What's the most challenging water you sail in? What makes it challenging? Is it a tricky wind around a point, or a place that's prone to strong gusts? Perhaps it's big waves or strong currents from a tidal flow through a narrows or around a cape? Some places have frequent fog and others are exciting because of boat traffic. How do to handle (or avoid) the challenges? Share your black water stories, then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Quiz contributed by Gary Wyngarden)
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Ray Bowles
Any type sailing that creates a learning situation
is my basic definition of a challenge. My learning curve is the sole measurement in regards to the challenge presented. Fear is the measurement of my inability to learn some lessons in one class. Ray S/V Speedy
is my basic definition of a challenge. My learning curve is the sole measurement in regards to the challenge presented. Fear is the measurement of my inability to learn some lessons in one class. Ray S/V Speedy
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David Guthridge
32' clearance!
For years I sailed an 18 ft.,late 60's, Pearson daysailor into Town Creek accross from Solomons, Md. on the Patuxent River. I never paid much attention to the bridge there because it had a clearance of 32'MHW. I didn't know what my mast height was but I knew it wasn't 32'. Then I bought a Pearson 26 with a 35' mast. Fortunately, I just hapened to notice the chart about 50 yds from the bridge last summer. A very kuick pull on the tiller saved the day but that lesson tought me to check the chart for bridges and overhead wires every time I head into any unfamiliar small creeks especially after dark. This sounds like common sense but why did I see a couple of banged up masts and riging last summer over at the boat yard. David Guthridge
For years I sailed an 18 ft.,late 60's, Pearson daysailor into Town Creek accross from Solomons, Md. on the Patuxent River. I never paid much attention to the bridge there because it had a clearance of 32'MHW. I didn't know what my mast height was but I knew it wasn't 32'. Then I bought a Pearson 26 with a 35' mast. Fortunately, I just hapened to notice the chart about 50 yds from the bridge last summer. A very kuick pull on the tiller saved the day but that lesson tought me to check the chart for bridges and overhead wires every time I head into any unfamiliar small creeks especially after dark. This sounds like common sense but why did I see a couple of banged up masts and riging last summer over at the boat yard. David Guthridge
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David Guthridge
Berthed it under sail!
Do you mind if I submit a second....... Last October I took my brother-in-law, John, sailing for his first time on my Pearson 26 out of Solomons, Md for a day on the Patuxent River. When it came time to return I started the engine and lowered the sails. The engine stoped! I had forgotten to open the tank air valve. I flooded the engine and after many pulls it still wouldn't start. I turned to John and said that this was a perfect opportunity to try something I had never done. Sail up Mill Creek and berth it under sail. After about 1.5 hours and a light NW breeze I maneuvered through a dozen anchored yachts and put her in the slip perfectly! I was damn proud of myself and consider this one of my most challenging experiences. It was like making a hole-in-one. Glad someone else was there to see it!! (Back in port one pull on the engine and it started right up!)
Do you mind if I submit a second....... Last October I took my brother-in-law, John, sailing for his first time on my Pearson 26 out of Solomons, Md for a day on the Patuxent River. When it came time to return I started the engine and lowered the sails. The engine stoped! I had forgotten to open the tank air valve. I flooded the engine and after many pulls it still wouldn't start. I turned to John and said that this was a perfect opportunity to try something I had never done. Sail up Mill Creek and berth it under sail. After about 1.5 hours and a light NW breeze I maneuvered through a dozen anchored yachts and put her in the slip perfectly! I was damn proud of myself and consider this one of my most challenging experiences. It was like making a hole-in-one. Glad someone else was there to see it!! (Back in port one pull on the engine and it started right up!)
