We got to test out our new to us Hunter 260, Moonshadow, and our skills in 20 knot plus winds this weekend and had a blast. The forecast was 25 to 40 mph (22 to 35 knots) winds so we initially decided to get up early and tackle some minor repairs. After dropping some required tools and parts overboard and a few of the ordered parts not fitting as planned we abandoned the work plan and tuned our eyes to the water.
That morning the marina wind gauges showed to sustained 18 – 20 knots (21 – 23 mph) with gust to 35 knots (40 mph) which usually means + 5 – 10 on the water. Another couple with a Catalina 30 were also eyeing the lake so we decided to head out together. We set the reef in the marina, tied the main down and headed out, once clear, raised the main and she took off.
The Catalina is rigged for blue water with full weather station and course tracking systems so we stayed in contact with them regarding wind speed and SOG along with our GPS. On the water we had sustained winds between 20 – 25 knots with peak gusts to 35 knots.
We have the tiller steering which gives you very good feel of the boat and a work out. I have limited experience with a wheel, never in high winds, but I can not imagine loosing that feel of the rudder as it allows me to respond so much faster to what is going on.
Moonshadow held between 5.4 and 6.2 SOG with only the main. A few gusts blew us over to 35 – 40 degree heel and splashed the windows but she settled right back in. We could hold her steady between 15 – 25 degree heel with constant attention to the trim. What a feeling with the occasional bow spray coming over the deck.
The marina was on the leeward side on the lake. Once we got to the windward side it settled down a bit to 15-18 knots so we eased out the jib to allow us to run a little tighter and assist when coming about. We headed back toward windward side and left the jib out ranging between 3-5 turns. By loosening the boomvang we were able to twist the main and spill some of the wind.
We found that groove where everything is balanced and she almost sailed herself, 20 degree heel, no weather helm and running at a consistent 6 plus knots, flirting with just over 7 SOG on the GPS a few times but not sustained, nice rollers coming off the stern.
I know I have read post of plus 7 and some reporting 8s on a Hunter but it seemed that we were at the max my skill and/or she would do.
The admiral took the helm while I worked the trim. We stayed between closed hauled and a close reach for 5 miles. Two boats side by side looked like race horses trying to edge each other out as they cut through the chop. Over the run the Catalina pulled away as she was a lot more stable and could fly a full jib.
It is amazing how small a big lake can get when sailing hard. We chased each other around the lake for four hours and by mid afternoon we the winds had laid down to 10 – 15 knots…we went to full sails still holding close to hull speed most of the time. The Catalina went in and we sailed on. We stayed out until dusk.
What a great day are still sore with the bruises to prove it all. There was a lot of great dinner conversation with 2 other crews (both fixed keel boats). All were surprised that a water ballast boat performed so well.
We went on board the Catalina and checked out the course tracker readings. Their readings for the fours hours we sailed together were an average of 5.8 knots SOG, peak gust of 38 knots(46 mph) and average wind speed at 23.8 knots (26 mph). Since we stayed close to them during this time so I assume our average SOG was a little less.
One of the best parts was how much Moonshadow taught me about how she likes her sails trimmed. She seemed to enjoy getting out, running and showing her stuff. She earned her place with the other fixed keel boats.
I have read post that a water ballast boat should stay in when wind is over 20 knots…in my case and sailing on an inland lake, I am looking for the next 20 plus knot day…what a rush and great day sailing.
Tim and Rhonda
That morning the marina wind gauges showed to sustained 18 – 20 knots (21 – 23 mph) with gust to 35 knots (40 mph) which usually means + 5 – 10 on the water. Another couple with a Catalina 30 were also eyeing the lake so we decided to head out together. We set the reef in the marina, tied the main down and headed out, once clear, raised the main and she took off.
The Catalina is rigged for blue water with full weather station and course tracking systems so we stayed in contact with them regarding wind speed and SOG along with our GPS. On the water we had sustained winds between 20 – 25 knots with peak gusts to 35 knots.
We have the tiller steering which gives you very good feel of the boat and a work out. I have limited experience with a wheel, never in high winds, but I can not imagine loosing that feel of the rudder as it allows me to respond so much faster to what is going on.
Moonshadow held between 5.4 and 6.2 SOG with only the main. A few gusts blew us over to 35 – 40 degree heel and splashed the windows but she settled right back in. We could hold her steady between 15 – 25 degree heel with constant attention to the trim. What a feeling with the occasional bow spray coming over the deck.
The marina was on the leeward side on the lake. Once we got to the windward side it settled down a bit to 15-18 knots so we eased out the jib to allow us to run a little tighter and assist when coming about. We headed back toward windward side and left the jib out ranging between 3-5 turns. By loosening the boomvang we were able to twist the main and spill some of the wind.
We found that groove where everything is balanced and she almost sailed herself, 20 degree heel, no weather helm and running at a consistent 6 plus knots, flirting with just over 7 SOG on the GPS a few times but not sustained, nice rollers coming off the stern.
I know I have read post of plus 7 and some reporting 8s on a Hunter but it seemed that we were at the max my skill and/or she would do.
The admiral took the helm while I worked the trim. We stayed between closed hauled and a close reach for 5 miles. Two boats side by side looked like race horses trying to edge each other out as they cut through the chop. Over the run the Catalina pulled away as she was a lot more stable and could fly a full jib.
It is amazing how small a big lake can get when sailing hard. We chased each other around the lake for four hours and by mid afternoon we the winds had laid down to 10 – 15 knots…we went to full sails still holding close to hull speed most of the time. The Catalina went in and we sailed on. We stayed out until dusk.
What a great day are still sore with the bruises to prove it all. There was a lot of great dinner conversation with 2 other crews (both fixed keel boats). All were surprised that a water ballast boat performed so well.
We went on board the Catalina and checked out the course tracker readings. Their readings for the fours hours we sailed together were an average of 5.8 knots SOG, peak gust of 38 knots(46 mph) and average wind speed at 23.8 knots (26 mph). Since we stayed close to them during this time so I assume our average SOG was a little less.
One of the best parts was how much Moonshadow taught me about how she likes her sails trimmed. She seemed to enjoy getting out, running and showing her stuff. She earned her place with the other fixed keel boats.
I have read post that a water ballast boat should stay in when wind is over 20 knots…in my case and sailing on an inland lake, I am looking for the next 20 plus knot day…what a rush and great day sailing.
Tim and Rhonda
