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in what conditions would you stay home?

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/03/2003 : 12:54:31

If I pass my survey Wednesday I have to deliver the boat from Long Beach to Dana Point very soon thereafter. There is significant cost and complexity to delaying the delivery. I don't know the boat very well yet and I am afraid of Southern CA winter winds and waves.

The trip would be about 45 miles. Expected to be mostly downwind, coastal. 2 possible harbors to divert too in case of really bad stuff, however, if it is even possible to be that bad I am staying in Long Beach. If it's a small craft advisory, I am staying. I don't mind mild discomfort, but I would like to avoid terror! Wife, kids and dogs are staying ashore. Me and the PO. I am experienced offshore, but not in a Cat 25. Sails, motor, and rigging in great condition. Full safety gear, 2 VHF radios, GPS, Vessel Assist member.

If it's 3' to 5' and 15 knots (broad reach) would you go?

Where would you draw the line ? (1 to 3, 4 to 6, 5 to 7) etc.

Headwinds would have to be south-east and are very unlikely. Most likely a nearly dead downwind, coastal, run.

PS. I'll try to post some pictures after the survey.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 02/03/2003 : 15:42:38

Jim,

Running in 3-5' seas and 15 kt. winds should be a snap. Generally, sailing downwind is the most comfortable course in stronger winds and bigger seas, but don't let the boat go too fast. If the winds increase, don't hesitate to reef the mainsail, so the boat isn't overpowered downwind. If the wind really pipes up, drop the main completely and furl the jib. You should take along a motion sickness remedy, because some people don't like the boat's motion if the waves strike the boat's quarter, instead of dead astern. The C-25 should give you a good ride, as long as you stay out of small craft warnings, and stay out of shoals and breakers.

Depending on all the conditions, 45 miles will probably make for a longer day than you anticipate. You might cover it in 9 hours, or it might take twice that long. I suggest you start a couple hours before dawn, hoping to make it to your destination before dark, keeping in mind that daylight hours in these winter days are shorter. Personally, I don't mind going out inlets in the dark, but I hate coming in an inlet after dark. It's not always easy to identify lighted markers at night. (It's even harder for me, being red-green color blind.)

Don't forget to take charts of the coast with you, and keep a continuing check on your position, using your compass to establish a line of position to water towers or other identifying features onshore.

It sounds like you have been thinking about all the right things. Have a great trip!

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 02/03/2003 : 17:29:50

Why not overnight in Newport ???

Doug&Ruth
Triska (Alberg 29)
Tacoma Wa.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 02/03/2003 : 18:45:49

Heck... that's my description of a nice day... 3' to 5' and 15 kts. just about perfect downwind conditions.

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

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rcraig
1st Mate

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USA
28 Posts

Response Posted - 02/03/2003 : 19:55:50

Having made that LB-DP run numerous times, the conditions you described would just about be ideal. The current will be slightly onshore, but it's fairly mild in that stretch of water, so your headings will be rue. You are correct to assume that downwind or at least off the wind will be the order of the day.

Your biggest challenge, if you stay to close to the 'beach' may be not ENOUGH wind. Off Newport is notorious for light airs, especially in close. The only other concern is the breeze will tend to clock around to the west later in the day. Just keep your eye on the forecast and avoid anythng w/ the words Santa Ana in it. So long as you've got that 'ol onshore flow going, look forward to a pleasant sail.

If mine was back in the water, I'd offer to make it a group sail. Maybe you outta contact some of the folks at the local C-25 club, the Nauticats, for more local info. They are based out of Seal Beach Yacht Club in Alamitos Bay (Long Beach)

Happy Sailing,

Richard C.
'77 FK/SR (as yet to be named)

Edited by - on

n/a
deleted

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163 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 08:24:29

Sounds like ideal conditions. The Cat 25 will handle those conditions easily. You might corkscrew a bit and you'll have to get used to the way the boat handles with waves on the stern quarter, but it should be a good trip. Just check the short term forecast before leaving to be sure of your weather window. Have fun!

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 09:58:02

And of course we are now expecting a full write-up on the trip...
with pictures too! (grins)

Currently maintaining two holes in the water...'77 Venture 23 and new to the family,
'78 Catalina 25

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 02/04/2003 : 12:03:14

Running dead downwind in swells, rig a preventer on your boom--then relax and enjoy! <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette-Honda "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - on

Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2003 : 10:31:43

15 knots and a broad reach. I'd say this would be a "breeze" for Snickerdoodle.

Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2003 : 13:53:39

I was a little hesistant to chime in on this question at first for fear of getting you into a situation that may be above your comfort zone, because what I consider "good sailing" weather might be what someone else would consider "batten down the hatches" weather. In your original post you said, "I don't know the boat very well yet and I am afraid of Southern CA winter winds and waves." Everyone has a comfort zone in respect to wind, waves, darkness, rain, lightning(don't like it),...etc, and it would be prudent to sail within that zone to be safe.

I will answer your original question concerning sailing in 3'-5' seas and 15knts of wind as in pertains to the the C25 FK and not to your comfort zone. As others have posted, I find the C25 FK performs excellent in these conditions and you shouldn't have any concerns for the boat itself.

This past summer, I found that this boat can take quite a bit when I was fortunate enough to get caught in some very unfortunate weather(50mph sustained winds, large steep waves...etc). I say I was "fortunate" because I learned that the boat can take quite a bit(and the Admiral, too!). This experience raised my comfort zone considerably, because now I know if I get caught in some snot, I can just drop sail and motor through it with confidence that the boat will be fine.

Just remember to have contingency plans for your contingency plans and don't let your schedule interfere with your common sense. Good luck and enjoy!

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cc32b3127cce92e981259d130000001010" border=0>
Cradled on the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

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