Sailors are a generous lot, certainly with opinions and advice... and often with a helping hand, too. How did a fellow sailor send good will your way in 2005? Valuable input on a boat project? Maybe someone did some actual wrench work for you? Did get help out on the water? Or perhaps another boater mentored you through your first year of ownership? Send some good will back to those who helped you, then vote in the Quick Quiz on the home page.
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Taught me rudderless steering and goalposts
One friend, a small boat racer (calls my Mac 26 a "camper"), taught me about steering with the sails to avoid losing speed due to turning. That is, as many of you know, easing the main to change direction windward, easing the jib to change direction leeward. Another sailor taught me about goalposts as a protective measure when I was running into, and along, my trailer guidepoles when trailering in current. Thanks to both of them and countless others that have shared in the past. Sailors make a great community.
One friend, a small boat racer (calls my Mac 26 a "camper"), taught me about steering with the sails to avoid losing speed due to turning. That is, as many of you know, easing the main to change direction windward, easing the jib to change direction leeward. Another sailor taught me about goalposts as a protective measure when I was running into, and along, my trailer guidepoles when trailering in current. Thanks to both of them and countless others that have shared in the past. Sailors make a great community.
Dock Neighbor
My dock was awesome this year for me. This being my first year back into sailing in almost 20 years, not only did he help me remember what I forgot, but helped show me I didn't know much back then either
Then there was the guys who towed me in after I blew a freeze plug towing them in (had to put my battery in their boat). Then there was the couple that had to do circles around me to show me the nice chest the woman was tanning. Then there was the guys who prevented me in sinking the dock the first few times I learned how to dock my new boat, which was twice the size of my old boat and for a while, too big for the slip. Then there was the two guys I had to rescue because they were out in conditions they shouldn't have been and were about to be eaten alive by jealyfish...they showed me I'm not the dumbest guy on the water. Then there was Towboat US who took 3 hours out of his peaceful night to yank (ok...not yank...3 hours of pulling) me off a sandbar. It was an eventful, learning year for me. In a couple of weeks I'll be moving aboard and hope next year is a little less learning the hardway but still full of good memories. I wish all sailors, even the ones who think I'm nuts, a wonderful holidays. I'll be spending mine out on the water enjoying the nice weather.
My dock was awesome this year for me. This being my first year back into sailing in almost 20 years, not only did he help me remember what I forgot, but helped show me I didn't know much back then either
Then there was the guys who towed me in after I blew a freeze plug towing them in (had to put my battery in their boat). Then there was the couple that had to do circles around me to show me the nice chest the woman was tanning. Then there was the guys who prevented me in sinking the dock the first few times I learned how to dock my new boat, which was twice the size of my old boat and for a while, too big for the slip. Then there was the two guys I had to rescue because they were out in conditions they shouldn't have been and were about to be eaten alive by jealyfish...they showed me I'm not the dumbest guy on the water. Then there was Towboat US who took 3 hours out of his peaceful night to yank (ok...not yank...3 hours of pulling) me off a sandbar. It was an eventful, learning year for me. In a couple of weeks I'll be moving aboard and hope next year is a little less learning the hardway but still full of good memories. I wish all sailors, even the ones who think I'm nuts, a wonderful holidays. I'll be spending mine out on the water enjoying the nice weather.the marine grounds/dock keeper
At our small marina there was a fellow who was a perfect ambassador for our facility. He made everyone feel welcome, gave friendly advice on use of the facilities, was informative about activities, equipment and upcoming events, and would walk the docks daily tucking in a line here, clearing a scupper there, bailing a cockpit, securing a stray halyard elsewhere in our absence. As well, and alongside him, the harbourmaster worked tirelessly to upgrade the marina, and keep everythig running smooth.
At our small marina there was a fellow who was a perfect ambassador for our facility. He made everyone feel welcome, gave friendly advice on use of the facilities, was informative about activities, equipment and upcoming events, and would walk the docks daily tucking in a line here, clearing a scupper there, bailing a cockpit, securing a stray halyard elsewhere in our absence. As well, and alongside him, the harbourmaster worked tirelessly to upgrade the marina, and keep everythig running smooth.
