We flipped the calendar over to October last week and for many of us that means the end of sailing season is near. Others will eke out an extra month or so and some really lucky people get to sail year around. Regardless of your timing, what's been the highlight of your sailing season? Did you have an outstanding racing year or even a really good couple of races? Maybe you ventured off to a new cruising ground that you really liked? Perhaps this season saw you get a new boat or some new sails or equipment that made your sailing more fun? Or maybe you just got a whole lot more comfortable with handling your boat? Tell us about the highlights of your sailing season then be sure to vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz by Gary Wyngarden)
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My Highlight
Racing Rules Manual - $20 New Mainsheet Tackle - $250 New 135% Headsail - $1500 Watching my 12 year old daughter skipper our boat and make all tactical decisions through an entire race - priceless
Racing Rules Manual - $20 New Mainsheet Tackle - $250 New 135% Headsail - $1500 Watching my 12 year old daughter skipper our boat and make all tactical decisions through an entire race - priceless
Fantastic, Andy
What a thrill it must have been. We'll look for her on one of the AC boats in about 15 years.
What a thrill it must have been. We'll look for her on one of the AC boats in about 15 years.
I'm in Iraq -- worst season ever!!!
I'm in 101st Airborne and am deployed to Iraq. My one sail for the year was a frostbiting farewell sail, in February, on Kentucky Lake. The water that splashed on the deck froze! But it was still better than no sailing at all for the season!!
I'm in 101st Airborne and am deployed to Iraq. My one sail for the year was a frostbiting farewell sail, in February, on Kentucky Lake. The water that splashed on the deck froze! But it was still better than no sailing at all for the season!!
Mark, we salute you
All of us deeply apprciate your sacrifice and wish you a speedy homecoming to friendly seas.
All of us deeply apprciate your sacrifice and wish you a speedy homecoming to friendly seas.
hats off to you Mark!
here on the Redneck Rivera we love our military, Pensacola NAS, Whiting Field, Hulburt Field,Eglin AFB, Tyndal AFB, if you come thru here give me a shout and I would love to take you sailing! thanks for a great job! and our best sailing season just started! this Thrus we are packing up and heading down to Apalachicola for a week.
here on the Redneck Rivera we love our military, Pensacola NAS, Whiting Field, Hulburt Field,Eglin AFB, Tyndal AFB, if you come thru here give me a shout and I would love to take you sailing! thanks for a great job! and our best sailing season just started! this Thrus we are packing up and heading down to Apalachicola for a week.
Coastal Dream.......
We're land-locked sailors in the Rocky Mts., plus we've experienced a drought that dried up our lakes and made parking lot paperweights of keelboats. Seemed natural to set the date for a long-time dream of cruising the west coast! In April we attended the Oakland boat show, purchased an O'Day 34 and began outfitting for a cruise from San Francisco to San Diego. Shoved off on July 5th with my wife and brother as crew. It was every bit as wonderful / "exciting" as I could have wished for! We rode 12' swells and 40's, played with the dolphins, dodged a nuclear sub, saw incredible CA coast scenery, and all-in-all created a memory for a lifetime! And after enduring cold weather on the northern half of the trip, plus bouts of sea-sickness, the first thing my lady asked after docking in San Diego and hoisting our congratulatory drinks - "Where are we going next and when are we going?!" Hmmmmm...... Maybe the Panama Canal? Michael O' "Frigate"
We're land-locked sailors in the Rocky Mts., plus we've experienced a drought that dried up our lakes and made parking lot paperweights of keelboats. Seemed natural to set the date for a long-time dream of cruising the west coast! In April we attended the Oakland boat show, purchased an O'Day 34 and began outfitting for a cruise from San Francisco to San Diego. Shoved off on July 5th with my wife and brother as crew. It was every bit as wonderful / "exciting" as I could have wished for! We rode 12' swells and 40's, played with the dolphins, dodged a nuclear sub, saw incredible CA coast scenery, and all-in-all created a memory for a lifetime! And after enduring cold weather on the northern half of the trip, plus bouts of sea-sickness, the first thing my lady asked after docking in San Diego and hoisting our congratulatory drinks - "Where are we going next and when are we going?!" Hmmmmm...... Maybe the Panama Canal? Michael O' "Frigate"
Highlight of my year/first sailboat
I had many firsts this year. It has been a mixed bag of tricks. I am going through a sad divorce and that's never good. But, the highlight of the whole year was purchasing my first sailboat. It is a Hunter H260 and I'm presently living aboard her and loving every minute. It has helped me get my head back where it needs to be. Learning to sail on Lake Conroe with great friends was a challenge and one of most fun things I have ever done. I went to the Kemah, Texas In-the-Water BoatShow this past weekend and looked at bigger boats with more creature comforts. And now am just dreaming and waiting to be able to buy my next 30-34 foot boat.
