I've done lots of very challenging sailing as part of a crew racing on Lake Michigan, but I just got home from the most challenging and satisfying sailing I've ever done. I own an old O'Day 22 that is definately NOT set up to single hand. But I got the afternoon off, great looking day, no one available, so I headed to the lake by myself. When I got there, the wind was honking about 20, lots of whitecaps, and even some steaks in the water. Not really old O'Day weather at all even with a crew, but after some thought and planning, I decided to try it solo. Thought all my manuvers through carefully. Thought about contingencies. Rigged a thwartship line and shock cord to kind of hold the tiller, got all the sails and halyards ready to go, PUT ON A LIFE JACKET, which I never use, and off I went. Got everything up, sailed rail down for three hours on all points of sail, learned how to make her heave to, changed a headsail while underway, came back in, got everything down again (the hardest part 'cause the wind had built the whole time), got back in, tied up, and collapsed exhausted but proud. Too bad I don't drink. Thanks everyone. Following this forum all winter gave me the knowhow and courage to try it, and I'm one heck of a lot better sailor now than I was this morning. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
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Good Ride, Tom!
Brought home a lot of memories. Your experience is a good example of creative stress. That's how you stretch and grow. There will be plenty more, but that sail is the foundation for your future. Great job and thanks for sharing. Rick D.
Brought home a lot of memories. Your experience is a good example of creative stress. That's how you stretch and grow. There will be plenty more, but that sail is the foundation for your future. Great job and thanks for sharing. Rick D.
Brings a big ol' smile.
I can almost feel the butterflies. Standing by the boat and "should I go or not go?" And then the exhilaration while out there with probably not another sail in sight. Great story, thanx!!
I can almost feel the butterflies. Standing by the boat and "should I go or not go?" And then the exhilaration while out there with probably not another sail in sight. Great story, thanx!!
Solo and like help
I will be sailing from Gloucester, Mass. to Key Largo, Fl. On or about June 11th. I am prepared to go it alone on my O'day 28, although company would be much more fun. I would like to hear from others that have made this trip. Points of interest, good food, and bad things to avoid are what I would like to know.
I will be sailing from Gloucester, Mass. to Key Largo, Fl. On or about June 11th. I am prepared to go it alone on my O'day 28, although company would be much more fun. I would like to hear from others that have made this trip. Points of interest, good food, and bad things to avoid are what I would like to know.
Way to go, Tom!
Singlehanding may be the best of sailing. That first one is always spooky. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
Singlehanding may be the best of sailing. That first one is always spooky. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for sharing. Gary Wyngarden S/V Shibumi H335
Thanks Tom!
Brings it all back. Like Ed, I can almost feel the butterflies that always come from singlehanding in conditions you describe. I can also almost feel the tremendous rush and then glow that stays a while after bringing it back in safely. Bayhorse (H33) and I were out this morning on choctawhatchee bay in the Florida panhandle in essentially the same conditions. Done it dozens or hundreds of times but the anxiety and then the exhilaration are always the same. Dockmate looked at me after I was in and asked me what's up?, like in the Viagra ads. PS I had my jacket on too! I also had an autopilot which makes it easier than what you were coping with. Photo at 7+ knots, just before I had to heave to and put in a reef.
Brings it all back. Like Ed, I can almost feel the butterflies that always come from singlehanding in conditions you describe. I can also almost feel the tremendous rush and then glow that stays a while after bringing it back in safely. Bayhorse (H33) and I were out this morning on choctawhatchee bay in the Florida panhandle in essentially the same conditions. Done it dozens or hundreds of times but the anxiety and then the exhilaration are always the same. Dockmate looked at me after I was in and asked me what's up?, like in the Viagra ads. PS I had my jacket on too! I also had an autopilot which makes it easier than what you were coping with. Photo at 7+ knots, just before I had to heave to and put in a reef.
MA-FL Give Sperry Sails a call...
Give Tim Sperry a call at Sperry Sails in Marion Mass...He has made that trip a couple of times at least and may just have made it from FL North. Tell him Mark from Sabine's Witchcraft says hi...I helped him up the ICW one year.
Give Tim Sperry a call at Sperry Sails in Marion Mass...He has made that trip a couple of times at least and may just have made it from FL North. Tell him Mark from Sabine's Witchcraft says hi...I helped him up the ICW one year.
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