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James Pietraszewski
Now your a sailer and no one can deny
If yor a sailor then sail! It's great, in general, we motor out of the slip, turn into the wind, and set sails. then we kill the motor and sail away.have a great day.. But just like you, today with my wife, as we sailed back in the bay, near the entrance to our harbor, we dropped the sails as we prepared to motor through the shallows and through the draw bridge past the restraunts and into our slip. The engine started but the linkage on the trans broke. So on occasion one must be a Sailor Man.. I called the bridge tendor and told him my situtation and raised the sailes and sailed in. The wind was abeam as we passed the draww bridge, how lucky! A little juggle jaggle and we setter into the slip and stepped off with the gentlest of effort. I'm proud of my wife, she finally listened and did exactly as I told her.... Oh! 34 ' Seidelman. Your a sailor man! Who needs motors.
If yor a sailor then sail! It's great, in general, we motor out of the slip, turn into the wind, and set sails. then we kill the motor and sail away.have a great day.. But just like you, today with my wife, as we sailed back in the bay, near the entrance to our harbor, we dropped the sails as we prepared to motor through the shallows and through the draw bridge past the restraunts and into our slip. The engine started but the linkage on the trans broke. So on occasion one must be a Sailor Man.. I called the bridge tendor and told him my situtation and raised the sailes and sailed in. The wind was abeam as we passed the draww bridge, how lucky! A little juggle jaggle and we setter into the slip and stepped off with the gentlest of effort. I'm proud of my wife, she finally listened and did exactly as I told her.... Oh! 34 ' Seidelman. Your a sailor man! Who needs motors.
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Chip Giles
Gulf Stream Crossing in Squalls
Last summer, my wife and I sailed to Bimini. On the crossing, we went through five squalls. The wind shifted from the North, and the swells grew tall and very close together. The swells were banging our 25' boat around and water was breaking over the sides. Lightening was popping all around us. As one squall would move in an out, another was right on its heels. The winds were strong and shifty. At one point, the wind shifted behind us and we were making 8 knots, according to our instruments. Very treacherous, but it taught us how to sail in rough weather and that our boat will take this sort of sailing.
Last summer, my wife and I sailed to Bimini. On the crossing, we went through five squalls. The wind shifted from the North, and the swells grew tall and very close together. The swells were banging our 25' boat around and water was breaking over the sides. Lightening was popping all around us. As one squall would move in an out, another was right on its heels. The winds were strong and shifty. At one point, the wind shifted behind us and we were making 8 knots, according to our instruments. Very treacherous, but it taught us how to sail in rough weather and that our boat will take this sort of sailing.
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Capt. Terry Killion
Go, No Go!
I am an ASA Instructor and Charter Captain and the first thing I try to instill in my students is when to cross and when to wait. For the most part if the wind is out of a northerly direction it's a NO GO. Wait for the window and cross. I cross at least once a month during the winter season and have had to deliver a boat on short notice and have gone against my own advice. I've have found that a 70 footer can be quite unpleasant in 20 - 25+ knot northerly winds and seas averaging 22+ feet. All the cruising guides recommend waiting for favorable winds and Noname Harbor at the southern tip of Key Biscayne is full of boats waiting to cross most anytime of the year. Sooner or later you'll find yourself in a horrific storm without sailing out into questionable weather. The prudent sailor doesn't leave safe harbor and drive himself, boat and crew into harm's way.
I am an ASA Instructor and Charter Captain and the first thing I try to instill in my students is when to cross and when to wait. For the most part if the wind is out of a northerly direction it's a NO GO. Wait for the window and cross. I cross at least once a month during the winter season and have had to deliver a boat on short notice and have gone against my own advice. I've have found that a 70 footer can be quite unpleasant in 20 - 25+ knot northerly winds and seas averaging 22+ feet. All the cruising guides recommend waiting for favorable winds and Noname Harbor at the southern tip of Key Biscayne is full of boats waiting to cross most anytime of the year. Sooner or later you'll find yourself in a horrific storm without sailing out into questionable weather. The prudent sailor doesn't leave safe harbor and drive himself, boat and crew into harm's way.
