Personal Limits VS Boat Limits

[banjoey]

I am newer sailor and own an O'Day 22. I found this boat forsale for 800. In pretty good shape, more cosmetic issues completely sound and safe boat. I am slowly replacing lines and other parts inside and out. I love this boat!

I sail in the Stockton Delta out near Rio Vista. Winds are gusty and often change directions. It is a great place for a new sailor learn to sail.

But as we are coming into our windy season, I find myself often reluctant to take my boat out.

How do I know when too much wind is too much? Is there a chart, a magic number or a performance chart some where? Or is it more my self confidence?

When I first bought the boat, I spent two days practicing reefing and changing jibs and learning to handle the ropes completely. I can do it with my eyes close. But in actual heavy wind..................

Even with s a double reef and my small jib...I find myself extremely nervous.

Additional Question: On the front of the boat is a self tacking Jib Pole. I don't use it and don't want it. Any reason to keep it on the boat.

Any help or suggestions to help my self confidence build.



Joseph

 

[Picflight]

Keep the jib pole, you will realize that you need it as you get more comfortable with your boat.

 

[Picflight]

Aircraft manuals state the maximum, comfortable wind limits, I doubt sail boat manuals have the same limits mentioned. However, my guess would be that you can judge the winds and decide how much adventure you want for the trip. Otherwise, I would set a limit of 25 knots wind speed for a beginner.

 

[kappykaplan]

It's all about your self confidence! When I first started single-handing my 37 three seasons ago, I was a nervous nelly and only racked up about 122 NM. As my confidence grew, I found that I felt safe in higher wind speeds. At this point, I feel comfortable going out in 10-15 kts with gusts to 20 or 25. Last year, I logged more than 1300 NM solo - the type 1 linear drive autopilot made a huge difference. Like I said, it's all about your self confidence. Good luck.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Changing jibs? That means you have more than one. Right? Just use the smaller one.

Since you already know how to reef, put a reef in before you leave the dock.

Try to go out before the winds are howling, then build up your confidence by doing it more often.

You won't get any experience staying at the dock.

Go upwind early, downwind later when it's windier.

I've sailed the sloughs up and down the Delta in our C22, C25 and now C34. The winds may be heavy, but the water is pretty flat, a pretty great combination.

Give it some time, it sounds like you know the things you need to do.

One handy trick: try sailing jib only. Also, learn to sail main only, but in narrow waterways you won't get too far. Downwind on main only is NOT the thing to ever do. Gybes suck.