in the club, I felt that the controlling members were taking the club in the wrong direction, so I rented a mooring at a local boatyard in North Dighton, a little further down river than I wanted to be, but I figured that I could get around that okay. I just took it for granted that they had a dock to pull up to for the purpose of loading and unloading gear and guests. I was wrong. You see; I use a kayak to get out to my boat, but I need a dock to load all my gear for overnighters, and two to three day trips. Had I known that a dock was forbidden for mooring customers, I would have gone somewhere else. Always make sure you know what you're getting when you do business with boatyards. Needless to say, a $500.00 mooring is useless to me if I can't get my gear to it. I brought it up with one of the yard owners, but didn't get anywhere with him. So, I brought the boat home, and she's sitting on the trailer beside the house. Maybe I'll raise the mast on her, and just hang out on her this summer and pretend I'm on the water. Don't let this happen to you.
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