Have you sailed offshore (on the ocean)? Was it your boat, someone else', or a charter? Was a true blue water passage, a day of coastal sailing, or a quiuck jaunt out of the breakwater? How did the boat hold up? How did you hold up? Would you like to do it again, or was once more than enough? Share your ocean sailing experiences here, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Once was enough
I helped a friend deliver his 72 foot Windship from Wrightsville beach NC to tortola a few years back. At times we were about 650 nm from land. That far offshore you are on your own and either bored to death or scared to death. I'm glad I did it, but once was enough.
I helped a friend deliver his 72 foot Windship from Wrightsville beach NC to tortola a few years back. At times we were about 650 nm from land. That far offshore you are on your own and either bored to death or scared to death. I'm glad I did it, but once was enough.
60 nm and loved it
I sailed FAIRWIND, a Hunter Legend 45, from Astoria OR to San Fransisco last May. The further offshore we were the more relaxing and enjoyable it was. We were from 12 to 60 miles offshore. We had winds in excess of 35 knots during part of the voyage. With a double reefed main and no jib we sailed at 8 to 9 knots on a broad reach in 12 to 15 ft seas. I loved it and can't wait to do it again.
I sailed FAIRWIND, a Hunter Legend 45, from Astoria OR to San Fransisco last May. The further offshore we were the more relaxing and enjoyable it was. We were from 12 to 60 miles offshore. We had winds in excess of 35 knots during part of the voyage. With a double reefed main and no jib we sailed at 8 to 9 knots on a broad reach in 12 to 15 ft seas. I loved it and can't wait to do it again.
No fun with sick crew/girlfriend
I've been offshore twice. First was in my '85 H28.5 fron Southport NC(Cape Fear Rvr.) to Charleston SC, to trade up to a 33.5. I had a USCG Captain and a slightly exp. crewman. We got off about 20 NM at most. No wind and had to motor for about 35 hrs., I never could get that 28.5 to go fast. It was a great experience an I will do it in my 33.5 soon. Maybe from Beaufort, NC. The second time was from Beaufort, NC to Cape Lookout. A short trip, 8 nm, and at most 1 nm offshore. It got rough coming back and I chose to motor into 6-8ft seas. My crew/girlfriend, her first time offshore, got sick when the engine quit, clogged screens to the primary fuel filter. She said in a frightened voice ' What do we do now?' . 'We sail', I said, as I unfurled the jib. It was too rough to try to uncover the main. I have since read that you should prepare to sail in weather like this by reeefing the main and have it ready to haul up. I sailed for about half an hour with the jib and would have had to tack out to sea to make the inlet without grounding and realizing that it would take another 2 hours to get in, so I gave in and called TowBoatsUS. I am a member and buy their towing insurance, thank goodness. I could have made it easily, but singlehanding with a sick girlfriend is not wise it you ever hope to get her aclimated. I will 'go down to the sea again'. Bob Belvin on WindDance out of Oriental,NC..
I've been offshore twice. First was in my '85 H28.5 fron Southport NC(Cape Fear Rvr.) to Charleston SC, to trade up to a 33.5. I had a USCG Captain and a slightly exp. crewman. We got off about 20 NM at most. No wind and had to motor for about 35 hrs., I never could get that 28.5 to go fast. It was a great experience an I will do it in my 33.5 soon. Maybe from Beaufort, NC. The second time was from Beaufort, NC to Cape Lookout. A short trip, 8 nm, and at most 1 nm offshore. It got rough coming back and I chose to motor into 6-8ft seas. My crew/girlfriend, her first time offshore, got sick when the engine quit, clogged screens to the primary fuel filter. She said in a frightened voice ' What do we do now?' . 'We sail', I said, as I unfurled the jib. It was too rough to try to uncover the main. I have since read that you should prepare to sail in weather like this by reeefing the main and have it ready to haul up. I sailed for about half an hour with the jib and would have had to tack out to sea to make the inlet without grounding and realizing that it would take another 2 hours to get in, so I gave in and called TowBoatsUS. I am a member and buy their towing insurance, thank goodness. I could have made it easily, but singlehanding with a sick girlfriend is not wise it you ever hope to get her aclimated. I will 'go down to the sea again'. Bob Belvin on WindDance out of Oriental,NC..
