It doesn't get better than this

[Paul Housman]

We've had our h26 a year now and have never stayed over night on her. So we decided to take some time off the end of last week and break her in. We took off on Thursday down Kentucky Lake with slight winds so we sailed as much as we could and decided to motor the rest of the way to Duncan's Bay and spend the night. We set the anchor and settled down to watch the beautiful fall sunset. It was great!!!! Kept waking up to make sure we were still anchored in the same spot. Had no problems except for the hard plastic under the foam mattress. Need to look into bigger padding for people who sleep on their sides. Had a beautiful quiet breakfast watching the mist rise on the lake. SAid to myself ,this is what it's all about. Just sailing with no time frame,taking the time to enjoy the scenery around you. Man, it was fantastic. Winds were out of the north to northeast so we headed down the lake to the bridge spanning the lake at Ken Lake MArina. Sailed under her like a champ. FIrst time we had ever gone down that far on the lake. It's about 22 miles from where we usually sail. Decided to turn around and head back and found that the winds were coming directly from where I had to go to get back thru the bridge. Tried unsuccessfully at different angles to get thru. Every time I got close the winds would shift due to getting close to the uprights on the bridge(I'm guessing at this). Tried for about a half hour gave up and put the engine on. Motored for about a half hour. By that time the winds picked up to about 10 -15MPH and we sailed back. What a wild ride. Full sails,gusty winds. The wife doesn't do well with excessive heeling. Anything over 5 degrees she starts to get nervous. This day we heeled at times up to 20. It was great. My wife stopped swearing at me after a while and was finally getting used to it. We finally made it back exhausted but exhilarated. We are looking forward to many more adventures on our boat. Thanks to all of you on this site who gave us the courage to jump into sailing by sharing what works and what doesn't. Paul HS/V Linda Belle 95 H26

 

[Larry and Carol Schroeder]

Right On!!!

You sound just like us! (I'm the wife.) I didn't like heeling much either. Bought a new 320 last fall---then in June when we were going to do what you guys just did, I fell and broke both my wrists! Needless to say, Larry was really bummed out---of course, so was I. I'm just getting back to normal now, so next summer (the boat is coming out on the 12th) we're taking off up Lake Michigan for a month or more---and also bringing along our 2 cats, Molly and Lucy (they don't know it yet). We are so excited just thinking about it and even hearing you relate your experience is truly exhilarating. As for heeling, during the last month I have done most all the sailing. Larry is on the lines (my wrists, you know) and we are heeling like big dogs!!!! It is so much fun now. Wish we had gotten into sailing much earlier in life.Congratulations and fair winds to you guys!!!!!

 

[Ray Bowles]

Good for you two. Now you're hooked.

We just completed a 260 mile sailing adventure by running down and back to the dam that forms our lake. About 20 to 23 miles a day when tacking and up to 45 when running with only 2 hrs of motoring to charge the battery. 10 day trip on our 95 H26. A fantastic boat for a couple to renew their attitudes on. Thanks for sharing your trip.Oh, by the time you move up to 3 and 4 days out I'd bet you will very comfortable with 20 to 25 degrees.RayS/V Speedy

 

[Ron]

Try A Thermarest

On long trips to northern Lake Superior on our H26, as a side sleeper, I always use a thin, camper type, self-inflating air pad called Thermarest. Can be found at any outdoor store. Gives an extra layer of cushioning on top of the firm foam pads.Good luck with your future trips. You just had a hint of the joys - and frustrations - of sailing.