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My first big lesson

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2far2drive
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/04/2008 : 09:58:33

Well, I had my first big lesson on sailing sunday. I sailed all weekend (a 3 day weekend for me) and had a blast. Sunday was calling for 10-15mph SE winds so I headed out with a friend into the bay. That was a big mistake. She had never been on a boat and it was just us two. I taught her how to steer and handle it and showed her what to do in case I went overboard but I was really excited about this opportunity to handle the boat with relatively no help, another big mistake.

We sailed out under jib alone and we were making good time. GPS was showing avg. 5.5kts and we had a good sail. By time I was ready to tack I realized just how far we had gone from the bridge when the winds decided to really pick up, yet another mistake. On the tack is when things got out of control. My jib swung around and wrapped around the forestay somehow and began flapping wildly in the wind. I quickly started the outboard and turned us into the wind and got that sail down. By this time, the seas had built considerably and we were now beating through 2-4ft chop, tossing me all over the place. As Im motoring in the gusting 20mph winds, my friend gets seasick and is pretty much out of commission. I motored for a while, just beating my way through and not really making a whole lot of headway and I started thinking about my options at this point. I was nervous but I stayed very calm and just tried to remember all of my reading. Im not 100% sure but I think I heard another boat hail me to see if I needed assistance. Later I realized I was one of the smallest boats out there and getting beat pretty bad.

I decide that there just is not enough gas in the tank to motor all the way back through all of this and I was really concerned for my friend. I started praying that all the heavy weather stuff I had read would be true and I took notice of the few other sailing vessels around me. All were under sail, making good headway with minimal movement. I knew I had to get that main up and get moving. I got my very sick friend to get me into the wind. We got a small break because I had tried 2 times before with no success from all the pounding waves. I finally got the main up but without much time it wasnt in the best shape. I needed to get a winch on it but with the winds so strong she could not hold it pointing into the wind with all the chop and so I decided it would work. I beat my way back to the channel and actually started having a good time. Making around 5kts under full main alone and jumping 4ft waves is actually pretty exciting to me but I doubt it was for my friend who was now fast asleep in the cockpit.

I couldnt believe how hard the winds were gusting. I was pointing incredibly high, almost into the wind and still making 5kts. It was exhilarating. As I neared the channel, I got the outboard ready. Disaster struck again as I couldnt for the life of me get her started. I tacked in circles in front of the boardwalk, steering, tacking, on the mainsheet in the puffs and fighting the outboard all at once, fun let me tell you. I finally gave up and called a friend who advised me to sail through the channel and to my marina where he would be waiting and hand line me through. Sailing through the channel was a little nerve racking but ended up being easy. The final approach to my marina (one of those little cutouts inside of condos with a few slips) had me by far the most worried yet. Buildings, piers, and expensive boats all were waiting for me come careening into and not to mention the winds were still around 15-20kts directly downwind into the marina. I sailed downwind and dropped the main and coasted in and threw my lines and tied up.

5 long hours this seemingly never ending ordeal went on. I learned many lessons that day, and while I made several "newbie" mistakes, I was pretty proud of myself to say the least. I never felt like I was in any real danger, but I could have been had I not remained calm.

Anyways, the learning never ends and Im glad that I got a big lesson over with already. I knew one day that I would be in that very situation and luckily, everything worked out fine. Now I just have to fix the dang outboard and convince my friend that the bay is not always a crazy washing machine and sailing can be fun!

Edited by - 2far2drive on 02/04/2008 10:02:08

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 10:37:21

Hey David,

Sounds a lot like my first attempt at sailing my C-25 when I bought her 2 years ago(head sail tearing, running aground, almost giving up on the outboard for taking so long to start...). Glad everything worked out well in the end for you. It's also nice to see another person around my age into sailing!

