I'm getting too old

[sailaway78]

Those of you who read my post about the noise the boat was making, already know I was in a pretty bad thunderstorm. And got in one the day before. Flat out got my a&* kicked. Saturday I just laid up for the day, as the forecast was for more of the same. Started for home early this morning. A long run for inside. Little over 70 miles. Had about 20 knots, out of the ESE, and I am going basically west. Pretty sloppy, boat moving around a lot, but certainly doable. Making very good boat speed, averaging well over 7 knots, and saw 9 a time or two. But the auto won't handle the boat in those conditions, ( you listening Raymarine?) so it was by hand all the way. I figured about 9 hours or so, and just flat didn't think I could physically handle it. AS much as I hate to say it, this 74yo body just ain't what it used to be.

 

[Ross]

Philip, I did six and a half hours friday and that much saturday and it was enough. The conditions I was were very gentle.

 

[navigator97]

I know the feeling Easy. My body is coming up on 77 in 3 weeks, however I'm just coming up on 26 for the 3rd time. My cantankerous body thinks I'm an idiot.

 

[Nodak7]

Those of you who read my post about the noise the boat was making, already know I was in a pretty bad thunderstorm. And got in one the day before. Flat out got my a&* kicked. Saturday I just laid up for the day, as the forecast was for more of the same. Started for home early this morning. A long run for inside. Little over 70 miles. Had about 20 knots, out of the ESE, and I am going basically west. Pretty sloppy, boat moving around a lot, but certainly doable. Making very good boat speed, averaging well over 7 knots, and saw 9 a time or two. But the auto won't handle the boat in those conditions, ( you listening Raymarine?) so it was by hand all the way. I figured about 9 hours or so, and just flat didn't think I could physically handle it. AS much as I hate to say it, this 74yo body just ain't what it used to be.

You guys are all inspirations to this, comparative, youngster of 65.....!!! Thanks guys at least I know I got a few more good years to enjoy this sport!

 

[Gunni]

That is the most challenging point of sail - the rudder is easily overpowered. Your Raymarine autopilot has adjustments for how quickly it reacts to course corrections and how powerfully it drives the rudder. You will of course pay a price in Amp hours.

 

[r.oril]

I know the feeling Easy. My body is coming up on 77 in 3 weeks, however I'm just coming up on 26 for the 3rd time. My cantankerous body thinks I'm an idiot.

I like the 26 for the 3rd time....My kids think that I am just a big kid..

 

[Ross]

Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

 

[Warren Milberg]

As I get older, I'm trying to sail smarter. I used to head out, mostly solo, in just about any kind of WX. Now, I'm more picky about when I sail. If I get stuck at an anchorage due to bad WX, I just stay a day longer and finish reading the book I brought along. In the past, I have always been averse to reducing sail, who knows why. Now, I roll up some genoa when I see whitecaps and reef the main whenever the boat wants heel more 20-deg. Whenever I cruise, I look for "bail out" bays, creeks, or other suitable anchorages along the way that I can get into quickly if Ma Nature is feeling pissy. Better her than me....

 

[Dan Johnson]

It's said...

that the CG has a saying that you have to go out but you don't have to come back.

I have a saying on my boat that you don't have to go out if you wanna to come back...