Single-Handed First Time

[JerryA]

I single-handed my 170 for the first time yesterday. I also reefed the main for the first time yesterday. I wanted to use the jib as well and I wasn't comfortable doing so with a full main. The wind was from the NW about 10mph with some 30-45 second puffs. I usually sail with Debbie but she had to work and it was just too nice of a day to sit at the slip. So... I decided what the heck I have to try it sometime. It really wasn't too bad, just busy. I had a strap for the tiller that helped somewhat. I sailed so close to Cedar Point I could smell the food. Do most of you normally single-hand or have some crew? JerryA

 

[JerryA]

I single-handed my 170 for the first time yesterday. I also reefed the main for the first time yesterday. I wanted to use the jib as well and I wasn't comfortable doing so with a full main. The wind was from the NW about 10mph with some 30-45 second puffs. I usually sail with Debbie but she had to work and it was just too nice of a day to sit at the slip. So... I decided what the heck I have to try it sometime. It really wasn't too bad, just busy. I had a strap for the tiller that helped somewhat. I sailed so close to Cedar Point I could smell the food. Do most of you normally single-hand or have some crew? JerryA

 

[MIke]

Good stuff, Jerry!

Jerry,Congrats on the first solo on the 170! Nothing like being out there, solo, with just the sound of the water bubbling up from the stern! Good stuff on actually smelling the food from Cedar Point! A little grilled onions and cotton candy, perhaps?!I usually single-hand. My wife more often than not is busy gardening or hanging out with our miniature dachshund (she's the most crazy mini known to mankind, so she barks at every passing powerboat, as if they're a retreating rabbit or stoat!- so we generally leave her home when we go sailing), so I've grown used to the single-handing life. An aside; I'm actually (*tear* sniff*) kicking around/looking informally at trading us up to a larger 19'-23' trailerable, so that the dog can have a home-spot/cuddy to hang out in some of the time (yeah, sure, use the dog as the buy-a-bigger-toy excuse)! Anyway- reefing solo, tacking main/jib solo are all part of the fun with the 170. I went out last Saturday solo and just had a blast. Was running wind closer to 14mph, with main and jib flying full. Believe me, Jerry, you'll get used to carrying full sail in moderate conditions real soon with the 170. I used to reef the main and run full jib in 14 --nothing more. But I've learned to head up slightly in the puffs, and put her 'back on her feet' and it's just like "buttuh". What a quick and fun little boat! I've also found that, with a 10-15 breeze, I can lock the jib down completely (closehauled but with the jib sheet over the side, right next to me just in case ;o) and just let the jib draw and pull the boat, while just spilling the main sail to keep her on her feet/keep her from heeling way over. Amazing how much power that jib gives. One time on the intercoastal (one of my first solos), I got into a 15 or so puff with jib and main and the main was fully spilled/luffed it WAY out and the jib was still drawing full-- the boat actually starting bearing away (leehelm) and I got pretty freaked out!!! But I've learned since that you just keep the 170 close to the wind, and keep on paying out/adjusting the mainsheet as needed (don't fall asleep/cleat it) and you're generally fine in pretty sizable puffs. I am however convinced that the warm Florida water (in the event of capsize) allows me to be a bit more brazen than folks sailing the, shall we say, cool-watered Great Lakes!Oh, one other observation. A few months ago I was running in 15 and above sustained winds on the lake with main only, and with puffs-- the tiller loaded up where it felt like a 150 lb. man was hanging on it, trying to pull the tiller right out of my hands and turn her to windward. Have never felt so much weatherhelm! Running reefed main and jib alone in this situation would have balanced my helm so much better. It's fun to learn/try different sail combos in different conditions!Anyway, that's my take on soloing and some handling stuff. Again, congratulations on the nice sail!Happy sailing,Mike G.s/v Lil Sport

 

[MIke]

Good stuff, Jerry!

