My sailing stats

Jun 14, 2010
307
Seafarer 29 Oologah, OK
Looked back through my sailing log today and tabulated all my outings, time and distance under sail, wind and weather since I bought the boat 20 months ago (6/26/2014).

Pretty pathetic compared to the more hard core sailors who live aboard and/or go long-distance cruising, but pretty good (I flatter myself) compared to other weekenders/day sailers. Certainly I get out much more than anyone else at my little marina which has about 30 or 40 sailboats total, some of which are slowly rotting in their slips - one Catalina 22 last had its registration renewed in 2003 and has vines growing from the hull at the waterline.

So here are my stats: I've had her out a total of 62 times for a total of 279 hours and 645 nautical miles, which averages out to a little over 3 outings a month lasting 4.5 hours under sail and covering 10.2 nm. Longest day on the water was 9.5 hours and 42.5 nm on Sept. 15 last year, not counting the one time I anchored out overnight (Dec. 5/6 last year). It takes an hour to drive to the marina (including stops to get food and drink and gas) and 45 minutes to stow gear, uncover and inspect the main, winches, tiller and motor and rig a headsail then motor out of the cove and raise the sails; an hour to douse the sails, motor in, furl the sails and "put her to bed" and then 50 min. drive home, so about 3.5 hours total non-sailing time per outing (oh for a roller furling headsail!). About 75% of my trips are single-handed; the first mate and my son and granddaughter have been out with me three or four times each, and I've had other or additional guests out five times. I generally go out in any weather except thunderstorms/rain or very cold or very high winds - most I've sailed in was about 25-30 kts with gusts to 35-40 (single reefed main and working jib) - on the theory that if I wait for perfect weather I'll never go out.

I paid PO $3500 for her and have put that much again into repairs and rigging (and could easily spend another 10 or 20K on her if I had it!) + $100/month for the slip. That works out to about $145 total spent per outing but only about $35 of ongoing expenses per outing - of course I could reduce the ratio by going out more.

I didn't keep track with my previous boat, a Bombardier 4.8 (Canadian company that makes commuter jets and jet skis nowadays; back in the 70s and 80s they made a Laser-like board boat and the 4.8 which is a fractional sloop day-sailer about 16 feet long - 4.8 meters) and I have often wondered just how much I sailed her in the four years I had her. Not as far or as often as my current boat.

I'd be very interested to see what other sailor's stats are!
 
Last edited:
Jan 6, 2010
1,520
Poto,
Sailing is nothing more than flying sideways. Many laws of phycics back this up.
And, sailing is purely personal, I will never be a Christopher Columbus but so what, I'm a sailor out there sailing. You sailing are a Christopher Columbus type also. It's your boat & the best part is that every time out there sailing, you will learn & see something different & hopefully will take away much.

That's what it's all about pal..........so just enjoy that you have the opportunity that many people never get the chance to do what we do!
Enjoy the gift my friend.

CR
 
May 1, 2011
5,466
Pearson 37 Lusby MD
And, sailing is purely personal
I agree with captron - purely personal. I purchased my boat in 2008 and it took me three seasons to decide I really could single hand it. Best investment I've made is the below deck autopilot, as it's really opened up my solo opportunities. Last season, I put more than 2700NM under the keel, with 2330NM solo. - compare that to a mere 121NM the first season I attempted single handing! Total of around 72 trips, all day sails. Time on the water is what it's all about.
 
Jun 14, 2010
307
Seafarer 29 Oologah, OK
I completely agree that time on the water is a gift no matter how much you get to spend (but it should be maximized!).

I guess I like the feeling of complete freedom and being in touch with the water and wind in a way that you cannot experience in any other setting.
 
Jan 6, 2010
1,520
Kap & Poto,

Thanks for being likeminded guys.......it's all about the trip & the enjoyment when flying sideways right?
And we all know, that you need crawl before you walk & brag to others.

CR
 
May 24, 2004
7,213
CC 30 South Florida
An actual cash flow expenditure of $35 per outing is an extraordinary bargain for a day of fun and relaxation. By owning the boat you do it at your convenience. If you add that having a boat a boat in a slip on the water is like having a lakeside cabin your fixed monthly expenses do go a long way.