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Gill Johnston
Boaters are the greatest navigation challenge
I have no problems with navigating the Gulf Stream in storms or inlets driven by high wind against an out going tide. Ripping currents no problem. Third world countries with no navigation aids are just an inconvienience. BUT!!!!! I fear for my vessle and crew anytime I sail the treacherous line below Vero Beach, FL on the ICW, where there are thousands of boaters,sportfishers and magnum racers causing havoc. By the time you get to West Palm count yourself lucky to get to a safe anchorage because no matter how GREAT a sailor you are you cannot prepare for mass stupidity and complete disregard for navigational rules.I have forever written off the ICW in this danger zone and now sail outside knowing, the worst the Gulf Stream has to offer, is tame compared the boaters from hell.
I have no problems with navigating the Gulf Stream in storms or inlets driven by high wind against an out going tide. Ripping currents no problem. Third world countries with no navigation aids are just an inconvienience. BUT!!!!! I fear for my vessle and crew anytime I sail the treacherous line below Vero Beach, FL on the ICW, where there are thousands of boaters,sportfishers and magnum racers causing havoc. By the time you get to West Palm count yourself lucky to get to a safe anchorage because no matter how GREAT a sailor you are you cannot prepare for mass stupidity and complete disregard for navigational rules.I have forever written off the ICW in this danger zone and now sail outside knowing, the worst the Gulf Stream has to offer, is tame compared the boaters from hell.
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Mike Wiley
Challenging Waters
In my opinion, one of the most beautiful areas to sail through is Morro Bay, California, but it can also be one of the most hazardous. The problem arises each Winter (through about the end of April) and concerns the entrance to Morro Bay harbor. There is only one access to the harbor, and this entrance is rather narrow, creating a massive amount of water being passed each change of tide. Couple this with a shallow depth (often less than 20' at low tide) which create some huge waves rolling across the mouth to the entrance. In the late 70's, the MOJO, an 85' power yacht carrying the actor George C. Scott and his wife, made the mistake of challenging the harbor during these dangerous conditions. The picture of their professionally skippered vessel being hit by a 20+' wave has become famous (infamous?). And in the 80's, the local charter boat SAN MATEO, carrying a couple dozen school children and a few adults for whale watching, attempted to leave the harbor during these conditions and was capsized. Fortunitely, because of the quick actions of the Harbor Patrol and local surfers, all the children escaped serious injury. In fact, the only fatality was that of the skipper, who died some time later as a result of his injuries. Bottom line, Morro Bay harbor is a beautiful area to visit, the people are friendly and welcome visitors openly, but be aware of the potential for extremely hazardous conditions at the entrance. To avoid problems, simply radio the Morro Bay Harbor Patrol prior to arrival, and they'll give you an accurate update as to the conditions. If either the MOJO or SAN MATEO had followed the advice of the Harbor Patrol at the time, both incidents would have been avoided.
In my opinion, one of the most beautiful areas to sail through is Morro Bay, California, but it can also be one of the most hazardous. The problem arises each Winter (through about the end of April) and concerns the entrance to Morro Bay harbor. There is only one access to the harbor, and this entrance is rather narrow, creating a massive amount of water being passed each change of tide. Couple this with a shallow depth (often less than 20' at low tide) which create some huge waves rolling across the mouth to the entrance. In the late 70's, the MOJO, an 85' power yacht carrying the actor George C. Scott and his wife, made the mistake of challenging the harbor during these dangerous conditions. The picture of their professionally skippered vessel being hit by a 20+' wave has become famous (infamous?). And in the 80's, the local charter boat SAN MATEO, carrying a couple dozen school children and a few adults for whale watching, attempted to leave the harbor during these conditions and was capsized. Fortunitely, because of the quick actions of the Harbor Patrol and local surfers, all the children escaped serious injury. In fact, the only fatality was that of the skipper, who died some time later as a result of his injuries. Bottom line, Morro Bay harbor is a beautiful area to visit, the people are friendly and welcome visitors openly, but be aware of the potential for extremely hazardous conditions at the entrance. To avoid problems, simply radio the Morro Bay Harbor Patrol prior to arrival, and they'll give you an accurate update as to the conditions. If either the MOJO or SAN MATEO had followed the advice of the Harbor Patrol at the time, both incidents would have been avoided.