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 10:51:48

mmmm...
The mainsheet should always be cast off while raising the main, you should have had plenty of time to get a winch on the halyard and get the sail up properly. A loose luff powers up the sail, you may have thought you were pointing well but you weren't; can't with a poorly raised main alone. Can't with a properly raised main alone. Losing the headsail is a bad sign, you need to revisit exactly what went wrong, that should not happen until the winds were twice what you were in and even then should not happen if you handle your sheets properly. I hope your motor is OK, sucking air is a bad thing and it sounds like you probably spent some time doing that.
I am glad you are encouraged by your day, it did show you how capable our little boats are and that things seldom get completely out of hand, it also showed you a basic law of sailing, It Is Almost Always Better To Sail In Difficult Conditions. Spend some time thinking about everything that happened, figure out what you should have done. For instance...
Sailing under headsail alone in high winds is complicated because you cannot tack on the wind within a narrow angle. With a main and headsail you may tack through 90-100 degrees but with a headsail alone you will be blown down off the wind due to the extreme leehelm caused by a lack of main and all of the forces being in front of your mast. So when tacking a headsail alone in high wind you must anticipate the leehelm and tack an extra 45 degrees with a softened sheet and begin hardening back up onto the wind from a close or near beam reach. As you harden the boat will point up and get back on the wind. You must also control the old sheet so it does not blow out around the clew and wrap around the new sheet as you tack the sail around. I find it better to single hand in rough conditions so I am controlling all of the variables; tiller between my legs and a sheet in each hand.
Thanks for sharing.

Edited by - on

Justin
Admiral

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502 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 11:16:02

Frank has some excellent points about your sails. You'll perform a lot better with a balanced rig. Quick question about losing control of the jib... You didn't lose the sheet did you, as in it got away from you? If that was the case, do you have the bitter end fed through the cleat by the winch with a stopper knot on each end? I'm just trying understand how you lost control of the jib and see if we can help prevent that in the future.

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 11:31:15

Good stuff.
Stick with it and get back out there.
Quiz Frank and the other experts here with the specifics of what you did and how you're going to do things the next time - and very soon you will be confident and completely under control in similar conditions.
It only gets better.

Thanx for the details.

Edited by - on

newell
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 12:32:27

I think that there are some important reminders her to all of us. Gas tank should have enough gas for the distance being covered. Reefing in anticipation of heavy weather. being prepared to single hand if first mate gets sick, falls overboard, etc.

A good story .....tjanks for sharing it.

newell

Edited by - on

2far2drive
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 12:49:33

Frank, Thanks for that reply, that was great!

To answer/explain a little more to your suggestions..

I did have my main on the winch on the mast but in my haste, I forgot the winch handle. I got some good tugs on it but it caught a puff and we veered off quickly on a starboard tack that she was barely able to control. Out of concern for my boat and her, I left the main the way it was and jumped down to grab the tiller and ease the mainsheet. I did not want to chance turning into the wind again with her at the helm to correct the sail shape, so I just prayed it would not rip out at one of the slugs and just tried to point as high as possible and ease the sheet quickly on gusts to try and keep the pressure down. I dont really know if that was effective or not. Suggestions?

The headsail. From what I remember, the sheets were in control. I didnt loose either of them that Im sure about. My memory is a little cloudy because it all happened so fast. I think I might have let it out too soon before I sheeted in on the other, causing it to whip around. I tried to straighten it out but it was hung and I was in "save that headsail" mode so I just got it down as fast as I could. I need to work on that because your right, thats not a good sign and shouldnt have happened. I have been sailing every weekend for a month solid on my boat and a friends and thats the first time I've had it happen. But then again, a month is nothing when it comes to this stuff haha. Next time Im out, Ill pay more attention to my process and see what Im doing wrong that made it self more apparent yesterday.

Yes I noticed a great improvement sailing in that than motoring. The boat movement was greatly reduced and we started making progress back to the channel.

Yes I am very encouraged by that day. It showed me the many many many things I still need to learn and practice and showed me that staying calm (as always with everything right?

) and just thinking things through helped me greatly. We do have some capable and fun little boats. I would have loved to have another, more experienced hand out there with me. We could have had a blast!

Ohh, the gas tank was 3/4 full, but yes, it should have been topped off. Maybe its my inexperience but topping off everytime just to go sailing in the bay is a major pain, but yes, it probably should have been done. I checked my gas when I got back and I realized I barely burned 1/4 during all the motoring, so, I probably would have made it back. I just get nervous running that thing so long, Im mechanically inclined, I just dont trust little boat engines for some reason.

