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Tell us about your sailing weekend!

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/22/2003 : 00:27:23

With due consideration to those suffering the wake of Isabella, we had a great weekend for sailing here on the West Coast. I am going to share my sailing stories and I hope to read about what you all did across the country and around the world on your Catalina 25/250.

Friday I left work at 4:30 and was sailing due west out the harbor mouth by 5 PM. Winds were strong (over 10 knots) and I enjoyed sailing about 2 or 3 miles out. You know the definition of a sailboat race - two sailboats in sight of each other. I was following something along the lines of a Cal 25 and gaining on them (he only had a small 90% headsail). When he tacked away, I kept going, and a 24' trimaran with mylar sails was passing us both. I tacked north and then lost sight of the tri. Later I heard a sail lufffing. It was the tri, about 15 feet off my stern. I was very surprised, I hadn't seen him in about 30 minutes. He passed down wind. I watched him go and then fell off to follow him into the harbor. Downwind, we seemed to be both about the same speed. He was twice as fast on a reach. I think I could point a little higher Anyways, after the surprise, it was fun watching them (father and son) working the boat. They had a roller furling mainsail but a hanked on jib. All three boats sailed into the harbor as the sun was setting. It was dark when I left the slip.

On Saturday, Karen and the kids, 2 dogs and I all drove to the marina. The sky was clear and sunny and the winds were blowing 15 knots or more. It was really gusting too much. After taking a nice long walk (hoping for an afternoon glass-off), we decided to take a motorboat ride all around the harbor. My poor 9th grader had to do homework the whole day down in the salon. On the way home we had japanese food (I had the sushi plate).

Sunday, Karen and the kids went to do their fencing classes and I went back to do some more sailing. I know it's a lot of sailing, but the summer is coming to a close and I always get a little crazy this time of year! The wind had been blowing all night and was still blowing in the morning. It was at least 10 knots gusting 15. SOme of the rental sailboats were getting nearly knocked down. I sailed out at about 10 AM - planning to go to the 9 mile bank for fishing, but the ocean was just too bumpy to be any fun. I sailed around in the harbor for a couple of hours with my genny rolled up to about 90% practicing tacking and gybing. I was prepared to come to the aid of a rental Catalina 22 that was up on the rocks but a dinghy pulled them off and they continued sailing with Mission Bay lifeguard boats standing by.

I was back in the slip by 1 PM for a delicious lunch of terraki tuna stirfry and rice Karen had packed for me. By around 2 the winds were really dropping. I took the kayak for harbor fishing and paddled my arms off chasing crashing birds. I caught and released a small mackeral. By sunset it was flat calm, no wind, warm and beautiful. Perhaps it will be good sailing tomorrow!

<img src="http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/pictures/icon.jpg" border=0>Indiscipline 1978 FK #398

Edited by - on

Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 09/22/2003 : 07:18:04

My wife, my dog Spunky, and I did our first overnight onboard our boat this weekend, which is probably the last bit of sailing for the year before we take the Adventurous up to Vermillion this coming weekend for the wing keel retrofit.

Anyway, Saturday we backed the trailer down the ramp, launched the boat and were sailing by about 1:30 pm. There was very little wind. In fact, most of the time Saturday there was no wind, but we stayed out in the middle, enjoying the sun. When dinner time came around we motored to the place where we were going to anchor, made a nice meal of burritos. After cleaning up from dinner we motored to the marina for a few last minute supplies before they closed for the night and to let the boy do his business on solid ground, then started motoring back to the anchorage spot.

By this time it was 8:30-ish, and it was dark. It was the first time my wife and I had been on the boat on the water at night, and in spite of the fact that we had to motor, it was very pleasant seeing the half dozen or so other sailboats with their lights all over the reservoir. However, we almost couldn't find our bay in which we were to anchor. Luckily we found it.

After reaching our anchorage, we sat and played cards, I put a catfish line in (no luck) we made boat coffee (Mmmmmm!), and went to sleep. I woke up about 7 am to nice wind. My wife and the boy stayed in bed while I tried again for fish (no luck) and smoked my pipe. We made bacon and eggs, more boat coffee (Mmmmmm!), cleaned up, went to the marina again for Spunky, and had a really nice sail for about five hours before we had to come in.

All in all, a great last sail to leave us something to look forward to next year.

Ben
Adventurous
#5553
C25 SR/SK

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 09/22/2003 : 08:36:01

Friday I bent on my new sail and thought I wasn't feeling very well. My 19 year old son and I sailed in 10 knot wind with the 150 and went after the only other boat on the water. It was a J32. What ever successes I had against him were due to his wife being at the helm and their not wanting to spill their drinks. But I did make "higher and faster" on him for a while, of course it was because he was one a close reach. (Jim, you cannot out point a tri, they move the apparent wind forward due to their boat speed.) By the time we came in I was feeling rocky. Spent some time drinking a scotch on a nice O'Day 270LE and marveling at the stars. Saturday I woke up sick as a dog. New sail... home sick. Hense the number of posts from me this weekend. Still sick.

Post Script:
Went to the Doctor Mon afternoon, have pluresy. A week of scrubbing the new boat in my driveway while it was raining seems to have been a poor decision. But who could hep themselves, the boat needed me.