Bahamas Cruise
We own Endless Summer (1983 Hunter 31 #58). We left Miami and traveled 60 nm to the western side of the Great Bahama Bank. Then 60nm across the Banks to Chub Cay in the Southern Berry Islands. Then to Nassau and then we started island hopping down the Exuma Chain. We got as far as Staniel Cay. The one way mileage was 300nm, so we had a 600nm round trip. We left in Dec 99 and returned in May 00. Had a great time and learned more than we could handle. Roger Mummah.
We own Endless Summer (1983 Hunter 31 #58). We left Miami and traveled 60 nm to the western side of the Great Bahama Bank. Then 60nm across the Banks to Chub Cay in the Southern Berry Islands. Then to Nassau and then we started island hopping down the Exuma Chain. We got as far as Staniel Cay. The one way mileage was 300nm, so we had a 600nm round trip. We left in Dec 99 and returned in May 00. Had a great time and learned more than we could handle. Roger Mummah.
25 nm Off Shore
Last June I bought a Hunter 27 (1984) in NC (Cape Fear) Sailed it up to Newburyport MA. Took 36 days to do so. (900 nm) It was the greatest trip of my life: The ICW in NC and VA, up the Cheasapeake, down the Delaware Bay, outside NJ. Then Manhatten, Hellgate, Long Island Sound, Cape Cod Bay We had all kinds of weather: beautiful days, storms, fog. At times we were 25 miles out, but most often at night we were at anchor. A true test for vessel and crew. I would love to do it again! If anyone is interested in specific details, please contact me. Hans Erwich
Last June I bought a Hunter 27 (1984) in NC (Cape Fear) Sailed it up to Newburyport MA. Took 36 days to do so. (900 nm) It was the greatest trip of my life: The ICW in NC and VA, up the Cheasapeake, down the Delaware Bay, outside NJ. Then Manhatten, Hellgate, Long Island Sound, Cape Cod Bay We had all kinds of weather: beautiful days, storms, fog. At times we were 25 miles out, but most often at night we were at anchor. A true test for vessel and crew. I would love to do it again! If anyone is interested in specific details, please contact me. Hans Erwich
Not so fun
I moved my Hunter 380 "Star of Orion", from Panama City, FL to Punta Gorda, FL by going straight across the Gulf of Mexico. We were approximately 100 nm offshore for about 30 hours of that 62 hour trip. It was all close hauled and winds were over 30kt most of the time. The seas were very steep and were between 8 and 12 feet. The GPS said we went 328 nm but the log said we went 369 nm. I guess it was all of those hills???? All three of us aboard were very seasick. Thank goodness for the autopilot. It wasn't nearly as much fun as it sounds in books and magazines.
I moved my Hunter 380 "Star of Orion", from Panama City, FL to Punta Gorda, FL by going straight across the Gulf of Mexico. We were approximately 100 nm offshore for about 30 hours of that 62 hour trip. It was all close hauled and winds were over 30kt most of the time. The seas were very steep and were between 8 and 12 feet. The GPS said we went 328 nm but the log said we went 369 nm. I guess it was all of those hills???? All three of us aboard were very seasick. Thank goodness for the autopilot. It wasn't nearly as much fun as it sounds in books and magazines.
NORFOLK VA. TO VENEZUELA AND BACK
I sailed from Norfolk Va. to Venezuela starting in 1990 and ending the trip in 1994, We visited most the the islands in between, it was both the best and worst of times, we did it in a Young Sun 35, Now I just bought a Hunter 34 to sail into the Bahamas from Annapolis. We ( My wife and I and 2 Labs) will be leaving next week. Down the ICW, in and out depending on the weather. crossing to the Bahamas from Ft Peirce or Lake Worth or Ft Lauderdale. we will return in the spring around Apr. We plan on staying in Little Harbor the Berrys. I like off shore sailing, there is nothing to bump into.
I sailed from Norfolk Va. to Venezuela starting in 1990 and ending the trip in 1994, We visited most the the islands in between, it was both the best and worst of times, we did it in a Young Sun 35, Now I just bought a Hunter 34 to sail into the Bahamas from Annapolis. We ( My wife and I and 2 Labs) will be leaving next week. Down the ICW, in and out depending on the weather. crossing to the Bahamas from Ft Peirce or Lake Worth or Ft Lauderdale. we will return in the spring around Apr. We plan on staying in Little Harbor the Berrys. I like off shore sailing, there is nothing to bump into.
