Maybe sailors are particularly nice people, or maybe we're just ordinary people who become particularly nice when we're doing what we love. Whatever the reason, sailors always seem to be willing to go out of their way to help other sailors. In the spirit of the season, share with us your stories of being helped by other sailors. Maybe somebody towed you in when your steering failed, or when the wind died and your engine wouldn't start. Or perhaps another sailor helped you with a repair you didn't know how to do yourself. Maybe someone helped you learn a sailing skill like reefing or heaving to. Or perhaps the greatest kindness of all was from the person who got you hooked on sailing in the first place. Share your stories here, then be sure to vote in the quiz at the bottom of the home page. And in the spirit of the season, happy holidays to all of you from all of us at SailboatOwners.com! (Quiz contributed by Gary Wyngarden)
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Trashed Motor on Lake Mead
We had just finish the race from Govt. Wash to Lake Mead Marina. I had returned my crew to pick up their cars at Govt. Wash and was proceeding to the launch ramp at Callville Bay. It was getting on to sunset and I had dropped the sails and was proceeding at WOT with my 50 HP Johson. Having pass safely through the cut between Back Island and North Shore of Las Vegas Bay, I turn East to Callville Bay. I had turned too soon and with the lake 50 feet low, I hit a shoal and trash the motor. I called on my 5 Watt handheld for aid from anyone that could hear me. I got a response from a runabout. He came to me and towed me into Callville Bay ramp. I will never speak ill of a power boat again. He pointed out how lucky I was with the low powered handheld to raise anyone at that hour on the lake. I have yet to buy a 25 Watt fixed mounted VHF, but have purchased a Humming Bird fish finder to see the bottom in the future. Hope to return the favor to a power boater in the future.
We had just finish the race from Govt. Wash to Lake Mead Marina. I had returned my crew to pick up their cars at Govt. Wash and was proceeding to the launch ramp at Callville Bay. It was getting on to sunset and I had dropped the sails and was proceeding at WOT with my 50 HP Johson. Having pass safely through the cut between Back Island and North Shore of Las Vegas Bay, I turn East to Callville Bay. I had turned too soon and with the lake 50 feet low, I hit a shoal and trash the motor. I called on my 5 Watt handheld for aid from anyone that could hear me. I got a response from a runabout. He came to me and towed me into Callville Bay ramp. I will never speak ill of a power boat again. He pointed out how lucky I was with the low powered handheld to raise anyone at that hour on the lake. I have yet to buy a 25 Watt fixed mounted VHF, but have purchased a Humming Bird fish finder to see the bottom in the future. Hope to return the favor to a power boater in the future.
Dismasted!
Early on in my sailing career, I went cruising in the Bahamas, crewing for someone I had met in Bimini. We worked our way down to the Exumas, and were entering Staniel Key harbor when there was an almighty bang from above, and the top 5 or 6 feet of the mainmast came crashing down on deck. We managed not to entangle the rigging in our prop, motored into the anchorage, downed a fifth of rum, vowed that this would'nt stop us, and went to sleep. The next morning, starting at dawn, there was an almost constant stream of dinghies stopping by to offer whatever aid they could, from unskilled labor to tools to materials, to highly skilled labor. Over the next 5 days we removed the mast from the boat, cut out the damaged section, scarfed the two pieces,(it was a solid wood mast),glued,thru bolted, and fibreglassed the scarf, cut down the standing rigging, and restepped the mast. When I say "we" I mean almost everyone in the anchorage, at one time or another, and mostly with other peoples material.Our greatest expense was buying beer at the Staniel Key Yacht Club for our enthusiastic, talented, volunteer help. When offered payment, one of them said simply,"one of these days, you'll come along someone who needs a hand, be it labor, knowledge, materials, whatever. When you do, pass it on." It was a lasting lesson for me, and over the years I have tried to "pass it on" as and when I can. Its that attitude that makes sailing, and particularly cruising, such an appealing lifestyle. Happy holidays!
