Sailing a Vega into and out of its box

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Brian Hofler

.
Oct 30, 2019
1,021
Dear all,
I know from other mails that there are a lot of
experienced Vega owners at the other side.
Today we sailed our Vega 27 for the first time
and it was marvellous ... but sailing (engine)her into her box was an
experience which caused "blood, sweat and tears".
I knew of the difficulties we would have in
sailing her on engine but I 'd like to know about the tricks you use (or is it
seducing her) to get her into her box.
Thanks for your help.
Flor Oyen,
Mohana, V588
Nieuwpoort Belgium
 
R

reefmagnet

.
May 9, 2011
1,000
Dear Flor -

I have to
empathize with you. I have been sailing all my life, but always
kept my boat on moorings. When we got our Vega 5 years ago, we had
lots of "blood, sweat
and tears" learning the tricks of getting her into a slip... very
frustrating. I still sweat it every time, though I thread the needle
pretty well, now. My biggest problem was backing up if I didn't get the
angle quite right. The best advise that I got was simply to go
out to a calm open space and practice backing up. For me it took practice
and patience by all on board! Good luck!

Drusie Sheldon
"Spindrift", # 1879
Saunderstown, RI
 
R

reefmagnet

.
May 9, 2011
1,000
Flor

From my experience the best way to control the uncontrolable vega in
both forward and reverse is to keep the speed low and come in slowly and
patiently. It take a bit more time but there is no sweat or fear and
you should have your fenders and gaff pole handy. The crew stays calm
as well. I have done the very best by actually sailing her into the
slip (box) with only the main sail. Good luck

David
 
R

reefmagnet

.
May 9, 2011
1,000
Flor, The Vega is an excellent example of why people should always "think
positive". When you back out of the slip you need to determine if you want
the stern to go to port or to starboard. If you need the stern to go to
starboard think "go to port", "Go To Port", GO TO PORT"! The stern will then
go to starboard. Like all ladies, Vegas have minds of their own. More
seriously though, engine torque can be helpful. Reving the engine quickly in
reverse can help move the stern around. Be sure to go quickly back into
forward to keep from making your neigbors angry by slamming into their
boats. Also consider wind direction. If you are lucky the wind can be used
to blow the stern in the right direction. To do so have your crew slowly
back the boat out of the slip with the forward dock line. As the stern
swings around from the wind blowing on it the bow will approach the dock.
Crew climbs aboard while momentum keeps the boat going out of the slip.
Practice with extra crew and extra boat hooks to fend yourself off of the
neigbors boats. Going forward isn't hard as the Vega turns quickly
considering the length of the keel. Be prepared to go into reverse and once
again rev the engine to kill your forward speed as you come up on the dock.
Never forget that wind,tide and currents are also going to effect the way
the boat moves. Use these factors to your advantage. Best of Luck. Walt
 
R

reefmagnet

.
May 9, 2011
1,000
I concur with Walt and Judy.

My Vega walks to the right in reverse. When I back out of the slip, I rev
the engine in reverse, and back out in the direction of the walk, which is,
fortunately for me, points my bow in the direction out of the harbor.

Also, when maneuvering into the slip, I'm at a very low rev coming into the
harbor, and have no power when sliding into the slip. Rev the engine in
reverse just as your bow passes the end of the dock as you enter the slip.
This slows you down to almost a stop where you can disembark, and hold the
boat at a stop.

I love my Vega. I just single-handed on the Bay last Saturday. She's very
easy to sail alone. Beautiful.

Steve DeMont
"Erendira"
Vega 2947
 
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