I had many firsts this year. It has been a mixed bag of tricks. I am going through a sad divorce and that's never good. But, the highlight of the whole year was purchasing my first sailboat. It is a Hunter H260 and I'm presently living aboard her and loving every minute. It has helped me get my head back where it needs to be. Learning to sail on Lake Conroe with great friends was a challenge and one of most fun things I have ever done. I went to the Kemah, Texas In-the-Water BoatShow this past weekend and looked at bigger boats with more creature comforts. And now am just dreaming and waiting to be able to buy my next 30-34 foot boat.
Gave in to temptation
after several years of resisting it. Traded in the old boat for a new H386. No more teak toe rails, hand rails, or hatch boards to varnish. Retired my sander, paint brushes, and masking tape. I've even got to go out sailing!
after several years of resisting it. Traded in the old boat for a new H386. No more teak toe rails, hand rails, or hatch boards to varnish. Retired my sander, paint brushes, and masking tape. I've even got to go out sailing!
Sail Year Around
We sail year around. Sometimes in the summer it gets too warm, so we might sail at night. Sometimes in the winter it gets a little raw, but usually it warms up enough in a day or two.
We sail year around. Sometimes in the summer it gets too warm, so we might sail at night. Sometimes in the winter it gets a little raw, but usually it warms up enough in a day or two.
A week at Ocracoke Island, NC
We had a fantastic week at Ocracoke NC the week of July 4th. Sailing every day in 18 - 24 knot winds spoils an inland lake sailer! We discovered our MacGregor "Zinger" will handle the shallows of the North Carolina Outer Banks and Pamleco Sound like a champ. We even anchored so close to Portsmouth Island we could walk ashore. Only one problem...we can't get any information yet on how severe little Ocracoke Island was demolished by hurricane Isabel. Anyone heard?
We had a fantastic week at Ocracoke NC the week of July 4th. Sailing every day in 18 - 24 knot winds spoils an inland lake sailer! We discovered our MacGregor "Zinger" will handle the shallows of the North Carolina Outer Banks and Pamleco Sound like a champ. We even anchored so close to Portsmouth Island we could walk ashore. Only one problem...we can't get any information yet on how severe little Ocracoke Island was demolished by hurricane Isabel. Anyone heard?
best season ever!!!
Early in the year, I couldn't find people to sail with me. So out of self interest, I learned how to singlehand my boat ... in all conditions. The way I feel about myself as a sailor, the lessons I've learned on boat balance, the beauty of being alone with wind/wave/sun/howling/spray/birds/cool/hot ... all have combined to make me a much different person than I was in May. And I'm REALLY happy with that person. Biggest change ... I no longer go to the lake looking to repeat previous experiences and sail in a comfort zone. I'm on the edge even when relaxed and just sitting there, 'cause I'm always open to the possibility of something new. Carries over to my relationship with my family, and my work. And, the advice and comments on this forum were a major part of making that all happen. Thanks, all of you! Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Early in the year, I couldn't find people to sail with me. So out of self interest, I learned how to singlehand my boat ... in all conditions. The way I feel about myself as a sailor, the lessons I've learned on boat balance, the beauty of being alone with wind/wave/sun/howling/spray/birds/cool/hot ... all have combined to make me a much different person than I was in May. And I'm REALLY happy with that person. Biggest change ... I no longer go to the lake looking to repeat previous experiences and sail in a comfort zone. I'm on the edge even when relaxed and just sitting there, 'cause I'm always open to the possibility of something new. Carries over to my relationship with my family, and my work. And, the advice and comments on this forum were a major part of making that all happen. Thanks, all of you! Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
First Time Flyer
In April, we purchased our first sailboat. It is a Cheoy Lee Frisco Flyer, All Teak (Yes, We thought we knew what we were getting into...) I had limited experience sailing with my uncle, and my wife had no sailing experience, just motorboats. So everything was prety much new to us. We enjoyed sailing a number of days in Port Townsend bay, learning our boat, learning to sail, and learning to work with each other, and we made a list of things that needed work. We are now getting close to haul-out, and we are going to bring our boat to our house to work on the list during the winter. We are so glad we made the purchase, and can't wait to get back in the water next spring.