Early on in my sailing career, I went cruising in the Bahamas, crewing for someone I had met in Bimini. We worked our way down to the Exumas, and were entering Staniel Key harbor when there was an almighty bang from above, and the top 5 or 6 feet of the mainmast came crashing down on deck. We managed not to entangle the rigging in our prop, motored into the anchorage, downed a fifth of rum, vowed that this would'nt stop us, and went to sleep. The next morning, starting at dawn, there was an almost constant stream of dinghies stopping by to offer whatever aid they could, from unskilled labor to tools to materials, to highly skilled labor. Over the next 5 days we removed the mast from the boat, cut out the damaged section, scarfed the two pieces,(it was a solid wood mast),glued,thru bolted, and fibreglassed the scarf, cut down the standing rigging, and restepped the mast. When I say "we" I mean almost everyone in the anchorage, at one time or another, and mostly with other peoples material.Our greatest expense was buying beer at the Staniel Key Yacht Club for our enthusiastic, talented, volunteer help. When offered payment, one of them said simply,"one of these days, you'll come along someone who needs a hand, be it labor, knowledge, materials, whatever. When you do, pass it on." It was a lasting lesson for me, and over the years I have tried to "pass it on" as and when I can. Its that attitude that makes sailing, and particularly cruising, such an appealing lifestyle. Happy holidays!
Husband jumped overboard
We were bringing our new 361 up the ICW from Charleston last spring, and one afternoon had more of an adventure than we had planned on. We came around a bend in the Carolian Beach area of North Carolina, and saw a small powerboat going in tight little circles and a man attempting to grab ahold of it. He was yelling, but we thought at first it was a kid playing around. As soon as David realized it was an older man who had fallen overboard, he took off his watch, grabbed a PFD and hollered, "Betty I'm going in" and he swam over to the man, who by then was crying and sobbing that he was going to die. Somehow they stopped the swamped boat, and my husband towed the man to the beach. He was still alive and conscious, but would not have lasted much longer. I meanwhile figured out how the anchor windlass worked and got myself stopped. A police boat coming by thought the problem was that I was stuck on the bottom, but realized the situation shortly (maybe because I was jumping up and down on the bow and pointing to the beach!)and helped him get the fellow dried out and OK. What a day. And what a feeling to know that we had saved a man's life (OK, he did, but I got myself anchored securely- surely that counts too) Not a story of us being helped, but surely a story about a regular ol' cruiser-sailer-husband turn into a hero. Impressive.
We were bringing our new 361 up the ICW from Charleston last spring, and one afternoon had more of an adventure than we had planned on. We came around a bend in the Carolian Beach area of North Carolina, and saw a small powerboat going in tight little circles and a man attempting to grab ahold of it. He was yelling, but we thought at first it was a kid playing around. As soon as David realized it was an older man who had fallen overboard, he took off his watch, grabbed a PFD and hollered, "Betty I'm going in" and he swam over to the man, who by then was crying and sobbing that he was going to die. Somehow they stopped the swamped boat, and my husband towed the man to the beach. He was still alive and conscious, but would not have lasted much longer. I meanwhile figured out how the anchor windlass worked and got myself stopped. A police boat coming by thought the problem was that I was stuck on the bottom, but realized the situation shortly (maybe because I was jumping up and down on the bow and pointing to the beach!)and helped him get the fellow dried out and OK. What a day. And what a feeling to know that we had saved a man's life (OK, he did, but I got myself anchored securely- surely that counts too) Not a story of us being helped, but surely a story about a regular ol' cruiser-sailer-husband turn into a hero. Impressive.
Amateur Strikes Again
I would like to thank everyone that has come to my rescue since I bought my 26. It is an oldie in need of much tlc and not having any idea how to rig it has been a daunting task to say the least. I use to teach sailing to Boy Scouts on Huntington Lake. Most of it was small stuff under 12 feet. The 19' holiday I had latter was really easy to rig. You just dropped the mast through the roof into the pocket on the floor. But oneday on the San Luis forebay i had water up to my ankles in less than 10 minutes and discovered that dry rot in a wood sailboat can be a terrible thing. Thank you to the power boat that pulled me in. The old sailboat made a nice sandbox. On to the 26. If you had seen my wife and I try to raise the mast in the front yard you would have gotten a bigger laugh than watching Laurel and Hardy. I finally found someone on the net who helped me figure out part of it and armed with very little knowledge 2 years after I bought the boat we headed for "the" lake. Thank you to my brother whom I told that if we never got the mast raised we would crack a few beers and sit on the boat at the dock and still have a good time. Thank You to the owners of the 22' that helped us raise the mast the first time. Thank you to the people with the new small Catalina that helped the second time. We never were able to get the jib rigged, but with the mainsail raised and 2 hours from sunsset I almost made it all the way to the dam before heading back to the dock. Its great to be sailing again. Its just to bad it was already the end of the season for most Sierra Lakes before than drain them for the winter snow run off. Thanks to all of those people who are always willing to help.......
