Talk about a rough day!

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May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
This would be a scary day at sea. I guess that a drouge would be a good idea to keep the stern to the waves. What would you do?
 
May 5, 2006
1,140
Knutson K-35 Yawl Bellingham
That didn't look too bad at all.

The swells were up but the wind wasn't if that jib is an indicator. The boat was wallowing around a bit. Me? Having been in seas that weren't quite as high but with much more wind, I'd put the waves on the quarter and make some time. Those looked like 20 foot swells to me. Not much there as far as wind waves were concerned.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,345
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Yup, wallowing around in that stuff

is no fun. Need to get some movement on and get some stability.
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
I'd like to know about the boat that recorded

that.
 
Jun 8, 2004
550
Macgregor 26M Delta, B.C. Canada 26M not X
Not for Me!

Kind of reminds me why I have no desire for offshore sailing. Think I'll stick with prtected waters.
 
Jun 7, 2007
875
Pearson- 323- Mobile,Al
Easy stuff for a 76 Venture 25!!!!

The problem is that it is a big heavy boat. A good boat like a venture 25 with a skilled and able captain could catch the first wave and then surf all the way home. None of that up and down stuff. Heck waves that big are probably traveling 20 kts so surfing across the north sea in a Venture 25 is the way to go!!!! Actually the Yawl seemed to be doing OK but I would probably be sick and lying on the cockpit sole puking!!!
 

higgs

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Aug 24, 2005
3,736
Nassau 34 Olcott, NY
rigging too strong

In these conditions you want rigging that will fail, bringing the mast down and lowering your center of gravity to give an easier ride.
 

Jim

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May 21, 2007
775
Catalina 36 MK II NJ
Not that bad....

big wave but not too windy. I would not be jibbing. That is a good way to get knocked down.
 

John

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Jun 3, 2006
803
Catalina 36mkII Alameda CA
jybe danger

The first time I took my boat outside the bay, we had waves about that big. On the way back in, with a following sea and on a broad reach, the waves kept knocking me round threatening to cause an unintentional jybe. What I did was take down the main and only flew the jib on the theory that this would tend to keep the bow of the boat downwind and even if I jibed, it wouldn't be bad because the main was not up. Since that time, I was reading that this is not a good idea because the jib in gusty winds can tend to jerk on the mast and in a really strong gust the boat can get dismasted. Is this the general consensus? Any other suggestions? If I'd have put out a drogue, then I'd have been on a dead run and even more in danger of jybing. So is the best thing to just really be attentive in steering the boat and keep both sails up (but reefed, of course)?
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,345
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Old wive's tale, that, John

If it's blowin' outside the gate, and squirreley, then main down on just the jib is fine. Done it many times.
 

Jim

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May 21, 2007
775
Catalina 36 MK II NJ
The main helps support the mast

therefore you should sail in heavy air under the jib alone. Everyone does it! I like to jib back to port from our swimming stop because it is easy to just roll out the jib but not in heavy air (over 25 MPH). It is only 3 miles back to our inlet.
 
Oct 17, 2007
105
- - Chesapeake/ Fairfax va
fun sailing

Actually those waves are fun. During these time, I always have time to talk to God. It looks scarier in the video. Ive encountered those waves in a Irwin 23 in the Chesapeake Bay. Safer to stay in the water than tohead in in those condition. Thing is, it really takes a lot out of you mentally and physically..
 

Jim

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May 21, 2007
775
Catalina 36 MK II NJ
Stu, just so you know

There was an article published in Practical Sailor that warning against the dangers of jibbing. One thing they stated was that it is safer with a boat for stays forward and aft of the mast. This is a feature of our Catalina boats. Why don’t you reef the main when it gets windy? You can always add a second reefing point. I know it is easier to drop the main and go on the jib alone but it is not safer according to Practical Sailor.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,345
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Practical Sailor has some good stuff and

some less than good stuff. I don't believe some of what they write, and certinly not all of it. We have a C34 with a forestay and a backstay. We have two reef points in the main. Going DDW is NOT a good point of sail for our boat - believe me, I know, we've had her for almost 10 years, and a C25 for 11 before that and a C22 for 4 before that. WonW when it's breezy coming through the Gate is NOT a choice I like to make, and gybing downwind is also somewhat to be avoided if can be. Many times I'll come back in either south and curve up Baker Beach on port tack, or otherwise come in on starboard and gybe over to port where it's possible. The sea state determines my choices. I CHOOSE to do so because I know it works for me. I also know John has a C36 which is essentially the same boat. For those who have different boats, they may beg to differ, and for those without backstays...
 
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