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winter

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zebra50
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/15/2007 : 11:06:11

Now that we are on "the hard" for a few months, at least we are here in the mid-west (St. Louis) I posted a story that may be of interest about one of my past close calls. Fortunately they are not frequent but even one is to many. I have a couple of others that I will put up on the blog during this winter that also may be of interest.
While sailing on Lake Carlyle in central IL. is not as challenging as open water or Great Lakes cruising, it has its hazards and challenges and can be as much fun for those of us land locked lakers. Lake Carlyle is the largest, or certainly one of the largest, man made lakes in IL., if not the mid west. Enjoy the story, comments welcome.
http://zebra50-boilingpoint.blogspot.com/2007/12/summer-experience.html

Jay
Papa's Boat II
250WB #370
Blog:http://zebra50-boilingpoint.blogspot.com

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2007 : 11:14:10

Whew! A humbling story! I don't know if I could've published that one for the world to see...

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2007 : 11:25:39

But, I'm glad he did, Dave. The most telling part was "I have 30 years sailing experience". We all get a little too comfortable sometimes. We've all taken shortcuts that wisdom would tell us was foolish yet, we did it anyway. Thanks for sharing a good reminder Jay.

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2007 : 18:50:15

Thanx for posting your Blog Jay. That post should be in the General Forum.
Amazing how the simplest things can lead to the greatest calamity. There was a ferry accident on the coast about two years ago, in which a 350 vehicle 1,000 passenger ferry could not stop because a cotter pin was missing and they could not get the reverse thrusters to work when they entered a very busy port. The Ferry ran through a crowded marina, causing many millions of dollars in damage.
Your story should serve as warning and motivation to all those Admirals who don't want to know how the boat runs. My Admiral was reluctant at first, but now is as knowledgable or more than I am.
http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20050708/ferry_cause050707?s_name=& no_ads=

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2007 : 19:26:32

Jay,
Glad that it was a learning experience and not something more drastic.
Rita was equally reluctant to learn how to start the engine, drop the anchor, put in a reef, etc. She figured I could just take care of everything and she could go along for the ride. I was insistent that she learn how everything works including the radio. She particularly doesn't like starting the engine, but now at least she knows how, and she's driven the boat enough that she could get back to me in a pinch if it became necessary. While she's still not completely confident she's definitely more comfortable. I think by the end of next sailing season she'll be very competent

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zebra50
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2007 : 10:45:01

It sounds like I am not the only one with multiple learning experiences. I have begun to ask the "Captain" for assistance more often in a subtle attempt to educate. It seems to be working albeit slowly. I will have a couple more very humbling experiences posted in the near future. It is a good thing that we learn from our mistakes, hopefully any way.

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2007 : 12:00:34

Jay, I can relate to the feeling while being 'towed' back to the boat. At least JD was at a mooring buoy. The current quickly pulled me away from the boat and the fender I was holding detached (slippery line, bad knot) and I was on my way downstream. If push came to shove, Peggy could get the engine going, but more likely would have got on the radio to hail for help (her best choice as I was afloat with a snorkel jacket and fender float.)

On our next trip, we'll be exercising MOB (at last!) Your post only strengthened her resolve to get a better grasp of boat handling.

Thanks for the post.

Paul

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zebra50
Captain

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USA
408 Posts

Response Posted - 12/17/2007 : 14:29:25

Paul

glad I could help

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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.