been out three times
i agree with mark, ive been offshore 100 miles+ three times in my h35, i was either bored to death, or the weather and seas were so bad (when i say bad i mean 20-25ft seas 45-45kts wind and rain)you are scared to death, you wanted night to come just so you couldnt tell how big the seas were. will i go again, you bet probly next summer, will i enjoy it? nope. my wife said it best when she said, she would like to meet one of those sailboat people that came up with the saying "its the journey that matters", it makes you wander if they had ever been in rough seas.
i agree with mark, ive been offshore 100 miles+ three times in my h35, i was either bored to death, or the weather and seas were so bad (when i say bad i mean 20-25ft seas 45-45kts wind and rain)you are scared to death, you wanted night to come just so you couldnt tell how big the seas were. will i go again, you bet probly next summer, will i enjoy it? nope. my wife said it best when she said, she would like to meet one of those sailboat people that came up with the saying "its the journey that matters", it makes you wander if they had ever been in rough seas.
About 25nm
We've only owned our 430 since May, but on the trip from Avalon to San Diego we were about 25 nm off shore for a portion of the 12 hr trip. We like it the further out we venture because the wind is more consistant and we don't have to worry abuot those folks from the dark side, the weekend power boaters.
We've only owned our 430 since May, but on the trip from Avalon to San Diego we were about 25 nm off shore for a portion of the 12 hr trip. We like it the further out we venture because the wind is more consistant and we don't have to worry abuot those folks from the dark side, the weekend power boaters.
Prefer Offshore
Have been from Freeport, TX to Biloxi, Mobile Bay to Freeport, TX also Pensacola, FL to Clearwater, FL and the Keys plus return and from St. Petersburg, FL to Havana, Cuba and Return. Much prefer offshore, no sea nats (jet skis) or power boaters. Worse weather beatings by far have been in Mobile Bay and Florida Bay. One crossing of the Gulf Stream to Havana was in 12-14' seas.
Have been from Freeport, TX to Biloxi, Mobile Bay to Freeport, TX also Pensacola, FL to Clearwater, FL and the Keys plus return and from St. Petersburg, FL to Havana, Cuba and Return. Much prefer offshore, no sea nats (jet skis) or power boaters. Worse weather beatings by far have been in Mobile Bay and Florida Bay. One crossing of the Gulf Stream to Havana was in 12-14' seas.
The big loop, great fun
We've sailed our Hunter 37 Cutter from Texas to Florida, The Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Mexico and back to Texas - twice, taking 6 months each time. Our route is shown in this chart: http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/7414/chart.html Our longest passage was from Isla Mujeres, Mexico on the Yucatan to Port Aransas, texas lasting right at 5 days. The most important thing I can mention is: "Watch your weather!" Weather will make or break your trip. You can't always tell if you'll have a good weather window for 3 to 5 days, but you can always wait until you can find a window that you can see far enough out. We got pounded badly on our first passage. We got the message and have never had a bad day at sea since in 10,000 miles of cruising. I like the passages. Sometimes it's boring, but there are fish to catch, stars to see, stories to write - even boat things to fix. The satisfaction of making a landing after a 5 day passage is pretty darn good, too. I've actually drug my laptop into the cockpit at 3 am, listening to Radio Australia on the SSB, writing about the stars slowly traveling overhead. I guess the farthest we were from land was about 350 miles somewhere along that route. Gene Gruender Rainbow Chaser Rainbow_Chaser@Compuserve.com
We've sailed our Hunter 37 Cutter from Texas to Florida, The Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Mexico and back to Texas - twice, taking 6 months each time. Our route is shown in this chart: http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Cabana/7414/chart.html Our longest passage was from Isla Mujeres, Mexico on the Yucatan to Port Aransas, texas lasting right at 5 days. The most important thing I can mention is: "Watch your weather!" Weather will make or break your trip. You can't always tell if you'll have a good weather window for 3 to 5 days, but you can always wait until you can find a window that you can see far enough out. We got pounded badly on our first passage. We got the message and have never had a bad day at sea since in 10,000 miles of cruising. I like the passages. Sometimes it's boring, but there are fish to catch, stars to see, stories to write - even boat things to fix. The satisfaction of making a landing after a 5 day passage is pretty darn good, too. I've actually drug my laptop into the cockpit at 3 am, listening to Radio Australia on the SSB, writing about the stars slowly traveling overhead. I guess the farthest we were from land was about 350 miles somewhere along that route. Gene Gruender Rainbow Chaser Rainbow_Chaser@Compuserve.com
180 nm on my 29.5..