I would like to thank everyone that has come to my rescue since I bought my 26. It is an oldie in need of much tlc and not having any idea how to rig it has been a daunting task to say the least. I use to teach sailing to Boy Scouts on Huntington Lake. Most of it was small stuff under 12 feet. The 19' holiday I had latter was really easy to rig. You just dropped the mast through the roof into the pocket on the floor. But oneday on the San Luis forebay i had water up to my ankles in less than 10 minutes and discovered that dry rot in a wood sailboat can be a terrible thing. Thank you to the power boat that pulled me in. The old sailboat made a nice sandbox. On to the 26. If you had seen my wife and I try to raise the mast in the front yard you would have gotten a bigger laugh than watching Laurel and Hardy. I finally found someone on the net who helped me figure out part of it and armed with very little knowledge 2 years after I bought the boat we headed for "the" lake. Thank you to my brother whom I told that if we never got the mast raised we would crack a few beers and sit on the boat at the dock and still have a good time. Thank You to the owners of the 22' that helped us raise the mast the first time. Thank you to the people with the new small Catalina that helped the second time. We never were able to get the jib rigged, but with the mainsail raised and 2 hours from sunsset I almost made it all the way to the dam before heading back to the dock. Its great to be sailing again. Its just to bad it was already the end of the season for most Sierra Lakes before than drain them for the winter snow run off. Thanks to all of those people who are always willing to help.......
Always anchor shallow
When I finished my sailing course my wife and I chartered a 23' for a daysail in the BVI. We found a great island spot to stop but the drop off was pretty steep to the reef. The water looked clear and the bottom sandy. Down went the Danforth and it held well. When it came time to hoist the anchor it would not come up. Unknown to me, the amateur, the rock under the sand was shale and the anchor had lodged VERY well in the layers, covered over by sand. I did all the manuevers taught to me in the sailing course, wished I had a trip line on it, dove to try to get it out but the 30' was too far for me. It didn't LOOK that deep! A couple of young guys came by in a dinghy from a cruising boat because they saw us "manuevering" and wondered if we were aground somehow. One look over the side and one guy said, "no problem, I'll just go get it". Down we both went, he went to the bottom, put both feet on the rock and worked the anchor out.Then he swam it to the surface and dropped it in the dinghy. We got going, traded the anchor for all the beer we had left, and all had a good day!
When I finished my sailing course my wife and I chartered a 23' for a daysail in the BVI. We found a great island spot to stop but the drop off was pretty steep to the reef. The water looked clear and the bottom sandy. Down went the Danforth and it held well. When it came time to hoist the anchor it would not come up. Unknown to me, the amateur, the rock under the sand was shale and the anchor had lodged VERY well in the layers, covered over by sand. I did all the manuevers taught to me in the sailing course, wished I had a trip line on it, dove to try to get it out but the 30' was too far for me. It didn't LOOK that deep! A couple of young guys came by in a dinghy from a cruising boat because they saw us "manuevering" and wondered if we were aground somehow. One look over the side and one guy said, "no problem, I'll just go get it". Down we both went, he went to the bottom, put both feet on the rock and worked the anchor out.Then he swam it to the surface and dropped it in the dinghy. We got going, traded the anchor for all the beer we had left, and all had a good day!