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Frank / MD / H260
Challenging sailing
We sail the Chesapeake Bay. The wind gusts can be bad and take you to 35 degrees in a heart beat, the wind changing direction can be a pain. But... add a 3 foot chop on the water and that's a problem. Because of the water bouncing off the shores, the waves aren't coming from the same direction as the wind as you would expect. A good sailing direction is 45 degree off the wind. OK, but the waves are 45 degree off the wind. Hmmmmmm, in ten minutes the beer cans are exploding and your brains and stomach feel like mush.
We sail the Chesapeake Bay. The wind gusts can be bad and take you to 35 degrees in a heart beat, the wind changing direction can be a pain. But... add a 3 foot chop on the water and that's a problem. Because of the water bouncing off the shores, the waves aren't coming from the same direction as the wind as you would expect. A good sailing direction is 45 degree off the wind. OK, but the waves are 45 degree off the wind. Hmmmmmm, in ten minutes the beer cans are exploding and your brains and stomach feel like mush.
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john k
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Fred Scott
Never Go There?
Challenging Waters! Burke Channel near Bella Coola on the BC coast. I live in Sherwood Park Alberta and once a year I travel to the coast and always took Dean Channel to go where I like to sail. Last year the wife Vi came down with a bad ear infection on Fitz Hugh Sound and to make a short cut for help I took Burke Channel and found out why my father never went that way. Burke Channel is 36 miles long 900 ft. deep with miles of channels leading to it. About half way through we encountered a tail wind, then tidel currents with and ebb tide fighting a flood tide making for an angry sea with mounting waves coming from behind that made us surf in foaming water. A tremendous volume of moving water. Being on a Macgregor 26X with little draugh, it was the most exhausting experience I have ever gone through. After fighting that water for hours and working the helm to keep the boat going straight I could not lift my arms and will never go that way again and Vi won't let me even if her ear was getting the best of her, just plain NO. Fred Scott LADY Vi Sherwood Park Alberta
Challenging Waters! Burke Channel near Bella Coola on the BC coast. I live in Sherwood Park Alberta and once a year I travel to the coast and always took Dean Channel to go where I like to sail. Last year the wife Vi came down with a bad ear infection on Fitz Hugh Sound and to make a short cut for help I took Burke Channel and found out why my father never went that way. Burke Channel is 36 miles long 900 ft. deep with miles of channels leading to it. About half way through we encountered a tail wind, then tidel currents with and ebb tide fighting a flood tide making for an angry sea with mounting waves coming from behind that made us surf in foaming water. A tremendous volume of moving water. Being on a Macgregor 26X with little draugh, it was the most exhausting experience I have ever gone through. After fighting that water for hours and working the helm to keep the boat going straight I could not lift my arms and will never go that way again and Vi won't let me even if her ear was getting the best of her, just plain NO. Fred Scott LADY Vi Sherwood Park Alberta
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Mark Swart
Light shifty winds are the worst
Living in the south, most of the summer means light, shifty winds. I'm not saying that it's challenging as a sailor, so much as it is emotionally trying to sit there and watch your dead sails wilting in the air as you wait for the next puff. Add in bass boats and jet skis, and you get the picture. We had 30 MPH gusts and spray coming over the deck the other week, it was challenging but "healthy." Guess it's all in what you get used to...
Living in the south, most of the summer means light, shifty winds. I'm not saying that it's challenging as a sailor, so much as it is emotionally trying to sit there and watch your dead sails wilting in the air as you wait for the next puff. Add in bass boats and jet skis, and you get the picture. We had 30 MPH gusts and spray coming over the deck the other week, it was challenging but "healthy." Guess it's all in what you get used to...
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Kim
What makes for challenging sailing?
My overly-optimistic husband. Sincerely, Kim The Safety Police
My overly-optimistic husband. Sincerely, Kim The Safety Police
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Chris Gonzales
Almost any summer day.....
