Why would 3-5' seas send you packing. I go out in worse than that regularly in my boat, and it's only 28' LOA.
When is it too windy? - from a newbie
- Thread starter KandD
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Regularly, yes, but not on the very first time out in a much bigger boat you're not used to handling.
Don't worry about not getting out, you tried at least. Chalk the attempt to experience and move on to the next experience. Sounds like you have the docking down. Only two attempts on a cross-wind is a perfect landing.
Keep trying and keep asking. Every time you go out you'll get better.
And dog, play nice :naughty:
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I think that it has to do with sailing an unfamiliar boat. I woke up hoping to take our new H30 out sailing for the first time on sunday. The previous owner was going to go with. He's 79 and moves around great, but the small craft advisory and winds around 20-25 and gusty made me a bit nervous. He said he'd go if I wanted still, but we agreed to wait and see if it would come down a little and steady out... it never did... now it will be at least 2 weeks to get it out I think. The thought of what if something went wrong out there with an unfamiliar boat and unfamliar crew were enough to keep me grounded for the day.
I sailed to Anagada from Virgin Gorda a couple of weeks ago on an unfamiliar 43ft boat in 4-5ft seas and 20kt winds. I have been sailing for a few years though. After we got there I thought better of it as the boat really creaked and groaned in those conditions. Shoot, that boat creaked and groaned when I rolled over at night! Maybe the flexibility is designed in just like airplane wings.
KD, you could reef the main at the dock. Go out sailing and get a feel for the boat and see how she handles, and what YOU can handle. I bet that after a while you'll feel comfortable- particulary if you sail her level. There will be a time when you've broken the bronco and will take out the reef.
wish I had a 40 'ter to be out in, let alone be a newbie in a 40 'ter! I go out in up to 20-25 in my 26s reefed after close to 15mph. Went once in around 30, white capping like crazy, double reefed with no jib, no problem but VERY exciting. You should be fine as I'm sure others have written. Heeling is part of sailing...get ya some fine rail meat and slip the rails in the water!!!!
Bio, they are a newbie to the bigger boat, not boating. They are familier with using a spring line to get the boat to the dock, so sounds like they've been out before, just going through the big-boat jitters.
One day I hope to have the big boat jitters... To amend my post, I have never been in salt water in over 6' waves or about 15 mph winds...though I do take my boat to the ocean often, the heavy weather sailing I wrote of, and enjoy, has been in lakes.
When
This will be different for every sailor. Some will not be in control at 15 knots while others can still be in control at 40+ knots due to experience and a level of proficiency which includes sail trim and of course reefing..
When your skills and ability to maintain proper control of the vessel are eclipsed by the wind.
This will be different for every sailor. Some will not be in control at 15 knots while others can still be in control at 40+ knots due to experience and a level of proficiency which includes sail trim and of course reefing..
Those are never comforting sounds in 20+ on any boat especially one you are not familiar with. You start having those; "Have they checked the rigging lately?", "Perhaps some tabbing broke free?" or "are these chain plates safe?" kind of thoughts even in relatively mild conditions...
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