..that what it takes to sail from Tel-Aviv , Israel to Larnaca , Cyprus ,one way , all of it open unprotected waters , with often changing weather , a lot of motoring , or head winds ; not strong but enough to make it often not a smooth passage. once , in a rally , we were caught in 35-45 kts ( fortunately from the back) and 3m waves , just the last 5 hours before entering Larnaca marina. with just a piece of jib , and fighting the rolling ( a deeper fin than the 4' will probably fare better), we were doing 6+ kts,but at no time then , and in other cases , were we in danger , or felt the boat limiting us ( again, except the shallow fin , not so good for tracking a course , beating or running.. unless calm no waves condition). Such leg (180 nm) takes us about 33-36 hours. I did it so far 4 times in last 6 years , as due to local geopolitics , there is actually no other off-shore trip to take from here , if one want a change to several hours/coastal sail. The thing that makes or breaks such trips , assuming the boat is ready and prepared is 1.experienced crew or 2 at least 2. happy crew.. fortunatelly , I have both. I will continue doing it ; it is an experience ,it's a chalange , it's away from the rat race,and the greek food and Ouzo in Cyprus, is great to share with good friends..
..that what it takes to sail from Tel-Aviv , Israel to Larnaca , Cyprus ,one way , all of it open unprotected waters , with often changing weather , a lot of motoring , or head winds ; not strong but enough to make it often not a smooth passage. once , in a rally , we were caught in 35-45 kts ( fortunately from the back) and 3m waves , just the last 5 hours before entering Larnaca marina. with just a piece of jib , and fighting the rolling ( a deeper fin than the 4' will probably fare better), we were doing 6+ kts,but at no time then , and in other cases , were we in danger , or felt the boat limiting us ( again, except the shallow fin , not so good for tracking a course , beating or running.. unless calm no waves condition). Such leg (180 nm) takes us about 33-36 hours. I did it so far 4 times in last 6 years , as due to local geopolitics , there is actually no other off-shore trip to take from here , if one want a change to several hours/coastal sail. The thing that makes or breaks such trips , assuming the boat is ready and prepared is 1.experienced crew or 2 at least 2. happy crew.. fortunatelly , I have both. I will continue doing it ; it is an experience ,it's a chalange , it's away from the rat race,and the greek food and Ouzo in Cyprus, is great to share with good friends..
Offshore Swells are fun !
The first time out in the big water was when I sailed out past the end of Long Island, NY off Montauk Point into the Atlantic Ocean with my 22 ft sailboat. Also sailed to Block Island RI. Later in my larger boats have sailed out the Beaufort, NC Inlet to Cape Lookout several times as a previous post has mentioned. I also sailed about 20 miles out toward the Gulf Stream off the coast of NC. I wanted to keep going, it was a great feeling riding the swells. "It felt good!!!" My boat was breathing free in the swells. Hope to venture to Bahamas someday and maybe more.
The first time out in the big water was when I sailed out past the end of Long Island, NY off Montauk Point into the Atlantic Ocean with my 22 ft sailboat. Also sailed to Block Island RI. Later in my larger boats have sailed out the Beaufort, NC Inlet to Cape Lookout several times as a previous post has mentioned. I also sailed about 20 miles out toward the Gulf Stream off the coast of NC. I wanted to keep going, it was a great feeling riding the swells. "It felt good!!!" My boat was breathing free in the swells. Hope to venture to Bahamas someday and maybe more.
About 50 miles - best at night
I love it in the middle of a moonless night, with no shore lights in sight, and also no clouds. I didn't know there were SOOOOO many stars!
I love it in the middle of a moonless night, with no shore lights in sight, and also no clouds. I didn't know there were SOOOOO many stars!