The end of a
Shortly after I bought my boat, my neighbor, my wife and I sailed it home from the Potomac River to the Baltimore Inner Harbor. It was a three day sail. I had had the engine replaced after purchase. It ended up the installation was bad. Friday morning we left and started down the Potomac--it was about 7 miles to the Bay. We were barely under way in 30 knott winds and 4 to 6 foot seas when the engine died. By the time the sails were up, my wife and I were sea sick. Thus the three days progressed. About 4 pm sunday we had made it under the key bridge and were motoring up the Patapsco toward the inner harbor when the motor sounded like it threw a rod. We shut down the motor and sailed, in very light winds, about three hours to make it to the inner harbor and our marina. We tied up at the outside breakwater and the Marina Manager towed us toward our slip with his dingy. As we approached our slip there was a croud of about 20 people standing on the dock and finger pier and indicating we should throw them a line. In no time we were in the slip and tied up. And as quickly as they appeared, everyone disappeared again. I will never forget their kindness and the spirit in which it was given. Cam Whetstone s/v C36 - Wolf's Den Baltimore, Md. USA
Shortly after I bought my boat, my neighbor, my wife and I sailed it home from the Potomac River to the Baltimore Inner Harbor. It was a three day sail. I had had the engine replaced after purchase. It ended up the installation was bad. Friday morning we left and started down the Potomac--it was about 7 miles to the Bay. We were barely under way in 30 knott winds and 4 to 6 foot seas when the engine died. By the time the sails were up, my wife and I were sea sick. Thus the three days progressed. About 4 pm sunday we had made it under the key bridge and were motoring up the Patapsco toward the inner harbor when the motor sounded like it threw a rod. We shut down the motor and sailed, in very light winds, about three hours to make it to the inner harbor and our marina. We tied up at the outside breakwater and the Marina Manager towed us toward our slip with his dingy. As we approached our slip there was a croud of about 20 people standing on the dock and finger pier and indicating we should throw them a line. In no time we were in the slip and tied up. And as quickly as they appeared, everyone disappeared again. I will never forget their kindness and the spirit in which it was given. Cam Whetstone s/v C36 - Wolf's Den Baltimore, Md. USA
SAILORS R GREAT!
Back in 1986, when I brought IRISH ROOTS from Florida to it's new home, Washington Irving Boat Club, by the Tappan Zee bridge in Tarrytown, NY, the cable that raises the keel broke while the boat was at it's slip. Since there was only about four feet of water the boat wasn't going anywhere with 600 lb of keel anchoring it to the bottom. A fellow sailor at the club said "I can fix that" and immedicately jumped into the water, dove under the boat, came back up asking for a socket wrench, dove back down and removed the bolt that secures the cable to the keel - all in about 5 minutes. I removed the balance of the cable from the winch, replaced it with new, and repeted the process that my new friend had taught me. In the process I learned that the bottom of the Hudson River, although muckey, is not as debris filled as I thought. And the water is clean enough to enjoy swimming in. Merry Christmas to all. Fair Winds and Smooth Seas in the New Year.
Back in 1986, when I brought IRISH ROOTS from Florida to it's new home, Washington Irving Boat Club, by the Tappan Zee bridge in Tarrytown, NY, the cable that raises the keel broke while the boat was at it's slip. Since there was only about four feet of water the boat wasn't going anywhere with 600 lb of keel anchoring it to the bottom. A fellow sailor at the club said "I can fix that" and immedicately jumped into the water, dove under the boat, came back up asking for a socket wrench, dove back down and removed the bolt that secures the cable to the keel - all in about 5 minutes. I removed the balance of the cable from the winch, replaced it with new, and repeted the process that my new friend had taught me. In the process I learned that the bottom of the Hudson River, although muckey, is not as debris filled as I thought. And the water is clean enough to enjoy swimming in. Merry Christmas to all. Fair Winds and Smooth Seas in the New Year.
Cruising Samaritans Galore!
