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Catalina 25 Specific Forum

C25 shoulders a big blow

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Paul
1st Mate

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57 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/31/2006 : 07:55:20

"Lake Michigan storms created turbulent waters that over-turned at least seven sailboats Sunday." Chicago Tribune

I was out with my family when this squall hit and I'm happy to report that my '83 fin took very good care of us in the worst conditions I ever expect to see.

Altough I can't find any recorded wind speeds for the cell that hit the area for about 45 minutes (the Chicago NOAA observation center is perpectually out of order), observations ninety miles north and east of us reported 30+ kt gusts. Waves went from calm to 4 ft in about 60 seconds.

I had dropped the sails and started my OB just before the storm hit. With the wind coming at my starboard beam and the OB running at what would normally push me 3 kts, we heeled 20% and ran at hull speed for the 30-minute trip to the harbor, with no sails.

I had sent the wife, kids, and dog below, thinking today was not the day to practice my man overboard tactics. My boys were unaware that anything unusually was happening and my wife said motion in the cabin was no more severe than any other time she's gone below under sail.

As gallons of spray hit me in the face and chest, I had two thoughts. One, if I had made any mistakes in my renaming ceremony now would be the time for something to break. And two, I remembered reading an article by a guy who sailed his Cape Dory 27 in similar conditions, saying the vessel was uniquely qualified for the situation. Nothing broke. And C25 are tough little snots too.

The seaworthy and seakindly performance of my C25 may come as no surprise to you long-time owners. But this is my first season with mine. It's now clear that I bought the right boat.

Edited by - on

DaveC25
Navigator

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USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2006 : 08:01:39

I think that if you were healing 20 degrees with no sails up I would expect the wind speed to be more than 30kts.

I've been out in 30 knot gusts and she'll heel heavily under sail but not when they're luffing and certainly not under bare poles.

Glad you made it back! I'm glad your C25 held up her end of the bargain, and you held up your end by being a good captain!

-DaveC25

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2006 : 08:55:14

Surprise situations like these that one can walk away from unscathed, provide valuable experience and confidence in what the boat, and crew, can handle.

I know I'm good to 50mph and 7-8 footers.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2006 : 09:21:57

"20 degrees with no sails up I would expect the wind speed to be more than 30kts."

Thats close to the heel I observed in 54 mph winds. (fortunately it was in the Marina).

If you were near a lee shore in a C25 in those conditions you'd be in serious trouble. I don't know if the boat could claw off under either sail or power due to the windage of the hull.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2006 : 10:41:47

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by ClamBeach
 If you were near a lee shore in a C25 in those conditions you'd be in serious trouble. I don't know if the boat could claw off under either sail or power due to the windage of the hull.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Good Point!

I was lucky that I was several miles offshore, because the outboard only helped me keep my nose to the wind and waves, but I was actually loosing ground. A couple of times, the wind caught the bow and forced me to do a 360 in the troughs. That's a real nail biter!

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2006 : 10:43:50

We were out yesterday, wind was SE 30 Km/HR, when a sudden (snap your fingers sudden) the wind shifted to N 88 Km/HR and the temp dropped sharply.
I agree with your assesment Paul, these boats are seaworthy and seakindly - I know that if something goes wrong, I can probably blame it on the captain.

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bbriner
Captain

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349 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2006 : 17:38:46

We were racing and the wind was 30-35kts (measured). I was reefed (single reef point) with a 110 jib. It was a wet ride (we all got soaked) but the C25 handled it just fine. Several skippers turned around and went in. I thought about it but the C25 seemed to be doing OK and the crew was fine so we rode it out. On the downwind leg we got up to 10.9 kts (against a very weak ebb tide). That's a Wind Dancer record...so far ;)

I'll 2nd this sentiment... "And C25 are tough little snots too." :)

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.