Not bad for winter!

[Jon W.]

Went out for a couple of hours sailing today on Lake Union. Clear blue sky, 6 or 7 knots of wind, temperature hit maybe 50 degrees. It doesn’t get much better than that this time of year.I hope I get some of these kind of days in January and February for the Sunday, Lake Union, Goose Bump regattas.Hope the others that sail in winter are getting out, and for those that can’t, it almost feels like spring is just around the corner. Well, almost.

 

[MarkZ]

Too cold for me!

It' always a pleasure to hear from those whom sail through the winter.I winterized our boat on Thanksgiving weekend. The temperature was down to 17°F at night that weekend. I was lucky though, because it was up to 40° during the day and 60° the next day.It was -1°F here in St. Louis a few days ago and we had a few inches of snow.

 

[Jon W.]

Water days

Even though I can sail year round here, there are some adaptations in winter. Because it often drops below freezing during the nights (and some days), they tend to turn the water off at the dock for many days at a time. This is pretty rough on me because I like to keep the boat really clean. Warmer weather usually comes with rain, but who wants to wash the boat in the rain?I'm happy now because they started a schedule to turn on the water Tuesdays and Fridays, all day if it's above freezing. They do this primarily for the liveaboards, but I now know I can come down and clean the boat those days. Now known as water days. I noticed three of my fellow boaters doing the same today.Only three months to what I think of as our spring, mid March. I know I'm kind of optimistic.

 

[Tim McCarty]

It's a bummer here in Michigan

Our 2005 Cat 310 is sleeping for the winter. I had a canvas cover made, and HOPEFULLY, all is well with the boat. Going to Key Largo on Saturday though, and St Maarten for the Heineken Regatta in March, so that is some comfort to get through these lousy Michigan winters.

 

[Jon W.]

Now, I’m jealous.

St Maarten is one of my favorite places. We did a fantastic excursion there some years ago on some retired 12 meters.

 

[PAGETA17264]

Speaking of winterization

My Marina seemed to have "forgotten" to winterize my boat. I am new to sailing (2) years. I am in Boston and it has been very cold. What kind of damage can occur if the boat is not winterized? I know the fresh water system has antifreeze.

 

[Jon W.]

Two freshwater systems

Fresh water tanks and plumbing (hot and cold), and the freshwater side of the engine cooling.I'm not sure which system you were referring to.

 

[Rod]

Mine Is Frozen In...

My boat is frozen under about a foot of snow awaiting spring. If your motor did not get antifreeze in it you could possibl crack the block. Get them to do it asap! You guys should check out my sailing photo galleries if you get bored this winter. I have a bunch of photos of my C310.. Here's the link:http://www.pbase.com/mainecruisingRod

 

[SceptreSailor]

Planning on going out over Christmas Weekend

Weatherman says high 60's all weekend with good wind in Dallas. Santa must have gotten my letter.Merry Christmas to all!

 

[Tim McCarty]

Hey Jon W...I did the 12 meter challenge too

I was on Canada One (we lost, of course, to Stars & Stripes)...we had a fantastic day for a race...even the staff crew were into it. Speaking of St Maarten...my wife and I go every year. Think I'll do the 12 meter challenge again this coming trip...need to update my T-shirt.

 

[Jon W.]

Best excursion ever.

But then I love to sail.I was impressed that they actually smacked the boats together, beam on, while rounding the last mark. Most people on the boats freaked when the water shot up between the hulls. I had to congratulate them on the realism of the racing experience. They must do that every day, but they still put a lot into it!The boats are de-tuned, with smaller than class sails, but I think we got up to about 8-9 knots in about 10-12 knots breeze.My second favorite excursion was Randi's Happy Horses in Mazatlan.

 

[Jon W.]

Rod, nice pictures.

I see they stopped putting in the third hull port light, in the aft side, port quarter. I guess the salon table covers it up when stored anyway. I'd miss it, because I keep the large table at home, unless I'm out cruising, Vs daysailing and racing. Even then I eat in the cockpit most of the time.

 

[Rod]

I Think Catalina Changed That In 04

Your right about the early models of the C-310 they used to install a third hull portlight in the starboard aft quarter. I kind of wish they did not install any but I can live with them. It would be great if we could get some more activity on the 310 forum. Perhaps some discussions of upgrades etc.. So far I've upgraded my alternator, combined the two 4D's, added a starting battery, added an iPod, stereo & new cockpit speakers, radar & a Raymarine C80 display at the helm. I also removed the lower grey cove stripe. I sail in Maine among Morris', Concordia's & Hinckley's so I want her to look as traditional as possible and one cove stripe is far more traditional than two.. It looks nice with the one blue stripe just below the deck.