Help with diesel
I bought a Hunter 280 last fall. A couple of weeks before I bought it, I had knee surgery, so the previous owner took care of having the boat pulled out of the water for me. This spring, he helped me put the boat back into the water. His help was much appreciated, as all I had sailed before were smaller trailerable boats. We were getting the boat ready for our 1st sail, had started the diesel, and were putting the jib on on the furler, when the diesel died. I looked at the previous owner, and asked what had happened. He said he didn't know, and we tried to restart the engine. No luck. At this time, a guy in the slip next to me mentioned that it sounded like a fuel problem. He loaned me some metric tools, and told me what to do to check it out. Turns out, there was water in the fuel. The previous owner helped me drain the tank, and replace the filters. My dockmate then came over and showed me how to bleed the injectors, and got the engine restarted. While all this was going on, I kept thinking I should've stayed with a trailerable boat. That night, as I recounted the day's events to my wife, I realized that I couldn't have had a much better experience. My problem happened at the dock, I had help to diagnose and fix the problem, and got an education in the process! I could write more about the sailor that helped me with my first pump out, and the group of guys that helped me drop my mast, but that still wouldn't be all the folks that helped me this year. Sailors are a great bunch of folks! Jim
I bought a Hunter 280 last fall. A couple of weeks before I bought it, I had knee surgery, so the previous owner took care of having the boat pulled out of the water for me. This spring, he helped me put the boat back into the water. His help was much appreciated, as all I had sailed before were smaller trailerable boats. We were getting the boat ready for our 1st sail, had started the diesel, and were putting the jib on on the furler, when the diesel died. I looked at the previous owner, and asked what had happened. He said he didn't know, and we tried to restart the engine. No luck. At this time, a guy in the slip next to me mentioned that it sounded like a fuel problem. He loaned me some metric tools, and told me what to do to check it out. Turns out, there was water in the fuel. The previous owner helped me drain the tank, and replace the filters. My dockmate then came over and showed me how to bleed the injectors, and got the engine restarted. While all this was going on, I kept thinking I should've stayed with a trailerable boat. That night, as I recounted the day's events to my wife, I realized that I couldn't have had a much better experience. My problem happened at the dock, I had help to diagnose and fix the problem, and got an education in the process! I could write more about the sailor that helped me with my first pump out, and the group of guys that helped me drop my mast, but that still wouldn't be all the folks that helped me this year. Sailors are a great bunch of folks! Jim
A helping hand can be an endless circle
This year, I trailered my boat Trinkka to a local welder on the river, to have him check out some work that was needed on my chainplates. On the way back, my cl.#3 hitch let go due to rust, and there I was with no way to get my boat back to the club. I was able to get the trailer off the ball and leave my rig in the road to go back to the club and get my friend Wayne who towed it back for me with his truck. Thank God he was there. I had the opportunity to get a 1976 O'Day 25, free of charge, for one of the club members, and offered to sail it back from the Cape for him, which I did. When this fellow found out about my hitch, he took the hitch off a truck that he had sold to a friend of his, with his permission, and gave it to me. He also gave me a brand new Ugly Stick trolling pole, all set up for worm and tubing Striped Bass. So, what I'm trying to say is, we're in this world to help one another, and sometimes we come full circle and wind up being on the receiving end, but I get lot more out of helping others. Check out the pictures in the link and see the free sailboat. It's a green O'Day 25 keel centerboard. She sailed like a dream, and my friend got a lot of stuff with it, too numerous to mention.
