Minimum Wind for Water Ballasted Hunters

[BrianW]

What is the minimum wind velocity that you'll leave home to go sailing on your Hunter water-ballasted sailboat? I'm trying to calibrate my brain to interpret the reported wind conditions at my H-26 location. Please don't try to factor in extreme temperatures, distance to boat, televised sports events, length of honey-do list, and other such competing motivations. Sometimes, I'll go out regardless of minimum reported wind, just to be on the water. Other times, I don't want to just motor around or fight limp sails. This is the condition I'm pondering over and invite your response.

Also, after reading Mike's post, please add the maximum wind under the same conditions specified above. BrianW

 

[soling42]

Minimum isn't as big a deal in our 260 as much as 15+. The real beauty of Fl is that the afternoon/evening almost always brings a gentle seabreeze which is what these boats seem to do best(IMHO). On the other hand, as you mentioned, I often enjoy just being on the hook in a quiet spot doing nothing but decompression whether it's howlin' or glassy.
Hope you have a good season. Mike

 

[tkaser3210]

On Lake Michigan, wave size and wind direction are as big a factor as wind speed. If these conditions are both favorable, we look for min 5-7 knot winds to make it a "sail". We'll go out (reefed before leaving the slip) in 12-15 knots if the waves are less than 5 ft and the winds are steady.

Because the time on the lake is so enjoyable in nice weather, we'll go out on windless days, and just drift, at least a couple of miles offshore. We read, swim, eat, sleep, etc.

Except for really nasty weather, "a bad day on the lake is better than a good day at work"

 

[Harvey18647]

On our dammed piece of the Mississippi, current is a factor, along with wind direction. When the dams are down, the open river is seldom friendly to sailboats. If the spring flood isn't too bad, that's when we clean up and get the boat ready for the year. If the flood blocks the road to the marina, well, that's why God invented bicycles and motorcycles.

Once the spring flood is over and the dams are up, the current is manageable. Over 5 mph winds, we'll go out, though 9 through 18 is best. We reef early, and don't always unfurl the jib -- depends on wind direction whether we shorten sail or go bare in front.

This year, the flood lasted past the 4th of July and we had blast-furnace heat of over 100 degrees for weeks on end. We've been sailing through the fall, though.

Mrs. Doc at the helm, river barge and some fall colors in the background.
Note the fleece hoodie!

 

[cephius (Dave)]

If the water is warm enough, I'll go out with zero wind. The H260 is a great swim platform

Sitting at anchor watching the sun set with a cold one on the 4th of July.

Sometimes its just boating instead of sailing. Its still better than roasting ashore.

15 knots is about the max for me too. This year we've had gusts to 30+ when the winds were sustained at around 18. We decided "road trip" instead.

 

[fokker416]

I like to see at least 5kts, but I'll go out anyway. If there is barely any wind and we're at a "controlled drift" then we'll go swimming for fishing and wait for the afternoon when it usually picks up.

 

[Kivalo]

I'm bummed out, as of today I don't have to make that decision until spring.

 

[Nicky17000]

If the wind stops, you can always motor back home. I'm more concerned about strong winds, that is 15 up, also taking in consideration the condition of the water.

 

[Sublime]

I've gotten her to move when the water was completely flat and I couldn't feel any wind, barely any if I licked my finger and held it up.
Fun? No. After a few hours, I started the motor.

I have conditions that are 5 kts with 18 kt gusts. Royal PIA but under main alone things are okay. The jib on these things don't provide power as much as they shape the wind to power up that big main some more.