You're out for a singlehanded daysail with no destination in mind. The wind is blowing just enough to fill the sails, and the water is barely rippled. Your boat is ghosting along making only a gentle burbling sound at the bow, and the mast is almost straight up. It's so quiet you can hear the whoosh of bird wings as they fly by, the scree of the gulls, and the splash as the ducks land and take off. Are you eating this up... or bored to tears? Are you challenged by making the boat move in extremely light air, or is this a time to fire up the iron genny? How slow do you go before you crank up the engine? Share your views on ghosting, and be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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If I am going someplace
with great reluctance the iron sail goes up. But if there is no destination for the day I sail. The wife can make soup and coffee down below. Listen to Mozart and take a nap. I really hate to be a powerboater!!!!! Last weekend was an example of both types of sailing. Morning started glassey surface barely giving shape to the sails. At 10:45 I told the first mate that if there was no wind by 11:00 we would motor back into the marina which was nearby and do some boat work. This was after the second cup of coffee and an hour and a half of watching the pelicans feast on something. At 11:00 there were whitecaps all over the bay and we were heeled doing 5 knots. the rest of the day was good sailing!!!! Sailing makes you patient and deal with what nature hands out. Powerboating makes you more in control and less close to nature. Honestly if I want to go fast and burn a lot of fuel I prefer flying a light plane. Even the fastest boat is slower than a slow airplane. And doing wing overs is a lot more exciting than jumping wakes.
with great reluctance the iron sail goes up. But if there is no destination for the day I sail. The wife can make soup and coffee down below. Listen to Mozart and take a nap. I really hate to be a powerboater!!!!! Last weekend was an example of both types of sailing. Morning started glassey surface barely giving shape to the sails. At 10:45 I told the first mate that if there was no wind by 11:00 we would motor back into the marina which was nearby and do some boat work. This was after the second cup of coffee and an hour and a half of watching the pelicans feast on something. At 11:00 there were whitecaps all over the bay and we were heeled doing 5 knots. the rest of the day was good sailing!!!! Sailing makes you patient and deal with what nature hands out. Powerboating makes you more in control and less close to nature. Honestly if I want to go fast and burn a lot of fuel I prefer flying a light plane. Even the fastest boat is slower than a slow airplane. And doing wing overs is a lot more exciting than jumping wakes.
The joy is sailing . . .
in other words, being out on the water, working in concert with nature. If I need to get someplace, I will use the motor, but that's not fun. So long as we have steerageway, its light wind is a time to relax, chat, watch the world around you. Yes, there is some pride in knowing how to get the most out a light wind, 150% gennie, ease sail controls to max. draft, etc. But just being without stressing is priceless. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
in other words, being out on the water, working in concert with nature. If I need to get someplace, I will use the motor, but that's not fun. So long as we have steerageway, its light wind is a time to relax, chat, watch the world around you. Yes, there is some pride in knowing how to get the most out a light wind, 150% gennie, ease sail controls to max. draft, etc. But just being without stressing is priceless. Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo
Enjoy What You Have
In addition to sailing, I enjoy flyfishing. It's a great combination because flyfishing is best done when the wind is down. Anyway, the approach is the same. A bad day of fishing (sailing) is better than a good day at work. I say use the motor as little as possible. Enjoy what wind you have or don't have. I agree with Jim 100%. Being without stress is the best way to fill one's time, and if that means getting there later than anticipated, then there is more time without stress. Of course as long as you have the motor as a back up, you can really relax and use it when you have to. Alan
In addition to sailing, I enjoy flyfishing. It's a great combination because flyfishing is best done when the wind is down. Anyway, the approach is the same. A bad day of fishing (sailing) is better than a good day at work. I say use the motor as little as possible. Enjoy what wind you have or don't have. I agree with Jim 100%. Being without stress is the best way to fill one's time, and if that means getting there later than anticipated, then there is more time without stress. Of course as long as you have the motor as a back up, you can really relax and use it when you have to. Alan
Slow Going
We try to avoid the slow down wind or over the shoulder reaches when boat speed drops to 3-4 knots and the Genoa just hangs there and the main starts slatting. If we can sail on a reach or somewhat close hauled and keep the sails firm we'll pick that point of sail, but if there is a set destination and time frame, we drop the Genoa and motor sail with the main up and enjoy a cool drink in the shade of the bimini.
We try to avoid the slow down wind or over the shoulder reaches when boat speed drops to 3-4 knots and the Genoa just hangs there and the main starts slatting. If we can sail on a reach or somewhat close hauled and keep the sails firm we'll pick that point of sail, but if there is a set destination and time frame, we drop the Genoa and motor sail with the main up and enjoy a cool drink in the shade of the bimini.