There are so many good Samaritans of the Seas we have had the privilege of meeting in a lifetime of sailing and powerboating that it is hard to know where to start. Therefore, let me just pick one example. When our small flotilla of 3 sailing vessels, viz. "Flying Angel" (our catamaran clinic skippered by Jim Fitch), "Rivendel II" (our ferry vessel skippered by Nelleke and me), and "J'Arrive" (a volunteer transport vessel skippered by Kees Gorter) left Port Vila (Vanuatu) set course to the great volcanic island Ambrym to start Project MARC (Medical Assistance to Remote Communities) in June of this year we were seriously hobbled by the fact that our 4 gaylords with medical and technical supplies had not yet arrived from the USA by cargo vessel. We had decided to leave Port Vila nonetheless since we did not want to let the first volunteer team, consisting of George Kornreich (MD; yes, HOW's very own!) and his wife Peggy, Dennis Breed (MD), Jerry Lancaster (MD), and Don Koons (EMT), waste away their valuable time and energy sitting in port. After working for a week or two on Ambrym and going through our meager medical supplies much faster than we had hoped, the team started to run short of antibiotics and other critical medication. We had no choice but to go on the "Namba Net", the cruiser's SSB net for the Vanuatu area, and ask if any vessels might be able to help us out by bringing up some emergency supplies we had meanwhile flown into Port Vila. Not only did "Awestruck" (skippered by Louie and Lori) deliver those within a few days, in addition to nearly all of their own on-board medical and school supplies, but a handful of other vessels stopped by as well to help transport supply packages, as well as to donate their on-board supplies in spite of the fact that they all still had to make significant passages to other islands, Australia or new Zealand. (Interestingly, because of the international character of the visiting cruising fleet some of the medication was almost impossible to figure out for our medical team.....). Finally, the big pallets arrived from the USA and for the remainder of the expedition we lived in relative bliss with regard to available supplies and equipment. The pattern of cruising ships helping spontaneously would keep repeating itself throughout the remaining months in Vanuatu, as subsequent teams visited other islands and anchorages. All in all, some 12 different cruising vessels participated and we now expect nearly 20 vessels to provide valuable assistance in 2002, a handful of which even staying for a month or more to provide overall ("camp host") support for the land teams. If there is anything which makes cruising in far away places such an enormously rewarding experience, it is this uncommonly strong fellowship among cruisers from totally different nationality, religion and race, some of them sailing gazillion $$ Hinkleys or Oysters and others backyard-built wooden folkeboats. Flying Dutchman "Rivendel II"
There are so many good Samaritans of the Seas we have had the privilege of meeting in a lifetime of sailing and powerboating that it is hard to know where to start. Therefore, let me just pick one example. When our small flotilla of 3 sailing vessels, viz. "Flying Angel" (our catamaran clinic skippered by Jim Fitch), "Rivendel II" (our ferry vessel skippered by Nelleke and me), and "J'Arrive" (a volunteer transport vessel skippered by Kees Gorter) left Port Vila (Vanuatu) set course to the great volcanic island Ambrym to start Project MARC (Medical Assistance to Remote Communities) in June of this year we were seriously hobbled by the fact that our 4 gaylords with medical and technical supplies had not yet arrived from the USA by cargo vessel. We had decided to leave Port Vila nonetheless since we did not want to let the first volunteer team, consisting of George Kornreich (MD; yes, HOW's very own!) and his wife Peggy, Dennis Breed (MD), Jerry Lancaster (MD), and Don Koons (EMT), waste away their valuable time and energy sitting in port. After working for a week or two on Ambrym and going through our meager medical supplies much faster than we had hoped, the team started to run short of antibiotics and other critical medication. We had no choice but to go on the "Namba Net", the cruiser's SSB net for the Vanuatu area, and ask if any vessels might be able to help us out by bringing up some emergency supplies we had meanwhile flown into Port Vila. Not only did "Awestruck" (skippered by Louie and Lori) deliver those within a few days, in addition to nearly all of their own on-board medical and school supplies, but a handful of other vessels stopped by as well to help transport supply packages, as well as to donate their on-board supplies in spite of the fact that they all still had to make significant passages to other islands, Australia or new Zealand. (Interestingly, because of the international character of the visiting cruising fleet some of the medication was almost impossible to figure out for our medical team.....). Finally, the big pallets arrived from the USA and for the remainder of the expedition we lived in relative bliss with regard to available supplies and equipment. The pattern of cruising ships helping spontaneously would keep repeating itself throughout the remaining months in Vanuatu, as subsequent teams visited other islands and anchorages. All in all, some 12 different cruising vessels participated and we now expect nearly 20 vessels to provide valuable assistance in 2002, a handful of which even staying for a month or more to provide overall ("camp host") support for the land teams. If there is anything which makes cruising in far away places such an enormously rewarding experience, it is this uncommonly strong fellowship among cruisers from totally different nationality, religion and race, some of them sailing gazillion $$ Hinkleys or Oysters and others backyard-built wooden folkeboats. Flying Dutchman "Rivendel II"
The nicest people in the world.....
On a last minute trip to San Francisco, I asked other sailboat owners if there was a sailbout tour available. Dan and Adrienne wrote me, and offered to sail their new Hunter and take me along. They picked me up at the hotel, and it was the best part of a four day trip to San Francisco and London. I got to see a beautiful city from the water, sail a sweet new boat, and meet two of the nicest people you could ever imagine.