On San Francisco Bay! Afternoon winds averaging over 20 knots + up to 4' bay chop + currents up to 5 knots + tides +/- 8 ft + constant ferry traffic + tanker and cargo ship traffic + fog = challenging sailing!
On San Francisco Bay! Afternoon winds averaging over 20 knots + up to 4' bay chop + currents up to 5 knots + tides +/- 8 ft + constant ferry traffic + tanker and cargo ship traffic + fog = challenging sailing!
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Dottie Bauer
AMEN ! San Fran Bay is a challenge!
In my younger years, and when I only had a 22 ft sailboat, I remember sailing the S.F. Bay during a 6 month period. We were so small, compared to most boats that challenged those conditions. Now, our southern Calif. waters seem so tame in comparison. I could never sail in S.F. Bay again. Now we just have to maneuver around the U.S. Navy submarines, aircraft carriers, and numerous other types of Navy vessels.
In my younger years, and when I only had a 22 ft sailboat, I remember sailing the S.F. Bay during a 6 month period. We were so small, compared to most boats that challenged those conditions. Now, our southern Calif. waters seem so tame in comparison. I could never sail in S.F. Bay again. Now we just have to maneuver around the U.S. Navy submarines, aircraft carriers, and numerous other types of Navy vessels.
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Stephen Peacock
BEER
I FIND THAT I HAVE THE MOST CHALLENGING DAYS/NIGHTS ON THE BOAT WHEN IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE IS AN UNLIMITED SUPPLY OF BEER!!
I FIND THAT I HAVE THE MOST CHALLENGING DAYS/NIGHTS ON THE BOAT WHEN IT SEEMS AS THOUGH THERE IS AN UNLIMITED SUPPLY OF BEER!!
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Adrianne
I took my BK lessons last summer on SF Bay
And I can say that I had never been in a small boat prior to taking my basic keelboat classes. I will never forget being on that tiller boat in conditions that included 20 kts of very cold wind gusting to 25+, with an ebb tide and 3 feet of chop trying to do man overboard exercises with the instructor telling the class that if we were going any faster than 1 kt when picking up the mob it was an automatic fail, now that's challenging. The worst part was being deathly seasick. Not my idea of the most ideal beginner learning situation. Hope to see a lot of you at the Sail Expo. Stop by the Hunter exhibit. Ours will be one with the antenna farm on the mast.
And I can say that I had never been in a small boat prior to taking my basic keelboat classes. I will never forget being on that tiller boat in conditions that included 20 kts of very cold wind gusting to 25+, with an ebb tide and 3 feet of chop trying to do man overboard exercises with the instructor telling the class that if we were going any faster than 1 kt when picking up the mob it was an automatic fail, now that's challenging. The worst part was being deathly seasick. Not my idea of the most ideal beginner learning situation. Hope to see a lot of you at the Sail Expo. Stop by the Hunter exhibit. Ours will be one with the antenna farm on the mast.
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JIM
GOING HOME
THE MOST CHALLANGING POINT OF SAIL IS THE ONE THAT BRINGS YOU BACK TO THE HARBOR......HAVE A GREAT SUMMER N.E.
THE MOST CHALLANGING POINT OF SAIL IS THE ONE THAT BRINGS YOU BACK TO THE HARBOR......HAVE A GREAT SUMMER N.E.
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Bob Camarena
"The Slot"
I'll throw my vote in with the rest of the SF Bay folks. There's an area known as "The Slot" which is between Alcatraz and the City, which is exposed directly to the wind funneling in through the Golden Gate. Throw in some fog, some current and tides, plus a container ship and a racing fleet and you're in for a challenge.
I'll throw my vote in with the rest of the SF Bay folks. There's an area known as "The Slot" which is between Alcatraz and the City, which is exposed directly to the wind funneling in through the Golden Gate. Throw in some fog, some current and tides, plus a container ship and a racing fleet and you're in for a challenge.
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