Fly Fishing
Caught a 12# Coho salmon on a flyrod off the stern this September when the wind died. What a thrill!! Gotta' watch closely that you don't wrap the line on the backstay. I don't know how you would get it off. Sean
Caught a 12# Coho salmon on a flyrod off the stern this September when the wind died. What a thrill!! Gotta' watch closely that you don't wrap the line on the backstay. I don't know how you would get it off. Sean
Cruising Spinnaker adds 20% sailing time
If we are day-sailing, we take what we can get, at any speed, we are sailing, and the iron genny is just to get us out of the harbor, and home again. Most of our sailing is cruising on Lake Erie, though. We really need to get _somewhere_ for the night. 4 knots is our minimum speed average, so we bank the time over 4 knots, and wait for the wind to come back in the lulls. The best move is our Doyle APC (asymetric spinnaker.) If there is any wind at all from 60 degrees off the bow to astern, we can usually make reasonable time. (If the wind is dead astern of our course, we gybe downwind - it's faster, and much more pleasant!) It raised out sailing time from 60 to 80 percent on the average cruising day. David Lady Lillie
If we are day-sailing, we take what we can get, at any speed, we are sailing, and the iron genny is just to get us out of the harbor, and home again. Most of our sailing is cruising on Lake Erie, though. We really need to get _somewhere_ for the night. 4 knots is our minimum speed average, so we bank the time over 4 knots, and wait for the wind to come back in the lulls. The best move is our Doyle APC (asymetric spinnaker.) If there is any wind at all from 60 degrees off the bow to astern, we can usually make reasonable time. (If the wind is dead astern of our course, we gybe downwind - it's faster, and much more pleasant!) It raised out sailing time from 60 to 80 percent on the average cruising day. David Lady Lillie
Get Somewhere
I use the diesel when I need to be somewhere on time. I love to sail, but if I need to make landfall before the weather gets nasty, or if being late means not getting a good dock at some strange place, I crank it up! When I had my first cruiser I used to try to sail even when there was no wind - I got over the need to prove that I could do without power when all I got was a sunburn for the effort. Now if the wind lets me down I just get under the bimini, turn on the autohelm, and read a book till the situation changes.
I use the diesel when I need to be somewhere on time. I love to sail, but if I need to make landfall before the weather gets nasty, or if being late means not getting a good dock at some strange place, I crank it up! When I had my first cruiser I used to try to sail even when there was no wind - I got over the need to prove that I could do without power when all I got was a sunburn for the effort. Now if the wind lets me down I just get under the bimini, turn on the autohelm, and read a book till the situation changes.
Do you really know how to sail
It is easy to sail when you have a lot of wind. When the wind is light is when you put all your sailing skills to work. I was out sailing last Sunday in light air and there was a comparable boat nearby on the same point of sail I was on. Great!. A race is starting. I paid more attention to sail trim and crew position and we moved ahead slowly untill he furled his sails and motored by me. We had more fun getting every bit of speed out of our boat. If I had a long distance to go I would have started the engine.
It is easy to sail when you have a lot of wind. When the wind is light is when you put all your sailing skills to work. I was out sailing last Sunday in light air and there was a comparable boat nearby on the same point of sail I was on. Great!. A race is starting. I paid more attention to sail trim and crew position and we moved ahead slowly untill he furled his sails and motored by me. We had more fun getting every bit of speed out of our boat. If I had a long distance to go I would have started the engine.
Reminds me of a "Saying" ....
Which goes ...... When a powerboater gets on his boat he has a destination in mind. When a sailboater gets on his boat, he is where he wants to be. Jeff
Which goes ...... When a powerboater gets on his boat he has a destination in mind. When a sailboater gets on his boat, he is where he wants to be. Jeff
Not ashamed to run my diesel...