In April, we purchased our first sailboat. It is a Cheoy Lee Frisco Flyer, All Teak (Yes, We thought we knew what we were getting into...) I had limited experience sailing with my uncle, and my wife had no sailing experience, just motorboats. So everything was prety much new to us. We enjoyed sailing a number of days in Port Townsend bay, learning our boat, learning to sail, and learning to work with each other, and we made a list of things that needed work. We are now getting close to haul-out, and we are going to bring our boat to our house to work on the list during the winter. We are so glad we made the purchase, and can't wait to get back in the water next spring.
Outer Banks
We were in the area between Frisco and Hatteras and visited Ocracoke in August, so were also folowing the storm damage. Engineering News Record (magazine) has a short article stating that the storm cut a new 1500 ft wide 10' deep inlet thru Hatteras Island between Frisco and Hatteras. I believe this would have isolated about 300 homes and the ferry dock connection to Ocracoke from Hatteras. Haven't seen anything more specific yet.
We were in the area between Frisco and Hatteras and visited Ocracoke in August, so were also folowing the storm damage. Engineering News Record (magazine) has a short article stating that the storm cut a new 1500 ft wide 10' deep inlet thru Hatteras Island between Frisco and Hatteras. I believe this would have isolated about 300 homes and the ferry dock connection to Ocracoke from Hatteras. Haven't seen anything more specific yet.
Finally Got a Boat
After 20 years of talking about it and a solid year of looking for a comfortable trailer day-sailer ... we finally got a boat. APRE SKI is now part of our family and we can stop renting. She is a 1970 Venture 22 who started out in the U.S. and found her way to Canada, most recently in Sylvan lake. She was delivered two weeks ago and now resides in my backyard where we will strip the paint (top and bottom) and give her new colors and a good house cleaning. We plan to sail next season on the Glenmore Reservoir here in Calgary and then determine if we want to do any major re-structuring of the inside. I would love to launch her next April with a new Dodger, but I'm reluctant to order one until I know how it would fit. If anyone has experience with a Dodger on a Venture 22, please give me a shout. rwalker at ajaf dot ca you all know how to replace the at and dot to make it an e-mail (this way avoids the auto-spammers that search forums for fresh names). Meanwhile, we have rigged a backbone and ribs of PVC pipe to hold the poly tarp over her to keep the fall leaves and the winter snow off. It's still gorgeous here right now plus 25 celcius (75 foreign-hite)during the days, however it will soon be freezing at night and the leaves will dissapear (so will the sailboats). Best regards, Richard APRES SKI - Calgary Alberta Canada
After 20 years of talking about it and a solid year of looking for a comfortable trailer day-sailer ... we finally got a boat. APRE SKI is now part of our family and we can stop renting. She is a 1970 Venture 22 who started out in the U.S. and found her way to Canada, most recently in Sylvan lake. She was delivered two weeks ago and now resides in my backyard where we will strip the paint (top and bottom) and give her new colors and a good house cleaning. We plan to sail next season on the Glenmore Reservoir here in Calgary and then determine if we want to do any major re-structuring of the inside. I would love to launch her next April with a new Dodger, but I'm reluctant to order one until I know how it would fit. If anyone has experience with a Dodger on a Venture 22, please give me a shout. rwalker at ajaf dot ca you all know how to replace the at and dot to make it an e-mail (this way avoids the auto-spammers that search forums for fresh names). Meanwhile, we have rigged a backbone and ribs of PVC pipe to hold the poly tarp over her to keep the fall leaves and the winter snow off. It's still gorgeous here right now plus 25 celcius (75 foreign-hite)during the days, however it will soon be freezing at night and the leaves will dissapear (so will the sailboats). Best regards, Richard APRES SKI - Calgary Alberta Canada
Attachments
are you kidding ... quit now?