On a last minute trip to San Francisco, I asked other sailboat owners if there was a sailbout tour available. Dan and Adrienne wrote me, and offered to sail their new Hunter and take me along. They picked me up at the hotel, and it was the best part of a four day trip to San Francisco and London. I got to see a beautiful city from the water, sail a sweet new boat, and meet two of the nicest people you could ever imagine.
Loaning a battery
I was once anchored at a small island just outside of Tampa Bay overnight. We had had a lot of wind thru the night and I discovered that my dinghy had either turned loose, or was stolen from the stern rail. I decided to motor up the windward side of the island to see if it had washed ashore. When I tried to crank the engine, I got a couple of turns, then nothing. I paralleled the batteries, and got the same again. My batteries had failed. There was one other boat in the anchorage, so I sailed over to him and got his attention for a radio chat. I asked if I could borrow a battery to get the engine cranked since I would have to go up-river against the wind in a narrow channel to return to my marina. He said come along-side. We had 3 - 4 foot swells as I circled around to come along-side. With fenders out, and a beautiful approach of my 30 to his 34, my crew threw a bowline while I threw a sternline. His crew hauled in on the bowline like there was no tomorrow, and pulled the boat's bows together. Mine rode over the top of his with the waves and bent his bow pulpit. We finally got relatively secure, and he pulled one of his batteries. We transferred the battery, which was no small task with the boats bucking almost opposite each other with the short wave interval. I hooked up and cranked my engine. We swapped information and parted. I replaced my batteries and made a set of long jumper cables. I'll not do that again, and maybe I can help someone else. I also fixed his pulpit. It is this sense of duty to one another that makes our community so special. Bill Byrd "Eagle's Nest" C-30
I was once anchored at a small island just outside of Tampa Bay overnight. We had had a lot of wind thru the night and I discovered that my dinghy had either turned loose, or was stolen from the stern rail. I decided to motor up the windward side of the island to see if it had washed ashore. When I tried to crank the engine, I got a couple of turns, then nothing. I paralleled the batteries, and got the same again. My batteries had failed. There was one other boat in the anchorage, so I sailed over to him and got his attention for a radio chat. I asked if I could borrow a battery to get the engine cranked since I would have to go up-river against the wind in a narrow channel to return to my marina. He said come along-side. We had 3 - 4 foot swells as I circled around to come along-side. With fenders out, and a beautiful approach of my 30 to his 34, my crew threw a bowline while I threw a sternline. His crew hauled in on the bowline like there was no tomorrow, and pulled the boat's bows together. Mine rode over the top of his with the waves and bent his bow pulpit. We finally got relatively secure, and he pulled one of his batteries. We transferred the battery, which was no small task with the boats bucking almost opposite each other with the short wave interval. I hooked up and cranked my engine. We swapped information and parted. I replaced my batteries and made a set of long jumper cables. I'll not do that again, and maybe I can help someone else. I also fixed his pulpit. It is this sense of duty to one another that makes our community so special. Bill Byrd "Eagle's Nest" C-30
Saved by a Grady-White (power boat)
We had one really exciting 30 minutes, and thanks to a anonymous angel in Grady-White we didn't need to buy a new mast (or half a dozen other boats, either) Story is very short. Replaced a section of diesel fuel line. Ran the engine for about 15 minutes. Decided we'd go down river (the Pisquataqua R, in NH), and moor near the harbor, and get an early start the next day. We miscalculated the bridge by 30 minutes, and as we proceeded up river (full flood outgoing tide) the engine died. Sails were still furled, and we were about, 600 feet from the lowered lift bridge. This guy in the Grady-White took a line and helped us to an mooring. Had it not been for this 'power boater' two possibilities seemed to exist just prior to that: Bounce boat to boat through a mooring field and then hit the low side of the bridge OR simply go downstream and collide mast first with the unlifted bridge, and hope to high heaven no one else was coming up river!! This particular river is subject to coal freighters for the power plant and navy vessels (submarines). The engine? We figured we probably ran the engine on what was in the fuel filter with an airbubble coming along just behind. Moral ofthe story: Make darn sure diesel fule lines are well bled before depending on the engine. In retrospect, near this bridge was also a big sign about a cable crossing and boaters shouldn't drag anchors. Bob E s/v Second Nature