Edited by - 2far2drive on 02/04/2008 12:52:33

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
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Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 12:51:46

20 mph winds are a lot if you are not used to it. Some of us would have loved to be out that day - 20 mph + 4 foot waves - sounds perfect to me! A couple of things:

(1) just fly a 110% jib until you get a little more experience.
(2) get the reefing lines run on the main and practice doing it in the slip.
(3) either get an autopilot or a tiller tamer, always sail as if you were single handed
(4) when a little overwhelmed and its time to reduce sail, sheet in and turn dead downwind. Use this when you need to get a line on a winch or whatever.
(5) learn how to heave-to and practice it. You could have used that to get time to get the motor started. (Tack without touching the jib sheets, sheet in main, and put the rudder hard over to try to get the boat to turn back upwind against the backed jib).
(6) learn how to use your tools to flatten the sail, reduce heel, and get the boat back on its feet when it is breezy - tighten halyards, tighten outhaul, put traveller down, tighten backstay adjuster. Learn how to fishermans's reef (aka dumping the main in a gust). Learn how to steer through the puffs (I always let my boat head way up in the big puffs - it wants to round up anyhow).

You did learn a whole bunch on this day. Your boat can take it, and you'll be ready next time.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
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Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 13:09:22

A few other points -

Jim makes a great point about knowing how to reef - beyond reefing at the dock learn to reef out on the water.

If you plan on singlehanding or going out with seasick crew then think about leading your lines aft.

Don't break (release) your jib until it starts to backwind.

Generally in 2-4 foot chop you will make better headway with a sail or sails up. It is also usually a better feeling for someone who is seasick to be sailing. One alternative you have is to motor sail though in that wind your sails would have done all the work.

In 20 knots you should have your outhaul well beyond snug. You want the clew of the sail as far back as possibly. Your halyard cranked as tight as possible as well as your cunningham if you have one. The catalina 25 has a very, very small mainsail. So as Frank mentioned, you aren't going to point as well or have as much power. Combine that with Jim's recomendation to fly a 110 jib and you should be very okay in that weather. 2-4 isn't that bad and you are close to reefing. (I would have if not racing). The combined sail would give you some point in this instance. Your jib cars should be as aft as they can be for the sail and your jib halyard tight. You want to take as much of the shape out of the sail.... Then in big puffs, dump your mainsheet to keep her upright.

Just stick with it - you'll learn something every time.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 14:02:21

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by 2far2drive
 

To answer/explain a little more to your suggestions..

I did have my main on the winch on the mast but in my haste, I forgot the winch handle. I got some good tugs on it but it caught a puff and we veered off quickly on a starboard tack that she was barely able to control. Out of concern for my boat and her, I left the main the way it was and jumped down to grab the tiller and ease the mainsheet. I did not want to chance turning into the wind again with her at the helm to correct the sail shape, so I just prayed it would not rip out at one of the slugs and just tried to point as high as possible and ease the sheet quickly on gusts to try and keep the pressure down. I dont really know if that was effective or not. Suggestions?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Your mainsheet should always be off while raising a main The reason you started sailing off on a Starboard tack was your sail filled. With the mainsheet off the sail will continue to luff until you are ready to sheet in and start sailing. That probably scared your guest.

Edited by - Frank Hopper on 02/04/2008 14:05:10

1981capri
Navigator

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USA
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Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 14:13:00

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Don't break (release) your jib until it starts to backwind.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I even try to continue to trim the jib heading into the tack and pull it in as tight to the spreader as I can to take out any slack. Then at the moment it starts to luff I cast the line off the winch and then reach across and start cross sheeting and tailing out the other sheet as fast as I can. I can usually catch up to it about the time it clears the shrouds and goes over the lifelines and trim it without grinding on the winch.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
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Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 14:35:31

You and your friend were wearing PFDs and were tethered in, right?

Edited by - on

2far2drive
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 14:45:16

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Nautiduck
 You and your friend were wearing PFDs and were tethered in, right?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

No we were not. Should have been. I dont have any equipment to tether currently.