This has been the year from hell .. flooded lake conditions (with our marina under water) literally for months in the spring and early summer. Then more flooding, a tornado that tore up one of our docks and then top top it off, a little dustup from Hurricane Isabel. There's no way I'm stopping anytime soon with months of sailing to make up for . Bring on the temps in the 30s and 40s, screw the weather by God I've still got lots to do!
This has been the year from hell .. flooded lake conditions (with our marina under water) literally for months in the spring and early summer. Then more flooding, a tornado that tore up one of our docks and then top top it off, a little dustup from Hurricane Isabel. There's no way I'm stopping anytime soon with months of sailing to make up for . Bring on the temps in the 30s and 40s, screw the weather by God I've still got lots to do!
Newport Cruise
The highlight of our summer was a one week cruise to Newport, along with the addition of roller furler. We had a condo in Newport to share with family and friends and spent two evenings in Stonington, CT on both legs of the trip. I'm not sure how we lived without a roller furler so long.
The highlight of our summer was a one week cruise to Newport, along with the addition of roller furler. We had a condo in Newport to share with family and friends and spent two evenings in Stonington, CT on both legs of the trip. I'm not sure how we lived without a roller furler so long.
SUVIVED iSABEL
SECOND PLACE HIGHLIGHT OF SEASON WAS WALKING DOWN HILL TO TIDEWATER MARINA IN HAVRE DE GRACE AND SEEING BOAT " NO PROBLEM I"(2000 340) AFLOAT ON FRI MORNING RIDING ABOVE TOPS OF PILINGS. FIRST PLACE WS SEEING HER BACK IN SLIP LATER AS WATER RECEDED AND NOT ON PILING. ONE OF EACH DOUBLED STERN LINES GONE. SMALL COSMETIC RUB FROM LINES BEFORE THEY SHEARED BUT NOTHING ELSE. NOT A DROP IN ANY HATCH. THANKFUL BEYOND WORDS TONY
SECOND PLACE HIGHLIGHT OF SEASON WAS WALKING DOWN HILL TO TIDEWATER MARINA IN HAVRE DE GRACE AND SEEING BOAT " NO PROBLEM I"(2000 340) AFLOAT ON FRI MORNING RIDING ABOVE TOPS OF PILINGS. FIRST PLACE WS SEEING HER BACK IN SLIP LATER AS WATER RECEDED AND NOT ON PILING. ONE OF EACH DOUBLED STERN LINES GONE. SMALL COSMETIC RUB FROM LINES BEFORE THEY SHEARED BUT NOTHING ELSE. NOT A DROP IN ANY HATCH. THANKFUL BEYOND WORDS TONY
Best time of year
Thats one of the best things about sailing in Texas, YEAR AROUND SAILING!! For us here on Lake Travis this is the best time of year. Mid 80's all day and mid 50's all night. PERFECT. The motor boat crowd has left and the lake is still warm enough for a swim. Best sail this year would have to be the "Turn Back Reggata" put on by AYC, Great people and great times. Its a two day, fourty four mile race that had almost 90 boats turn out. Wish every one a great sail.
Thats one of the best things about sailing in Texas, YEAR AROUND SAILING!! For us here on Lake Travis this is the best time of year. Mid 80's all day and mid 50's all night. PERFECT. The motor boat crowd has left and the lake is still warm enough for a swim. Best sail this year would have to be the "Turn Back Reggata" put on by AYC, Great people and great times. Its a two day, fourty four mile race that had almost 90 boats turn out. Wish every one a great sail.
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