Jerry,Congrats on the first solo on the 170! Nothing like being out there, solo, with just the sound of the water bubbling up from the stern! Good stuff on actually smelling the food from Cedar Point! A little grilled onions and cotton candy, perhaps?!I usually single-hand. My wife more often than not is busy gardening or hanging out with our miniature dachshund (she's the most crazy mini known to mankind, so she barks at every passing powerboat, as if they're a retreating rabbit or stoat!- so we generally leave her home when we go sailing), so I've grown used to the single-handing life. An aside; I'm actually (*tear* sniff*) kicking around/looking informally at trading us up to a larger 19'-23' trailerable, so that the dog can have a home-spot/cuddy to hang out in some of the time (yeah, sure, use the dog as the buy-a-bigger-toy excuse)! Anyway- reefing solo, tacking main/jib solo are all part of the fun with the 170. I went out last Saturday solo and just had a blast. Was running wind closer to 14mph, with main and jib flying full. Believe me, Jerry, you'll get used to carrying full sail in moderate conditions real soon with the 170. I used to reef the main and run full jib in 14 --nothing more. But I've learned to head up slightly in the puffs, and put her 'back on her feet' and it's just like "buttuh". What a quick and fun little boat! I've also found that, with a 10-15 breeze, I can lock the jib down completely (closehauled but with the jib sheet over the side, right next to me just in case ;o) and just let the jib draw and pull the boat, while just spilling the main sail to keep her on her feet/keep her from heeling way over. Amazing how much power that jib gives. One time on the intercoastal (one of my first solos), I got into a 15 or so puff with jib and main and the main was fully spilled/luffed it WAY out and the jib was still drawing full-- the boat actually starting bearing away (leehelm) and I got pretty freaked out!!! But I've learned since that you just keep the 170 close to the wind, and keep on paying out/adjusting the mainsheet as needed (don't fall asleep/cleat it) and you're generally fine in pretty sizable puffs. I am however convinced that the warm Florida water (in the event of capsize) allows me to be a bit more brazen than folks sailing the, shall we say, cool-watered Great Lakes!Oh, one other observation. A few months ago I was running in 15 and above sustained winds on the lake with main only, and with puffs-- the tiller loaded up where it felt like a 150 lb. man was hanging on it, trying to pull the tiller right out of my hands and turn her to windward. Have never felt so much weatherhelm! Running reefed main and jib alone in this situation would have balanced my helm so much better. It's fun to learn/try different sail combos in different conditions!Anyway, that's my take on soloing and some handling stuff. Again, congratulations on the nice sail!Happy sailing,Mike G.s/v Lil Sport

 

[Mac Bentley]

I like it when the wind blows...

... when I'm single-handing. It gives me an excuse to not unfurl the jib.Mac

 

[Mac Bentley]

I like it when the wind blows...

... when I'm single-handing. It gives me an excuse to not unfurl the jib.Mac

 

[JerryA]

Good Advice

Good advice everyone. I always have my PFD on and a throwable out where I can reach it. I agree with the power of the jib comment, as soon as I unfurl it, pull it in, the boat just takes off. I usually sail pretty close to the wind anyway and I've always got the main sheet in my hand. There was a lot of the time that I think I could have sailed Saturday with a full main staying close to the wind and easing the main, but it was much more comfortable with the main reefed. I sailed parallel to a much larger and a smaller sailboat Saturday, and neither of them were any faster with full sails than my 170. I don't really have any interest in hiking out like Danny and I too am only 160lbs, that's not why I sail (Danny looks good at it though). I sail for the relaxation value. I like sailing my 170 with my feet up on the opposite seat and comfortably relaxed watching the rest of the world go by. I did have fun sailing solo, but I missed my wife not being along. Tereza - we looked at the 146 before buying the 170. I think if I was planning to always solo I would have bought the 146, actually I probably would still be sailing my Precision 13 (looks like a Laser). I left my dock lines attached just incase it went over, but maybe I should have tied one to myself. The mast is foamed and I've experienced the 150lb. tiller sensation before without the jib, that's a little scary. I want to practice heaving-to, I think that would be very comforting to know that works. I'd like to sail out to the sandbar sometime soon off Bay Point.JerryA

 

[JerryA]

Good Advice

Good advice everyone. I always have my PFD on and a throwable out where I can reach it. I agree with the power of the jib comment, as soon as I unfurl it, pull it in, the boat just takes off. I usually sail pretty close to the wind anyway and I've always got the main sheet in my hand. There was a lot of the time that I think I could have sailed Saturday with a full main staying close to the wind and easing the main, but it was much more comfortable with the main reefed. I sailed parallel to a much larger and a smaller sailboat Saturday, and neither of them were any faster with full sails than my 170. I don't really have any interest in hiking out like Danny and I too am only 160lbs, that's not why I sail (Danny looks good at it though). I sail for the relaxation value. I like sailing my 170 with my feet up on the opposite seat and comfortably relaxed watching the rest of the world go by. I did have fun sailing solo, but I missed my wife not being along. Tereza - we looked at the 146 before buying the 170. I think if I was planning to always solo I would have bought the 146, actually I probably would still be sailing my Precision 13 (looks like a Laser). I left my dock lines attached just incase it went over, but maybe I should have tied one to myself. The mast is foamed and I've experienced the 150lb. tiller sensation before without the jib, that's a little scary. I want to practice heaving-to, I think that would be very comforting to know that works. I'd like to sail out to the sandbar sometime soon off Bay Point.JerryA

 

[Mike]

Heaving-to and that hiking madness!