We had one really exciting 30 minutes, and thanks to a anonymous angel in Grady-White we didn't need to buy a new mast (or half a dozen other boats, either) Story is very short. Replaced a section of diesel fuel line. Ran the engine for about 15 minutes. Decided we'd go down river (the Pisquataqua R, in NH), and moor near the harbor, and get an early start the next day. We miscalculated the bridge by 30 minutes, and as we proceeded up river (full flood outgoing tide) the engine died. Sails were still furled, and we were about, 600 feet from the lowered lift bridge. This guy in the Grady-White took a line and helped us to an mooring. Had it not been for this 'power boater' two possibilities seemed to exist just prior to that: Bounce boat to boat through a mooring field and then hit the low side of the bridge OR simply go downstream and collide mast first with the unlifted bridge, and hope to high heaven no one else was coming up river!! This particular river is subject to coal freighters for the power plant and navy vessels (submarines). The engine? We figured we probably ran the engine on what was in the fuel filter with an airbubble coming along just behind. Moral ofthe story: Make darn sure diesel fule lines are well bled before depending on the engine. In retrospect, near this bridge was also a big sign about a cable crossing and boaters shouldn't drag anchors. Bob E s/v Second Nature
Sailors are special people
My husband and I are very new to sailing and bought our MacGregor 26X in June, we were on our first cruise with our Yaght Club and were sailing to Bath, NC. It was an overnight cruise and we (being novice sailors) we were not prepared for a storm, it was hot and muggy and we did not have any tarps or anything to makeshift in order to allow us to leave the cabin open during the storm. The temperature was in the high 90's and we were miserable. We pulled into the small marina in Bath and were dismayed that they did not have any tarps, we were just out of luck. The owner of the marina tossed us the keys to his car and told us where in town we could find a tarp, we were dumbfounded at his generosity. We were very fortunate and by the end of our stay knew we had several new friends we will visit with again.
My husband and I are very new to sailing and bought our MacGregor 26X in June, we were on our first cruise with our Yaght Club and were sailing to Bath, NC. It was an overnight cruise and we (being novice sailors) we were not prepared for a storm, it was hot and muggy and we did not have any tarps or anything to makeshift in order to allow us to leave the cabin open during the storm. The temperature was in the high 90's and we were miserable. We pulled into the small marina in Bath and were dismayed that they did not have any tarps, we were just out of luck. The owner of the marina tossed us the keys to his car and told us where in town we could find a tarp, we were dumbfounded at his generosity. We were very fortunate and by the end of our stay knew we had several new friends we will visit with again.
Rescuers of a stranded vessel
My boyfriend were on the 4th day of a trip bringing our new 30' home from Tampa Florida via the Okeechobee when we had some engine problems that left us on the Okeechobee lake at night. We anchored over night in very choppy water (22 mph winds) and sailed across about a third of the lake in the morning. We had called in to the nearest marina, Indiantown Marina for some help. They had a 17' Carolina Skiff with an incredibly nice couple, Tony and Anne, who towed us back 10 miles to the marina. It was still blowing close to 20 mph but they stuck out the rough weather and waves, nearly swamping their boat! We're new to large boats and motors, so we were pretty clueless about the engine. This couple set us up with a great mechanic, showed us how to remove the parts on our own, and showed us the hospitality of the area. In short they turned what we thought to be at the least a costly engine replacement into a valuable learning experience. Everyone at the marina helped us out with tips and suggestions as we worked to repair the engine and continue on our way.
My boyfriend were on the 4th day of a trip bringing our new 30' home from Tampa Florida via the Okeechobee when we had some engine problems that left us on the Okeechobee lake at night. We anchored over night in very choppy water (22 mph winds) and sailed across about a third of the lake in the morning. We had called in to the nearest marina, Indiantown Marina for some help. They had a 17' Carolina Skiff with an incredibly nice couple, Tony and Anne, who towed us back 10 miles to the marina. It was still blowing close to 20 mph but they stuck out the rough weather and waves, nearly swamping their boat! We're new to large boats and motors, so we were pretty clueless about the engine. This couple set us up with a great mechanic, showed us how to remove the parts on our own, and showed us the hospitality of the area. In short they turned what we thought to be at the least a costly engine replacement into a valuable learning experience. Everyone at the marina helped us out with tips and suggestions as we worked to repair the engine and continue on our way.
