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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Need Help From Experienced Skipper - Chicago

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Old Disco Queen
1st Mate

Member Avatar

USA
66 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/10/2008 : 23:12:19

Hey Fellas,

Last year I took my new-2-me 25' out several times and had a few bad experiences that kept her out of the water this season.

-motor broke

-stuck on sand bar - radio stopped working - pulled out by coast guard

-split rudder

you know...little things

I was wondering if there was anyone in my general area that would let me tag along to learn some ropes on their 25' Catalina.

I have sailed a 14.2 for about 26 years now...and finally moved up to the 25'... but these experiences have spooked me. Instead of being out on water I have been working on the bottom, the rigging...

I live by Galesburg Illinois. Most sailing done last season on Illinois River in Peoria. Quad Cities on Mississippi is near also.

But the skippers at the slips near us in Peoria really were not very friendly...

Be happy to reinburse for any $ needed. This would really help me with confidence.

Let me know and thanks
Stephen Moore
mikerandstephenm@aol.com
309-343-7300

Stephen J. Moore

Edited by - on

DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2008 : 07:59:49

Sorry Stephan, I'm 1200 miles away, so can't help in that way but if you start with small goals and work your way up you should do fine. First though you've got to be sure that your outboard isn't going to leave you anywhere. Once that's done just take it slow, sail somewhere that YOU KNOW you're not going to run aground. Just raise the jib at first (these boats sail very well on headsail alone), and make sure weather isn't a consideration. You'll get comfortable in no time! Good luck.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2008 : 08:21:17

Well, I wouldn't call a broken motor or rudder a "little thing" when sailing on a river! It's sorta like around here--if you get "stuck" in The Race, you could end up over the horizon in the Atlantic!

How close are you to Carlyle Lake? I think we have a few members there... Bring up the [url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/email25.asp"]Owner's list[/url] and use Ctl-F to find "IL" and see who's around. They might be a little friendlier over there.

Edit: I guess you're not very close... I grew up near Chicago but that was a long time ago!

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 09/11/2008 08:46:14

edr_bug
Deckhand

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USA
19 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2008 : 09:47:31

I'd install a depth finder if you don't already have one. That should help keep you off of the sandbars. Is there a lake you can sail in so you don't have to deal with any current?

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5908 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2008 : 18:17:57

Hmmmm. Motor broke? Happened to me this summer. Stuck on sand bar? Happened to me a couple of years ago. Split rudder? About 6 years ago.

Take it with good humor. It's part of sailing and happens to everyone from time to time. Every time it happens, you'll vow that you'll never let it happen again, but it will.

If you have Tow Boat service in your area, sign up for it. Fresh water towing service only cost about $34. this summer. It's a great deal. (You were lucky that the Coasties pulled you off. In this area, they won't do it.)

Most of our members are very helpful with new sailors, but I don't know if any of them sail in your area. If not, find a local sailing club and join it. They usually aren't expensive, and members of your own club will be more eager to help you. Your nearest sailboat dealer should be able to put you in contact with local clubs. Since your boat is a keelboat, look for a club that has mostly keelboat owners.

During the winter, take basic sailing courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the US Power Squadron, or similar organizations.

Edited by - on

Old Disco Queen
1st Mate

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USA
66 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2008 : 19:40:41

Lake Carlyle would work just fine. Anyone know of a skipper up there that might help? I will take a look at the owner's list...and thanks!

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2008 : 19:59:22

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Old Disco Queen
 Lake Carlyle would work just fine. Anyone know of a skipper up there that might help?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">[url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=59"]Dave Holtgrave[/url] (?)

Dave???

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 09/11/2008 20:01:57

dave holtgrave
Captain

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USA
427 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2008 : 21:17:36

wow!!!!!
somebody knows where carlyle lake is.

i'll help.
stephen give me a call and we will get together.
i'm about 3 hours south of you.
i did several additions to the admiral plant in galesburg years ago before it closed.

i have the "whale of a sail" regatta this weekend.
i can be available during week and if you want, i'll come up to peoria during the week to look at your boat and take a sail.

let me know and we'll get you going.

dave holtgrave
5722
sk/tr
sailing carlyle lake and i guess visiting peoria in illinois.

Edited by - on

dave holtgrave
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
427 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2008 : 21:20:48

stephen
as you cal tell i have corn on the brain
cell phone 618 407 6287.

sorry!

Dave holtgrave
5722 sk/tr
sailing carlyle lake in southern illinois.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 09/12/2008 : 23:42:51

Unfortunately Stephen, being in Nashville, I'm a bit too far away to be of much help to you. But let me know if you are ever heading this way, and I'll try to make time to take you out on our C-25. Wow. It is a small world. The coincidences are building. Our daughter, Laura, attended Knox College in Galesburg and now lives in St. Louis, not too far from Holtgrave. Dave, I've written to you about Laura. Recently, she's gotten connected with one of the dinghy groups at Carlisle. Hey, it looks like you guys are going to get soaked at the Whale this weekend; maybe it will hold off til Sunday. At any rate, Ike should be sending you a lot of wind. I'm putting it on my calendar for next year.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/13/2008 : 10:54:07

My work here is done.

Edited by - on

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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.