Whitecaps and 15knots of wind

[Liam]

Reaching

Hey Franklin,I agree that beating can be really exciting and wet, but it can really wear you out...Nothing like a nice broad reach to help you relax.

 

[tom]

The biggest problem with beating

is that it is hard to cover much distance especially in waves. Some boats almost come to a stop when they hit a wave. Then throw in a little contrary current and there is no progress. Then the work of tacking. I loved it last spring going to Pensacola..roughly 100 miles. The wind was a little on the nose so we had to tack once during the night. Tacking once in 100 miles isn't too bad. My Pearson doesn't point that well and it takes a lot to keep it on course when the wind is on the stern. But thirty degrees either side of on the beam is great for handling, speed and comfort. I rarely choose to go dead downwind.Tom

 

[Liam]

Good point Tom

The shortest distance isn't always the fastest.If you are beating at 4.5 knots and you can reach off a bit and make 6 knots. you can cover 25% more distance in the same time with greater comfort and less wear and tear on the boat.

 

[Capt Jim24025]

We like to wait for the SCA

One of our boats is an old Morgan 46 with 34,000 lb displacement. She doesn't move too well with less than 15 knots of wind. She's a tank and a tub, but if I was caught in a storm, that's the boat I would want to be in. One of the owners once told me, "I wait for the small craft advisory to take her out."

 

[Tim Welsh]

Here's 15Knots of wind Doing 7.2

The wind was rolling about 15knots when this shot was taken and my G.P.S. was reading 7.2 I was on a beam reach. I just got this pic emailed to me today. I'm glad I got to share this one with you'all....Tim Welsh Hunter 34 S/V Cabo Wabo

 

[Dan Johnson]

Hey Tim!

So that's what my 34 looks like sailing! Black bimini, dodger, headsail cover--same as mine (unless it's actually Navy!) Was doing 5 knots broad reaching last Sunday with just the main up full in 10 to 15's with gusts into the 20's. Rolled the headsail out in a lull and got a prompt lesson in rounding up!S/V Intrepid '83 H34 #113

 

[Tim Welsh]

Yep, thats what she looks like

My colors are actually navy blue on the canvas. The stripes are black. They were supposed to be indigo blue but, I didn't reduce the paint when I sprayed it on so It's black. the bottom and the name are both black so everything worked out well. Tim Welsh H34 AKA Cabo Wabo. Wanna see here with a red and white spinnaker? Here you go

 

[Barry14882]

Another novice that likes the wind

I've only been sailing a year but love going out in just about any weather. Last weekend I went out by myself in 20 knot winds. With only my old worn out jib I was doing 5 knots on a broad reach. Wind started to pick up so I headed back. Unfortunately the boat does not point to well with only the 25 year old jib, so getting home was quite a challenge. I'd guess the gusts were up to 40 knots when the squall passed over. I had taken down the jib by then, but my 8 hp outboard could barely overcome the force of the wind. I had to grab the nearest mooring in the harbor because I was losing steerage and I could barely see with the driving rain. A little scary, I have to admit, but I'd do it all over again - next time I would wear my PFD, however.