This year, I trailered my boat Trinkka to a local welder on the river, to have him check out some work that was needed on my chainplates. On the way back, my cl.#3 hitch let go due to rust, and there I was with no way to get my boat back to the club. I was able to get the trailer off the ball and leave my rig in the road to go back to the club and get my friend Wayne who towed it back for me with his truck. Thank God he was there. I had the opportunity to get a 1976 O'Day 25, free of charge, for one of the club members, and offered to sail it back from the Cape for him, which I did. When this fellow found out about my hitch, he took the hitch off a truck that he had sold to a friend of his, with his permission, and gave it to me. He also gave me a brand new Ugly Stick trolling pole, all set up for worm and tubing Striped Bass. So, what I'm trying to say is, we're in this world to help one another, and sometimes we come full circle and wind up being on the receiving end, but I get lot more out of helping others. Check out the pictures in the link and see the free sailboat. It's a green O'Day 25 keel centerboard. She sailed like a dream, and my friend got a lot of stuff with it, too numerous to mention.
Hunter Forum
The good people right here on this forum have been a big help to me this year. I've had a couple of pressing questions answered and have learned a lot from reading the Q&A of others. Merry Christmas all and thanks.
The good people right here on this forum have been a big help to me this year. I've had a couple of pressing questions answered and have learned a lot from reading the Q&A of others. Merry Christmas all and thanks.
A little help, there!
Over the year there have been many helpful hints on the forum here as I continued the refit of my V21, but what comes to mind first is at our home "port" at Spruce Run here in Jersey. While un-stepping the mast in preparation for a trip up to Lake George, we had the jib furler snagging on the spare tire in front. As I cam-cleated the block line and exited the cockpit to straighten the forestay/furler out, My 18 year old helper who was supposed to tend the mast and gin pole allowed the whole rig to swing to the side, (despite the chain link baby stays that should have prevented this). Despite my rather loud exhortations to my helper to pay attention to what was going on, he continued to stare out into space (Okay, it was 101degrees that day). At this point, a sunfish sailor heard the commotion and unhesitatingly jumped into the boat to aid in straightening out the mast before permanent damage was done. I think that this is one major thing that seperates Sailboaters from nearly all other people-boating or otherwise.
Over the year there have been many helpful hints on the forum here as I continued the refit of my V21, but what comes to mind first is at our home "port" at Spruce Run here in Jersey. While un-stepping the mast in preparation for a trip up to Lake George, we had the jib furler snagging on the spare tire in front. As I cam-cleated the block line and exited the cockpit to straighten the forestay/furler out, My 18 year old helper who was supposed to tend the mast and gin pole allowed the whole rig to swing to the side, (despite the chain link baby stays that should have prevented this). Despite my rather loud exhortations to my helper to pay attention to what was going on, he continued to stare out into space (Okay, it was 101degrees that day). At this point, a sunfish sailor heard the commotion and unhesitatingly jumped into the boat to aid in straightening out the mast before permanent damage was done. I think that this is one major thing that seperates Sailboaters from nearly all other people-boating or otherwise.
My dock neighbors are GRAT!
This was the year I replaced my sailing instruments. The wiring was "interesting" - especially since I moved the gauges from the bulkhead to the wheel. But getting the replacement wind instrument cable through the mast without stepping it nearly defeated me! However, with the help of my dock neighbor - who graciously offered to "go up" - we managed it! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! Bill on STARGAZER
This was the year I replaced my sailing instruments. The wiring was "interesting" - especially since I moved the gauges from the bulkhead to the wheel. But getting the replacement wind instrument cable through the mast without stepping it nearly defeated me! However, with the help of my dock neighbor - who graciously offered to "go up" - we managed it! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! Bill on STARGAZER
The GOOD SEMARITAN wasnt even a sailor !!
A trip to the bay with my Mac 26X was going well until a LOUD "THUD", and I see my starboard ALUM. WHEEL passing me up at 50MPH. (that happens when lug bolts shear off when torqued wrong)! Im stranded ! Here comes a fella in a P.U. and we work all morning getting new LUG BOLTS, repacking bearings, etc (a greazy, hot, job). Anyway, everything finished, I OFFERED him cash and thanks...BUT he accepted the THANKS but no PAY. He explained that someone will help him some day in the SAME WAY. WHAT A FELLA !!! All I could say is GOD BLESS !! (and I really meant it). By The Way...the afternoon was a great sailing day !!!! There are some real nice folks out there !!!!