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 12/31/2001: The biggest help I got from another sailor was... 30% Being introduced to sailing 27% With a repair in I couldn't do myself 22% When I had a problem on the water 20% Being taught a new sailing skill
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 12/31/2001: The biggest help I got from another sailor was... 30% Being introduced to sailing 27% With a repair in I couldn't do myself 22% When I had a problem on the water 20% Being taught a new sailing skill
Jack Sanford...A sailor's sailor
As a young boy growing up on the Conn side of Long Island Sound, I had the privilege of developing a love of the sea. I've been told and seen pictures of me trying to row a boat I couldn't reach both oars at the same time. I was greatly influenced by my Uncle, who was one of those people that could do just about anything he put his mind to. His name was Art Hitchcock. He gave me the foundation on which to build my skills and the love of the sea. I will be forever grateful for his knowledge and patience as I learned the ropes,so-to-speak. There was many a time I'd come back with the boat to report, what I thought, was a major catastrophe. He never had a harsh word and always made me feel better. He understood the lesson I learned, sometimes the painful way. Because of this up-bringing, I found the love of boats and the sea too much to resist. I've owned both power and sail,currently a 30ft sloop. This brings me to a man named Jack Sanford. Jack was an old-time sea-faring man who served as cabin boy,crew and captain of huge square-rigged ships. His knowledge of the sea was immense and if you talked to him for any length of time, you'd know he'd done or seen it all. He was very un-assuming, but would always try to lend a hand or answer a question, usually from me. One afternoon, a squall came through the marina and nobody was around to help. Jack tried to re-tie a boat that was taking a beating. He slipped and fell between the boat and dock suffering multiple broken ribs and spent a few days in the hospital for his efforts. Remarkable, in that he was well over 80 years old at the time. He did what came natural and against better judgement, showed his concern for another boat in danger. I'm very sad to say that Jack Sanford passed away this past July in the warm Florida sun. He taught me much. I will miss him as will anyone who knew him. The marina hasn't been the same since he left. Thank you Jack Sanford. You did make a difference.
As a young boy growing up on the Conn side of Long Island Sound, I had the privilege of developing a love of the sea. I've been told and seen pictures of me trying to row a boat I couldn't reach both oars at the same time. I was greatly influenced by my Uncle, who was one of those people that could do just about anything he put his mind to. His name was Art Hitchcock. He gave me the foundation on which to build my skills and the love of the sea. I will be forever grateful for his knowledge and patience as I learned the ropes,so-to-speak. There was many a time I'd come back with the boat to report, what I thought, was a major catastrophe. He never had a harsh word and always made me feel better. He understood the lesson I learned, sometimes the painful way. Because of this up-bringing, I found the love of boats and the sea too much to resist. I've owned both power and sail,currently a 30ft sloop. This brings me to a man named Jack Sanford. Jack was an old-time sea-faring man who served as cabin boy,crew and captain of huge square-rigged ships. His knowledge of the sea was immense and if you talked to him for any length of time, you'd know he'd done or seen it all. He was very un-assuming, but would always try to lend a hand or answer a question, usually from me. One afternoon, a squall came through the marina and nobody was around to help. Jack tried to re-tie a boat that was taking a beating. He slipped and fell between the boat and dock suffering multiple broken ribs and spent a few days in the hospital for his efforts. Remarkable, in that he was well over 80 years old at the time. He did what came natural and against better judgement, showed his concern for another boat in danger. I'm very sad to say that Jack Sanford passed away this past July in the warm Florida sun. He taught me much. I will miss him as will anyone who knew him. The marina hasn't been the same since he left. Thank you Jack Sanford. You did make a difference.
You guys are great!
On about five occasions I have asked a question. Each time at least one person answers. I love the neighborly feel and plan to help others as soon as I feel I know something worth while. Thanks to all in the sailing family. You're part of what makes the sport what it is.
On about five occasions I have asked a question. Each time at least one person answers. I love the neighborly feel and plan to help others as soon as I feel I know something worth while. Thanks to all in the sailing family. You're part of what makes the sport what it is.
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