Frank, well, there's another thing I just learned. Sucks being a noob

Im reading the suggestions and seeing the shortcomings of how my boat is rigged. Looks like I should just haul it out and quit for a bit. I have literally my halyards and sheets, 2 cockpit winches, 1 mast. nothing extra. There is some deck hardware the PO installed but I dont use it much. I dont trust it, none of it is through-bolted and some is quite loose. looks like I need to throw a lot of money and get it rigged with everything running aft. Well, at least when its all done, it will be pretty nice. When I haul out sometime around April, Im already planning on doing all standing rigging as well.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 15:03:23

[quote]Im reading the suggestions and seeing the shortcomings of how my boat is rigged. Looks like I should just haul it out and quit for a bit. I have literally my halyards and sheets, 2 cockpit winches, 1 mast. nothing extra. There is some deck hardware the PO installed but I dont use it much. I dont trust it, none of it is through-bolted and some is quite loose. looks like I need to throw a lot of money and get it rigged with everything running aft. Well, at least when its all done, it will be pretty nice. When I haul out sometime around April, Im already planning on doing all standing rigging as well.[/quuote]

one other note: when Frank says the mainsheet is supposed to be off - he means uncleated. Not trying to be a smart alec, just trying to cover all bases.

Don't get all out of whack. Much of what is discussed can be done over time. You don't have to have ever last control line, and there are many ways to skin a cat too....don't get discouraged just yet.

you probably have everything you need - you just don't know it yet.

1. are there any blocks on the side of your boom? (directly related to reefing for main)
2. are there any blocks on the rail? (to adjust your jib trim)
3. Do you have a boom Vang? (attached from boom to base of mast, probably 3:1 block or 4:1)
4. How is the clew of your Main sail attached to the boom?
5. Is your backstay adjustable? Some are and some aren't.

Edited by - Champipple on 02/04/2008 15:06:59

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 15:25:42

Good job getting back to the dock--doing that under sail dead downwind in a blow is definitely an accomplishment!

Two more things about reefing... First, it's generally easier to shake out a reef out in the bay than to tuck one in. When in doubt, reef at the dock and shake it out if you decide, out there, you don't need it. (But as suggested, also be comfortable reefing while out there. If you haven't done it, try it a few times in light winds.)

Second, with passengers who aren't used to sailing and winds above 10, reefing can make the trip much more pleasant for everyone. At 10-12, the boat will still move along nicely... At 15, your boat will sail just about as fast reefed as not reefed, but with less "tension" (on the part of your passengers).

Now, about that jib-wrapping incident--I'd like to have a clearer picture of what happened... Were you jibing (gybing) instead of tacking? That would present more of an opportunity to wrap on the forestay.

Daysailing in those blustery conditions, I liked to sail on the jib (130 roller genoa) alone--plenty of drive (better than main alone) with much less heel (because there's more area down lower). As Frank said, tacking is a bit different, mostly because you tend to lose more speed going through the wind, so you want to fall off a little to get it back, and then harden and point up. But roller furling makes the jib-alone much more attractive--pull one string and you're under way, and another to douse and wrap everything up--in both cases while off the wind and under way. Loved it!

Anyway, good job all around!

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 02/04/2008 15:35:53

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 15:32:29

One more thing (after reading the post you made while I was writing mine)... If you have "loose" deck hardware, I'll suggest you remove, re-bed, and re-fasten it post-haste, whether you're using it or not. You don't want water getting into the plywood core. You don't need the boat out to attend to that. In case you haven't seen it here already, use Life Caulk (not polyurethane caulk), hand-tighten first, let the caulk cure, and then crank down the nuts inside with a wrench (with somebody holding the screws stationary outside) to create pressure on the "gasket".

Edited by - on

2far2drive
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 15:44:11

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">
you probably have everything you need - you just don't know it yet.