Jerry,Heaving-to is really cool...I think Tereza said she's done it in her 146??? I haven't done it on the 170 but did on a Cal 24 keelboat during my Basic Keelboat training with the ASA. It was really neat. The boat just sits there and slightly oscillates up and downwind...only 10 degrees or so of oscilation(while remaining more or less 90 degrees off the true wind). It's cool how that works!Regarding hiking out- I hear you on it not being most folks' cup of tea. Not sure if you've ever owned/sailed a keelboat or aspire to- but man, keelboats are fanTASTic for the relaxation/kicking back, feet-propped-up-on-the-leeward-seat thing. We sailed in the Cal 24, also a 27 footer one day in the ASA training, and you just knew they were not going to go over- not even in 20 knots with full main and 110% foresail. I love keelboats for that feeling of security- but they're a pain in the butt to store/own/etc. And FORGET trailering!Happy sailing!Mike G.s/v Lil Sport

 

[JerryA]

Yup

Mike,Yup I think I'd like a keel boat. I think I've learned a lot about boat & sail handling not having a large heavy object on which to rely. I'd like about a 27 footer, but if I had the money right now I'd find a home for a Hanse 37. Maybe someday, but I think I want to get some certifications and do some bareboating first. I know it sounds like a heck of a wish list, but it helps to have goals. I've looked at several older boats (read that as in my price range), but Debbie doesn't want an old boat. I've restored several old cars and I know I could do a boat, but she can't envision the finished product. So I'll just have to save my money, or make more, or both so I can buy relatively new.JerryA

 

[Mike]

Goals are good!

Jerry,I agree with you: Goals are definitely a good thing. The 170 is certainly a great step toward the goal of becoming a very attuned sailor. The feedback isn't nearly as acute on a keelboat as it is with the 170- puffs, etc. But the right keelboat (no doubt the Hanse- what nice boats) will still give quick feedback and have its own personality. I definitely recommend the 101 and 103 certification courses. I'd never really "crewed" on a boat until I signed up and sailed with other students. When it's there turn to drive, you rotate out through all the positions...trimmer, bow guy, etc. 27's a good size. But I've currently set my goal at next buying a trailerable cruiser (West Wight Potter 19, Seaward 22, Oday 192???) so that we can do some weekend cruising along the intercoastal, larger lakes, etc. here in Florida...yet trailer to some completely different venue when the mood strikes. Someday we might own a larger, slip-housed rig--but that's a long ways off!Agreed, restoring an old boat would be tons of work. Not for me. Fair winds,Mike

 

[Tereza]

Friends' boats

I am SO thrilled with the ease and freedom of these little Hunters...about as close to maintenance free as a boat can ever hope to get.For my big boat fix, I go out on friends' boats. I get to sail a few different boats, learn from them, and in exchange, I bring along the wine and cheese, lunch, spring for dinner on shore or bring 'em all back to our place for a gourmet meal, etc., etc.. And this forum only solidifies this strategy - there's A LOT that can break!!!!I admire those who have sailing so deeply engrained - and secretly wish it for myself, but until that day, JerryA - when the big boat fever succesfully bites YOU, let me know when you're in the neighborhood - I'll be able-bodied crew and provide yummy meals to go along with a perfect day's sailing!

 

[Rusty]

Eat SOMETHING!!!

Jerry,Good job. I sail solo a lot, not counting my First Mate who is a Newfoundland, the dog not the nationality! My Second Mate is my 8 year old son, as pictured in my "Laminated Tiller" photo essay. My son has not been promoted to First Mate yet as he likes to stretch out on one of the seats, with an extra life preserver under his head, and fall asleep.Now, some free advice to you guys who are under 225 lbs. This worked well for me and I feel honored to pass it on...EAT SOMETHING!!!! If that does not work, sit down and decrease your activity. Better yet, if possible, try to combine both into a "Better Ballast and Boat Control" body development program. Increased caloric intake, coupled with a decrease in physical activity could help each and every one of you become a much better sailor.Not only more food and reduced excercise, but incorporating a 12 pack a day (or equal calorie drink of your choosing) would really put the old "Wind in the Sails", if you know what I mean!!! Just simple physics...Now this may not help with the spouse and your doctor may go just nuts, but look at it as something that must be done to increase your enjoyment in this sport that we all love.More advice here just for the asking!!!Godspeed,Rusty

 

[JerryA]

_/)

Rusty you're too funny! I was kind of thinking that my boat fenders could be filled with lead shot. I mean... who'd guess? The 12 pack idea is looking mighty good right now.JerryA