Mirage's engine is well maintained, and economical. I studied martial arts for many years, however I still know how to shoot and maintain a gun. I have a light trout rod, for backpacking Blue Canyon, and a deep sea rig with 40lbs test that rides in my C36. etc. etc. Like the martail artist a sailor should practise, and become proficient, in all conditions. This includes light air sailing AND motoring. That done, have fun
I will not insist on sailing and risk a difficult, or new, landfall after dark. I will start the engine way before I let my pride push my boat into any bad situation. All that being said, I did buy a sail boat, and I really like the quiet
Mirage's engine is well maintained, and economical. I studied martial arts for many years, however I still know how to shoot and maintain a gun. I have a light trout rod, for backpacking Blue Canyon, and a deep sea rig with 40lbs test that rides in my C36. etc. etc. Like the martail artist a sailor should practise, and become proficient, in all conditions. This includes light air sailing AND motoring. That done, have fun
I will not insist on sailing and risk a difficult, or new, landfall after dark. I will start the engine way before I let my pride push my boat into any bad situation. All that being said, I did buy a sail boat, and I really like the quietShake and Bake
Those of us who share in the many benefits of a swing keel know that our boats just don't do as well as keel boats in real light air. When a small puff fills the sails, it takes some time to get the boat into the proper direction and then moving. As soon as the puff stops, so does the boat. It flounders, proper direction is lost and then the process repeats itself with the next slight puff. Without a lot of weight on the bottom and a longer boat shape below, Newton's law of motion comes into play immediately (bodies in motion...) so... When Abracadabra (Mac G '25) goes from sailing slowly into "Shake and Bake" mode, Mr. Honda is employed. Having Mr. Honda, a 7.5 HP four stroke is a real pleasure. On it's slowest setting, with the rpm's hardly ticking over, we can move along at one to two knots. It's so quiet that we can hardly hear it in the cockpit. We can converse in normal tones, listen to the sound system and have a breeze on our face as we enjoy moving on the lake. Of course, when the wind is that light, we often drop the sails, have a food or libation break and then go swimming! I sail very often during the Spring, Summer and Fall. Employing Mr. Honda to get into and out of the marina and on "Shake & Bake" days. What I really love is complaining to my brother, who is a "Stink Pot" sailor, that I used almost five whole gallons of gas this entire season...:} Isn't having so many options great?
Those of us who share in the many benefits of a swing keel know that our boats just don't do as well as keel boats in real light air. When a small puff fills the sails, it takes some time to get the boat into the proper direction and then moving. As soon as the puff stops, so does the boat. It flounders, proper direction is lost and then the process repeats itself with the next slight puff. Without a lot of weight on the bottom and a longer boat shape below, Newton's law of motion comes into play immediately (bodies in motion...) so... When Abracadabra (Mac G '25) goes from sailing slowly into "Shake and Bake" mode, Mr. Honda is employed. Having Mr. Honda, a 7.5 HP four stroke is a real pleasure. On it's slowest setting, with the rpm's hardly ticking over, we can move along at one to two knots. It's so quiet that we can hardly hear it in the cockpit. We can converse in normal tones, listen to the sound system and have a breeze on our face as we enjoy moving on the lake. Of course, when the wind is that light, we often drop the sails, have a food or libation break and then go swimming! I sail very often during the Spring, Summer and Fall. Employing Mr. Honda to get into and out of the marina and on "Shake & Bake" days. What I really love is complaining to my brother, who is a "Stink Pot" sailor, that I used almost five whole gallons of gas this entire season...:} Isn't having so many options great?
We impose the two knot rule
which is: If we are not sailing at above two knots, it is time to crank up the iron. This rule ONLY applies when we are enroute to a destination; it is not used when we are just out for a day sail, as that is a time to float along and enjoy the sail for what it is on a day like that.
which is: If we are not sailing at above two knots, it is time to crank up the iron. This rule ONLY applies when we are enroute to a destination; it is not used when we are just out for a day sail, as that is a time to float along and enjoy the sail for what it is on a day like that.
Look at the bright side
No pesky tacking and jibing to interfere with drinking cold beer, changing the music, going below for food, eating it, or reading a good book. Also don't have to fool with an anchor to fish or swim. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with wind but when your out for a day sail and it ain't there, relax and enjoy. As far as the cold beer goes, remember you still have to fit the boat back into the slip (preferably without hitting neighboring boats) so save some to celebrate a successful docking.
No pesky tacking and jibing to interfere with drinking cold beer, changing the music, going below for food, eating it, or reading a good book. Also don't have to fool with an anchor to fish or swim. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with wind but when your out for a day sail and it ain't there, relax and enjoy. As far as the cold beer goes, remember you still have to fit the boat back into the slip (preferably without hitting neighboring boats) so save some to celebrate a successful docking.
Only in July and August
I wish I could say that I never use the motor, but sometimes during the really hot months of summer I just can't take the heat without a breeze. Of course, dropping the hook and swimming for a bit is an option, but sometimes I can't afford to wait for the wind to come back up. My wife gets tired, the cooler gets empty, and the sun begins to set. Unfortunately, during the summer that's normally when what little wind was present begins to die also. Not to mention the fact that swimming in Chesapeake waters sometimes means sharing the water with man-eating jellyfish. So it becomes a choice between sweating it out with a hostile wife and no beer, or pulling the rope on the ol' Nissan and heading back in comfort. Someday, when I'm retired and rich, *fingers crossed* I'll have a large boat with a/c, so when the wind dies and the sun sets, I'll just drop the hook and wait til morning. More important, I'll have no job to force me into hurrying back to the dock.