1. are there any blocks on the side of your boom? (directly related to reefing for main)
2. are there any blocks on the rail? (to adjust your jib trim)
3. Do you have a boom Vang? (attached from boom to base of mast, probably 3:1 block or 4:1)
4. How is the clew of your Main sail attached to the boom?
5. Is your backstay adjustable? Some are and some aren't.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

1. There is 1, but Im not so sure if it is properly setup.
2. yes I have 2 on the track for the jib
3. no boom vang
4. the clew has a small line running through it and runs to a small cleat on the side of the boom.
5. no, single stay

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 15:52:28

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">

Im reading the suggestions and seeing the shortcomings of how my boat is rigged. Looks like I should just haul it out and quit for a bit. I have literally my halyards and sheets, 2 cockpit winches, 1 mast. nothing extra. There is some deck hardware the PO installed but I dont use it much. I dont trust it, none of it is through-bolted and some is quite loose. looks like I need to throw a lot of money and get it rigged with everything running aft. Well, at least when its all done, it will be pretty nice. When I haul out sometime around April, Im already planning on doing all standing rigging as well.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Don't throw the baby out with the bath water.

But, if there is equipment on the boat that you don't trust, make it trustworthy. It might help to find someone with more experience to look over the boat and make some suggestions. It might be worth a couple of boat units to have a rigger (or maybe a surveyor) come out and look it over. That way, you can get a prioritized list of things to do.

Congratulations on your graduation from the school of hard knocks. Hopefully, your friend will be back again. She must have had some confidence in you if she was able to sleep in the cockpit on the way back in through the channel.

As JimB suggested, practice reefing and heaving to. I would suggest that you want to practice reefing while under way in calmer conditions as well as in the slip.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
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Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 16:05:15

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">4. the clew has a small line running through it and runs to a small cleat on the side of the boom.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Generally it's best to have that line (the "out-haul") run to a shackle or block at the end of the boom, and then back to the cleat, or even back to the clew. That gives it a straight line pull with 2-to-1 purchase to keep the foot of the sail tight--a prerequisite for flattening the sail. BTW, the cleat may have been put on the boom for reefing.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 02/04/2008 16:06:30

2far2drive
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 16:10:59

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">
Now, about that jib-wrapping incident--I'd like to have a clearer picture of what happened... Were you jibing (gybing) instead of tacking? That would present more of an opportunity to wrap on the forestay.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Ok, after some quick reading (I swear I have hardly accomplished anything at work today

) I have my terms confused. I did jybe when I wraped the jib. I was coming from a close reach all the way to a broad/beam reach. Apparently from what I read they recomended something they call a "chicken jybe" by tacking through the wind until comfortable with jybing. In my inexperience once again, I didnt know the difference and tried to pull off this manuever.

Thanks for the kind words. Let us not forget that I learned all this from 2 books, this website, and countless others. I dont have a lot of help where Im at. I have a friend but his knowledge is somewhat limited, allthough he isn't a bad sailor. While I may not have all my terms correct, like you said, I did get that boat back to the marina. Possibly not in the most correct or safest way, but I did. Also I did not willingly go sailing into all of this weather with no help. I know you always have to be prepared, and well, I wasn't. Now I know.

Edited by - 2far2drive on 02/04/2008 16:12:42

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 16:25:14

Yup--the "chicken gybe" is a tack through something like 270 degrees to change courses downwind, and is a good idea in a breeze until you feel more confident. Gybing (jibing) in high winds is dicey, and can be hard on the rig as well as harrowing for the sailor. In light air, it's easy--tighten the mainsheet (to quicken and control the swing), turn, ease the main back out, and then haul the jib across without completely releasing it.

"Wing 'n wing" is another lesson...

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 02/04/2008 16:28:49

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 17:03:10

David, you did fine. It is because we can tell, (by the way you have told us about the day), that you are going to be a very good sailor that we are laying out so much info all at once. Our boats are wonderful opportunities to express one's self in hardware. You don't have to drive a rice burner to have a "tuner". I don't remember if I have recommended my pages to you or not, they are difficult to wade through but many are very hardware oriented. Many things are generic, like a halyard plate that goes under the mast, and many are made by lots of different manufacturers. I like Harken for light weight applications and Schaefer for high load applications, completely personal. What you decide you like is part of the fun. Do a lot of dock walking looking at the rigging on well kept boats, who knows, you may be a Ronstan and Lewmar guy. Have fun with this, spend your money on stuff that makes you smile. I do think Spinlock clutches are the best halyard clutches for our boats.
Your not having a boom vang is a biggie, is says a lot about your PO. Job one, buy a cordless drill. Remember the hardware that people add to boats is all about control which translates into safety and fun.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 18:04:01

Jybing or gybing is not hard in big winds once you get the hang of it, just sheet in the main first, then mind the jib sheets as the stern comes through the wind. Keep them sheeted in and don't let the wrap happen. Don't let the main blow over to the other side, things can break (including your head).

