Some observations

[sailaway78]

Just a couple of thoughts. First off, we have been bounced pretty good by some bigger power boats on our way south. But the very worst we got was from a US Coast Guard Auxilary boat. Yeah, the guys who preach and teach safe boating. This was in Norfolk, and I will tell you the name of the boat. It was called the Apollo 11. I hope the idiots who own that boat, read this site. Another thought. I read the post about down wind sailing and I have a question. If it's blowing 20 or 25 knots, and the seas are a little snotty, or worse. Why in the hell would anyone sail dead downwind. The 28' S2 I have owned and sailed for several years, and the Seidelman 37, just purchased, will both make close to hull speed in 20 knots or more, with just the jib flying and running 15 degrees off the wind. With the main up, you are at least partially blanketing the jib, unless your wing and wing. Which by the way is kind of neat and enjoyable when it's blowing 10 knots or so. Dead downwind is usually a pretty nasty ride, and the boat can be difficult to control. So, why would anyone want to run dead downwind when it's blowing, when 15 degrees or so off will make for a much better ride, an easier boat to control, and at least as much, if not more boat speed.

 

[Doug Burton]

Easy

Personally, AND I ADMIT I"M A RELATIVE NOVICE, (a couple of seasons, with only a ASA 104 cert.) When there is no wind to speak of, and I can see my target across the bay, and the wind is heading where I want to go, in the past I've found DDW very comfortable. Make a sandwich the boat's level, point to where you want to go and ride. The past discussion came up because of late the Chesapeake has gone from 10mph winds to 40+ in a matter of seconds. Not just gusts and it's over but 10 for an hour and wham,40 for an hour, or even the rest of the day. It is rare for the bay to be so challenging. But we learn something everytime we toss the dock lines. And sometimes on this board, recently learning that broad reach and jibeing is actually faster.  No one could learn that from experience this season around here cause we tended to puff our cheeks and blow at the sail to get anywhere all summer. The woman that got caught offguard is probably a very good light wind sailor learning to get the most from her boat, but got suprised by a quick weather change. I don't think anybody champions DDW.