I wish I could say that I never use the motor, but sometimes during the really hot months of summer I just can't take the heat without a breeze. Of course, dropping the hook and swimming for a bit is an option, but sometimes I can't afford to wait for the wind to come back up. My wife gets tired, the cooler gets empty, and the sun begins to set. Unfortunately, during the summer that's normally when what little wind was present begins to die also. Not to mention the fact that swimming in Chesapeake waters sometimes means sharing the water with man-eating jellyfish. So it becomes a choice between sweating it out with a hostile wife and no beer, or pulling the rope on the ol' Nissan and heading back in comfort. Someday, when I'm retired and rich, *fingers crossed* I'll have a large boat with a/c, so when the wind dies and the sun sets, I'll just drop the hook and wait til morning. More important, I'll have no job to force me into hurrying back to the dock.
Fatty Goodlander Article
in Cruising world takes it to the extreme!!! He takes 9 days to sail 250 miles. This is out in the middle of the ocean!!!! They pretended to be at anchor!!!! Wow just imagine not having to be somewhere for 9 days!!!!!!!!! They moved backward some days because of the current. Of course if this happened crossing the gulf stream to the Bahamas it might make you change destinations. 3kts X 24hrs X 9days = New Jersey??
in Cruising world takes it to the extreme!!! He takes 9 days to sail 250 miles. This is out in the middle of the ocean!!!! They pretended to be at anchor!!!! Wow just imagine not having to be somewhere for 9 days!!!!!!!!! They moved backward some days because of the current. Of course if this happened crossing the gulf stream to the Bahamas it might make you change destinations. 3kts X 24hrs X 9days = New Jersey??
go with the flow
I have always said that the moment I step on my boat "I'm there!" I'm right where I want to be. many, many, times I have slipped away early on a weekday afternoon in a 5kt breeze only unfurling the jib to just drift along. sure, I love to sail her hard with a bone in her nose! but, then there is the other side where you feel suspended in time. as my kids would say "it's all good"!
I have always said that the moment I step on my boat "I'm there!" I'm right where I want to be. many, many, times I have slipped away early on a weekday afternoon in a 5kt breeze only unfurling the jib to just drift along. sure, I love to sail her hard with a bone in her nose! but, then there is the other side where you feel suspended in time. as my kids would say "it's all good"!
Sit back and enjoy yourself
Just being out oin the water is enough for my Capt and I. We sail when there is wind and are not so proud that we won't use the iron genny when necessary. I do not need to have the rail in the water to enjoy sailing. In fact I don't really care for that kind of sailing. I'm just a lazy wind, going nowhere slow kind of sailor. So just sit back and let the worries and stress leave and enjoy.
Just being out oin the water is enough for my Capt and I. We sail when there is wind and are not so proud that we won't use the iron genny when necessary. I do not need to have the rail in the water to enjoy sailing. In fact I don't really care for that kind of sailing. I'm just a lazy wind, going nowhere slow kind of sailor. So just sit back and let the worries and stress leave and enjoy.
Great saying, Jeff.
One of my favorite sayings, which supports your quote, was made by Rattie in "Wind In The Willows" as he took Mole for his very first boat ride: "There is nothing- absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Call me nuts, but when my Mac26X is on the trailer in the driveway, I can actually go out in the evening, martini in hand, climb into the cabin, and sit there drinking my drink, quite contented to simply be there.
One of my favorite sayings, which supports your quote, was made by Rattie in "Wind In The Willows" as he took Mole for his very first boat ride: "There is nothing- absolutely nothing- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Call me nuts, but when my Mac26X is on the trailer in the driveway, I can actually go out in the evening, martini in hand, climb into the cabin, and sit there drinking my drink, quite contented to simply be there.
Simply being there......
I've motored my sailboat out into the middle of Canyon Lake near my San Antonio, TX, home, shut off the engine, and drifted around in the August doldrums. Simply being out on the water in the boat is a joy even if I jump in and float alongside on an air mattress.
I've motored my sailboat out into the middle of Canyon Lake near my San Antonio, TX, home, shut off the engine, and drifted around in the August doldrums. Simply being out on the water in the boat is a joy even if I jump in and float alongside on an air mattress.
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