In REALLY big wind it can be hard to tack (you'll find out). In that case you can take a 270 degree gybe all the way around to the other tack. Old timers called it "wearing ship".

Keep this in mind YOU DID GREAT! People with thousands of miles in a C25 would have been challenged with those conditions, your equipment, AND NO ENGINE.

With a little work and practice, a day like that will be fun!

I often practice sailing back into the slip in light air days (keep the motor running in idle just in case).

Visit my pages, too. http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/indyIII.html Trying to set a personal record this year: 2000 miles sailed on a C25 in 200 days at sea (March 11 - March 11). I'm getting close. If not this year than I'll make it next.

Edited by - JimB517 on 02/04/2008 18:07:09

2far2drive
1st Mate

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USA
74 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 18:06:44

Thanks Frank/Jim, Im trying, a lot to learn to say the least. Im going to start taking practicing maneuvers much more seriously. I bought the boat in aug and it sat until Jan while I was waiting on the engine to come back, so I have been just sailing as much as I can without much practice on the things I need to work on.

Well, Boom vang was just purchased from CD, so thats on the way.

Since my maststep doesnt have the ring for the block, I got the stainless one with 2 bails. Im looking at some other hardware to replace the PO installed crap to run my halyards to cockpit. I would prefer to have them on the cabin top, is this area recommended to install 2 small halyard winches with rope clutches? Also, since I cant find the little swivel blocks I have mounted into the deck, when I haul out, I might switch the maststep to the halyard plate one and just buy some blocks for that. They are a little cheaper to go that route. My question is, the vang shouldnt be affected if I switch out the plates right? It doesn't seem like it would to me, but maybe Im missing something.

Edited by - 2far2drive on 02/04/2008 18:09:29

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 18:15:56

David,
Keep your chin up, you brought your boat back in under adverse conditions with no injuries except to your pride.

As far as chicken jibing goes, several of my books recommend it although I've not heard it called that before. Tacking is much more controlled than jibing, keeps the rig relatively unloaded, and if you're not sure of yourself or the boat it's a good idea. Tack the boat through 270° or so as suggested to get yourself around under control.

Rita & I had a similar if not quite so exciting experience probably the 3rd or 4th time we took SL out. 20 knots on our nose, reefing was rigged wrong, but we were fortunate that the engine started right up, and I knew how to do a fishermen's reef so I could get her (Rita) calmed down. I spent time over the next few weeks re-rigging my reef points, bought a storm jib, and taught her how everything worked. Then we practiced when it was calm so it was easy to do when it wasn't. Makes all the difference in the world. Learn how to reef your boat and how to heave to and your life becomes a bit less hectic.

Hopefully your friend is willing to go back out when it's not quite so exciting and she'll learn to love sailing as well.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2008 : 18:16:52

From another David, I think that you handled yourself very well in tough conditions. I'm only going to address one issue, because I don't want to repeat what others have eloquently discussed. I want to expand on what Dave said above about the main outhaul. One nice thing about the long C-25 boom is that there is a lot of space between the clew of the main and the end of the boom. I personally use and recommend 2 micro blocks, which will give you greater purchase to make adjustments. One will be a single swivel block, preferably with a becket although mine is not, and the other will be a double, both preferably Harkin or ronstan. Attach the double block to the end of the boom, using the lower hole if your boom end fitting has 2 attachment holes. Attach the single block to the clew of the sail. Using a bowline knot, tie the outhaul line to the clew first, under the block, (or the becket if you found a single block with becket), and run the line to the double block; then to the single block at the clew, then back to the double block, and finally to the cleat on the side of the boom. Good quality 5/16 line should do nicely. High strength quarter-inch line will work, but I prefer the heavier line.

Edited by - on

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