Iron wind

[Michael Mckeown]

Depends on the weather

Depends on the weather. Here in Florida it can get extremely HOT! The Bimini can only protect you for so much after a while you crank up the motor so you can cool down. It is ok to swim once in a while, but while racing with 3 knot winds is not fun at all.

 

[Mac Smith]

Ghosting OK Sometimes

I have enjoyed ghosting, in some occasions, based on the company with me. I prefer to do over 1.5 knots, less and I will crank up the steam.

 

[Ed Gardner]

When you're under sail....

the journey IS the destination. Says enough?

 

[skip howe]

light air

If I haven't a destination, then it depends on the temperature. Hot day, bright sun, and I head in. Otherwise, enjoy a slooow sail, and the quiet.

 

[Kay]

The Thrill is not gone

Just being on the boat is a thrill for me. Just having a boat is a thrill for me. Sailing a boat is a bigger thrill for me. So I love a slow sailing day I stay in the shade and enjoy where I am at that moment. Two or three knots is great; if a duck goes past me that is just wonderful. One day in the future I will be on the shore wishing I could be on the water again. All I will have will be memories (I hope)*o. I would rather have the boat thank you.Everything in its own place and time.

 

[Jim]

Sailing is a Gift

The first moment my foot touches the deck, I thank Heaven for the gift of sailing. In a motor boat, one has to have a destination. Whereas, my sailboat is the destination! Everything that happens from that moment on is a gift. I accept whatever comes my way-whether it is a gentle breeze or a gusty day, I am happy. A calm day means I can enjoy the waves lapping at my hull, the wonderful blue sky, cloud formations or the stars. Boredom is seldom an issue. It takes more effort to start the engine(be annoyed by the noise) and be forced into choosing a destination, than to sit back and enjoy the very purpose of my sailboat-to be "one" with nature. Ahhh, the tranquility of it all. Peace and happy holidays to you all.

 

[Raymond Ortega]

Relax

While I prefer a bit more speed, any time on the water beats yard work, office work or TV all to hell. Besides, my wife enjoys just laying out with a good book, so slow days work OK.On an inland lake, what's the big rush to get to the end?

 

[Don Krause]

Amazing

Amazing that I come in from a great solo on the Gulf and read EMail from Sailnet regarding "In Irons". Wind out there about 4-5 knots and without GPS swear I wasn't moving at all. Still, after the hectic gathering of Family and two different dinners and deserts, it didn't matter as just being out on the water in my little yacht (Macgregor 25) with the birds and the sky enough to smooth all. Practice practice practice...all of the angles of sail without worry or stress. Slow figure eights, throwing a bouy and coming back to it..What a way to spend any day!

 

[Terry]

beats paddling

For the last 20 years, we have paddled canoes over many a lake and river. Wind, any wind, was the enemy. Now I am in awe of traveling 2 knots without the slightest lifting of a finger. I have been heeled over touching the gunwales going 8 knots. Give me slow and steady.

 

[Richard]

Tranquility is good

If I'm out for a daysail as long as I'm moving it's fine. However, if I see wind off in the distance I might turn on the engine to get to it. When I'm cruising, I'm usually lookin' to book, so it's not unusual for me to motorsail if I'm going under 6 knots.Richard C.Manhasset Bay

 

[Richard Armstrong]

I motor reluctantly

My wife claims I would sit in a dead calm for days before "motoring up" if she didn't prod me. I'm not really that bad, but when I go sailing, dadburn it, I want to SAIL!.

 

[Miller]

boring

I raced Hobie Cats for 16 years before I bought my first "monoslug". There were races where the wind was so light, I would spit in the water to be sure I was moving. Those days are over. I refuse to drift in zero wind for the "thrill of sailing". That isn't sailing - it is drifting - and it is boring.-MillersvBrendaGail

 

[Gail]

Never Bored

You have got to learn to like it all !!

 

[Sam A]

No where is a great destination, get there slowly.

When the wind lets off, the sailing is harder and more rewarding. I have been passed up by jelly fish, not that I liked it, but better them than another boat.

 

[Mike]

That One Thing

With a gentle breeze and a quiet sea, the "Lady Lynne" almost sails herself. There is no hustle and bustle to set line and check trim. A watchful eye and common sense keeps ship and shipmates safe. A quiet time to reflect and commune with the sea. A time of thoughtful introspection and self knowledge. I know who, what and where I am, and why I am there. As the "LL" carries me forward in quiet comfort, I come to appreciate her even more. She talks to me and I listen. She speaks to me of the waves and wind, of what she needs from me and of what I need from her. As ship shape and Bristol Fashion as can be, I know that she can face weather and seas that I would not want to see. Her quiet strength as she gently carries me onward is a balm to self and soul.I love to run close hauled with sheets and stays humming to the the skies the power of the wind. But as all sailors learn, I do not control the wind and waves. When blessed with a fair but gentle breeze, I listen closely for the rest of lesson the sea has to teach me. Patience, tolerance, acceptance and wonder are all offered to me. When even the "Lady Lynne" can go no further, I wait a while and then, reluctantly, start the noisey contraption attatched to my stern and learn even one more lesson. All good things must end.MikeAboard The "Lady Lynne"San Diego, CA

 

[Lou]

Ghosting vs. Motoring

When I fire the iron staysail depends on what I'm doing. Out for a day sail, the noise maker goes on when I'm sick of bobbing around in the wakes of the power boats. On vacation, boat speed below 3 knots, on she comes.

 

[Dale Wells]

Been there - not fun

Been there - done that. Not fun. If I wanted to be in that situation, I'd stay on my porch and all the excitement of a lawn chair. I don't need to have the rails in the water all the time but I have seen too much time dead in the water. When friends are with, it is even worse because you find yourself apologizing for the lack of wind as you sit there and cook in the sun. Crank up the Evenrude and head for the dock.

 

[tom]

Magic Moments while ghosting

Some mornings we have just pulled up the anchor and ghosted along near shore. One morning we watched a flock of turkeys eating stuff along the shore. Several times deer were grazing. If we sit still they don't seem to realise we are humans. Bird watching is particularly good when you have just enough wind to barely move. Cormorants working a cove and herding the fish into a corner is cool to watch. All of a sudden 5-10 birds surface with fish in their mouths. Watching osprey repeatedly dive for fish until they come up with something. we have appraoched within a couple hundred feet of eagles. That is the great thing about a sailboat Wildlife isn't usually frightened as we ghost along. Start the motor and most things disappear.

 

[Dan]

good one Tom!

as I read thru the different opinions one thing become crystal clear. those that enjoy ghosting along are the same folks that mention the love of water and mother nature. seems there is a clear line between those who sail for something to do and those who sail for someplace to be. I gratefully fall into the latter. I had rather be sitting in my dingy dead in the water than sitting on the porch!

 

[Mike]

No Wake,No Wind a Beer and Go In.

The Hunter 27 will move in the lightest air. I find it a challenge to keep Serenity going and to practice tacking without stalling. But when the center of a high is overhead, and the boat hasen't moved for one beer (length of time) then I'll crank up the engine and motor in. Only after checking the forecast. More then once last summer I just waited for a monumental wind shift and sailed again.