A trip to the bay with my Mac 26X was going well until a LOUD "THUD", and I see my starboard ALUM. WHEEL passing me up at 50MPH. (that happens when lug bolts shear off when torqued wrong)! Im stranded ! Here comes a fella in a P.U. and we work all morning getting new LUG BOLTS, repacking bearings, etc (a greazy, hot, job). Anyway, everything finished, I OFFERED him cash and thanks...BUT he accepted the THANKS but no PAY. He explained that someone will help him some day in the SAME WAY. WHAT A FELLA !!! All I could say is GOD BLESS !! (and I really meant it). By The Way...the afternoon was a great sailing day !!!! There are some real nice folks out there !!!!
Storm protection
A friend and neighbor helped me moor my new (to me) Hunter 30 in preparation for Hurricane Katrina. He had sold his Catalina 22 earlier in the year, so his "hurricane hole" was vacant for the storm. We tied the boat to several trees on either side of the canal in front of his house, and Dreamboat rode out the storm like a cork, rising with the 12 foot storm surge, and then settling back as the water fell. Absolutely no damage at all. He was a lifesaver!
A friend and neighbor helped me moor my new (to me) Hunter 30 in preparation for Hurricane Katrina. He had sold his Catalina 22 earlier in the year, so his "hurricane hole" was vacant for the storm. We tied the boat to several trees on either side of the canal in front of his house, and Dreamboat rode out the storm like a cork, rising with the 12 foot storm surge, and then settling back as the water fell. Absolutely no damage at all. He was a lifesaver!
TRUE friends!!!
Tragically I lost my wife to ovarian cancer this year. The one thing I never had to worry about during her sickness was our boat. Every few days one or another of our sailing friends would drop by or call and say, "I checked the boat, everything is fine." And now they have plnned first annual Gail Fisher reggatta for ovarian cancer research to be held this July. There is a bond that defies discription between sailors the world over. God bless them all!
Tragically I lost my wife to ovarian cancer this year. The one thing I never had to worry about during her sickness was our boat. Every few days one or another of our sailing friends would drop by or call and say, "I checked the boat, everything is fine." And now they have plnned first annual Gail Fisher reggatta for ovarian cancer research to be held this July. There is a bond that defies discription between sailors the world over. God bless them all!
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending December 25, 2005: In 2005 another sailor gave me... 52% Some good advice 24% Hands-on help wrenching 13% Nothing, I can look out for myself 11% Help I needed out on the water
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending December 25, 2005: In 2005 another sailor gave me... 52% Some good advice 24% Hands-on help wrenching 13% Nothing, I can look out for myself 11% Help I needed out on the water
Thanks to the friends at Sndusky Bay
Thanks to the one's who towed me when my gas line came loose. Thanks to the one who found the problem. As it appeared that the carb float was stuck every time you pumped the bulb gas would appear to come out the end of the carb. Howerver the man helping me discovered that it was the loose line setting just right. Thanks to the Sailor next to me for the beer & the great night sail. Tip don't go out on Erie with an all woman crew that can't handle a 20 deg lean. or your vacation could be in trouble if not for a good sailor in the next berth that sees you for a sailor and takes you under his wings & sails and calms you with a few brewskies That my friends is a true sailor.
Thanks to the one's who towed me when my gas line came loose. Thanks to the one who found the problem. As it appeared that the carb float was stuck every time you pumped the bulb gas would appear to come out the end of the carb. Howerver the man helping me discovered that it was the loose line setting just right. Thanks to the Sailor next to me for the beer & the great night sail. Tip don't go out on Erie with an all woman crew that can't handle a 20 deg lean. or your vacation could be in trouble if not for a good sailor in the next berth that sees you for a sailor and takes you under his wings & sails and calms you with a few brewskies That my friends is a true sailor.
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