Offshore
We did our first trip to the Bahamas this spring. The crossing to the Little Bahama banks from Ft Pierce was 60 nm. Coming back we madde a direct trip from Great Sale Cay to the St John's River, total distance was 300 miles in 48 hours. My most vivid memory was coming on watch at midnight and as I was getting oriented to the boat/conditions, something snorted next to the boat. I looked over the gunwale and found a pod of porpoises swimming next to the boat. They stayed with me for the next 3 hours. What a treat! As Gene says, picking your weather window is key, and having a happy crew sure makes the journey more pleasant. Paul Bednarzyk S/V Knot Again
We did our first trip to the Bahamas this spring. The crossing to the Little Bahama banks from Ft Pierce was 60 nm. Coming back we madde a direct trip from Great Sale Cay to the St John's River, total distance was 300 miles in 48 hours. My most vivid memory was coming on watch at midnight and as I was getting oriented to the boat/conditions, something snorted next to the boat. I looked over the gunwale and found a pod of porpoises swimming next to the boat. They stayed with me for the next 3 hours. What a treat! As Gene says, picking your weather window is key, and having a happy crew sure makes the journey more pleasant. Paul Bednarzyk S/V Knot Again
I did a foolish thing once
I agreed to crew on a 34 foot Benneteau pilothouse boat from Seattle to San Diego. It was just me and the owner of the boat who said that he had made the trip 7 times before. We left on Thanksgiving day from Neah Bay and had excellent weather until we were about 80 miles offshore when we were hit by a storm - 35 foot seas and 55 knot winds. We were both very seasick and he went to bed for 36 hours and wouldn't get up. In a pilothouse boat, you have to live with and/or clean up the consequences of seasickness. My best discovery was a new and practical use for ziplock bags. I finally told him that I had to rest and he got up. I woke up ( if I slept at all ) to find that he had turned us around and headed back. He had broken the autopilot, stripped the outhaul line, and the jib blew out so I got to steer the boat downwind for another day before we got back to where we started. We anchored for a day and then headed back toward Seattle. We hit a log just outside of Port Angeles and bent the prop, shaft, and strut. We limped into port and he put the boat on a truck to take her south. I would still go to sea again but would pick a better time, crew, and situation. The most most important thing that I remember is the mental illness that seasickness can cause in an otherwise competant person. I would want to know that my crew could handle that condition without just giving in to it and quitting.
I agreed to crew on a 34 foot Benneteau pilothouse boat from Seattle to San Diego. It was just me and the owner of the boat who said that he had made the trip 7 times before. We left on Thanksgiving day from Neah Bay and had excellent weather until we were about 80 miles offshore when we were hit by a storm - 35 foot seas and 55 knot winds. We were both very seasick and he went to bed for 36 hours and wouldn't get up. In a pilothouse boat, you have to live with and/or clean up the consequences of seasickness. My best discovery was a new and practical use for ziplock bags. I finally told him that I had to rest and he got up. I woke up ( if I slept at all ) to find that he had turned us around and headed back. He had broken the autopilot, stripped the outhaul line, and the jib blew out so I got to steer the boat downwind for another day before we got back to where we started. We anchored for a day and then headed back toward Seattle. We hit a log just outside of Port Angeles and bent the prop, shaft, and strut. We limped into port and he put the boat on a truck to take her south. I would still go to sea again but would pick a better time, crew, and situation. The most most important thing that I remember is the mental illness that seasickness can cause in an otherwise competant person. I would want to know that my crew could handle that condition without just giving in to it and quitting.
good story
Been there too, Patrick. I tend not to get seasick, and I don't know how many times I've had to stand watch for other crew members who can't seem to get out of bed. Lately, when I go offshore on other people's boats with untried crew, I carry Scopolamine patches FOR THEM.
Been there too, Patrick. I tend not to get seasick, and I don't know how many times I've had to stand watch for other crew members who can't seem to get out of bed. Lately, when I go offshore on other people's boats with untried crew, I carry Scopolamine patches FOR THEM.
Night sailing
Several of you mention sailing at night. If you're in Florida waters, what do you do about the "millions" of crab traps that are around between October and April (with still may left after that time)? During the daylight hours, we have a hell of a time dodging them, and even with constant vigilance, have managed to get caught on one. Pete SV KAILANI
Several of you mention sailing at night. If you're in Florida waters, what do you do about the "millions" of crab traps that are around between October and April (with still may left after that time)? During the daylight hours, we have a hell of a time dodging them, and even with constant vigilance, have managed to get caught on one. Pete SV KAILANI
Lake Michigan sailors
For those of us on the western shore of Lake Michigan, crossing to the Michigan side is a fairly common occurance. Depending on the to/from, the average distance is 70-90 miles. We generally depart Waukegan around 2 - 3:00 AM in order to get to Saugatuck, Holland, Muskegon, South Haven, etc. by cocktail time. On Lake Michigan, the only really big things to bump into are generally big boats moving North or South.
For those of us on the western shore of Lake Michigan, crossing to the Michigan side is a fairly common occurance. Depending on the to/from, the average distance is 70-90 miles. We generally depart Waukegan around 2 - 3:00 AM in order to get to Saugatuck, Holland, Muskegon, South Haven, etc. by cocktail time. On Lake Michigan, the only really big things to bump into are generally big boats moving North or South.
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