<img src="http://members.cox.net/fhopper/Catalina25/sigbow.jpg" border=0>Frank and Martha in Wichita KS. Lake Cheney

Edited by - fhopper@mac.com on 09/25/2003 13:30:24

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 09/22/2003 : 10:27:46

Pictures posted from my Labor Day delivery Dana Point to Mission Bay
http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/labor.html

<img src="http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/pictures/icon.jpg" border=0>Indiscipline 1978 FK #398

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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 09/22/2003 : 14:00:29

Friday my buddy Jim on Hey Jude and I on Sparky took off from Brisbane and motored on down to the Bay Bridge as there wasn't any wind until that point. Hey Jude had a short day and returned home, but Sparky went out to a planned track out towards Sausalito and then back on the west side of Alcatraz to Pier 39 and home. Wind was about 20knots or so and it was a good ride. On the beat on the east side of Alcatraz I had to cut through this seeminly endless parade of boats motor and sail of all sizes. What is this I was thinking, but I was busy so didn't dwell on it. Later, on the reach across the bay on the west side of Alcatraz I checked out the Golden Gate to see if there was going to be any ship traffic to worry about. Only one quite far out yet so no problem. Then from behind Alcatraz come the two America Cup boats beating up the bay in a close race....aha there comes the line of unending spectator boats. arghhhhhh.... I had the right of way but let the millionaires pass and then began picking my way through the spectators. About the time I'm finally clear of them I hear the TOOT TOOT TOOT of the freighter. It was going right through
the race up near the bridge and I guess caused quite a mess as the racers had to break off and the spectators had to scatter. The drivers were the owners Larry whatshisname of Oracle and the rich Italian.
Oracle nearly blew out the chute on a broach. I guess it got pretty hairy. Anyway it was neat to see 'em up close. Last week saw them practicing as we both rounded a buoy at the same time going different directions. It was unbelieveable how quickly the jib came down and the chute went up as the command was given as they snapped the turn.
Anyway, had a nice reach home in the tank top weather we have been having on SF Bay.

Paul C25FK Sparky
'PZ' W7JVY KFS/KTK/KLB/KOK/WNU/KPH/WCC/VAI/VAJ

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 09/22/2003 : 15:31:13

that's a great story. I avoided the Mission Bay Thunder Boat (big, noisy offshore powerboat race). I would have loved to see the America's Cup boats. Interesting that you Bay Area sailors like winds that would seem overpowering to us Southern CA sailors (20 knots +). What size genoa do you have for those winds, and did you reef the main?

<img src="http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/pictures/icon.jpg" border=0>Indiscipline 1978 FK #398

Edited by - on

n/a
deleted

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163 Posts

Response Posted - 09/22/2003 : 16:50:43

They broadcast that race on the OLN cable network; it sure looked exciting. I guess it was a seven race series that Oracle BMW took from Alinghi 4-3.

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PZell
Admiral

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USA
548 Posts

Response Posted - 09/22/2003 : 17:23:12

JIMB517:

I had up a 125 genny and was not reefed. It was just on the borderline of whether to reef or not. I probably should have at least put in the flattening reef, but since I was pointing as high as I could I just fisherman reefed in the puffs. When I made my mark at
Blossom Rock buoy I tacked to a broad reach and it was never a problem after that. I was singlehanded so had to be alert the whole time. The bay was a bit lumpy. If I had had a single reef with the blade up it would have been a piece of cake.

Paul C25FK Sparky
'PZ' W7JVY KFS/KTK/KLB/KOK/WNU/KPH/WCC/VAI/VAJ

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weluvlife
Navigator

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166 Posts

Response Posted - 09/22/2003 : 21:46:56

Very enjoyable reading. Yesterday I had a nice sail with family here on Lake Don Pedro of N. CA. The winds were anywhere from 1 to 3. Very light air day but not entirely atypical. We flew our new asy chute for the third time. The half ounce tri-radial stayed filled 90 percent of the time. We all took turns jumping off the boat and being dragged slowly behind by a long rope tied to a cushion. We used a golf umbrella to help shield the hot sun. A very fun day.

Mark Eichman
Lake Don Pedro,CA
'86 c25 TR, SK

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RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 09/25/2003 : 12:52:14

We (wife, two young daughters and I) woke up on Saturday around 8 am, made coffee and waffles for breakfast. At about 11 am, I stored everything and pulled up the anchors, and left Catalina Harbor (the other side of the island from Isthmus Cove) after staying there three wonderful days and nights.

Our original plan was to spend the time at Little Harbor (about 4 miles to the east, on the “outside” of the island), but left after only one night when we found out that the Los Caballeros group was soon to take over the area. They are a group of “horse-guys” (about 100) who I now know have their annual event there the third week of September, and barge over from the mainland about 50 horses, hay trailers, catering trucks, tents, chairs, lots of support equipment and about 10 workers to serve them. It was quite a site seeing the workers setting everything up in this normally remote area.

Anyway, we motorsailed out of Cat Harbor in light winds and relatively calm seas. After rounding the West End about 1 ½ hour later, both the winds and swell picked up considerably. With my wife and kids lounging below, we made the about 12 mile run straight downwind to Whites Cove. What a great ride! With a newly drilled hole through my previously broken whisker pole and locking cotter pin through the hole, I was able to set the sails wing-and-wing. With the big swell directly from behind, it took a little time to adjust the sails and let the tiller pilot “learn” the sea-state so the boat wouldn’t swing too badly. Except for a small wind hole right in front of Isthmus Cove, it was a very fast and fun run.

We picked up our favorite mooring at Whites Cove (in front of the rocks between Hen Rock area and Whites). With all the weekend boat traffic, it was pretty rolly; but putting out the rocker-stoppers helped quite a bit. We left about 8 am on Sunday morning because my wife wanted to get back to decompress after almost a week at the island and get ready for starting our oldest in preschool on Monday. But even though it was early, the winds were pretty good, enough for a nice leisurely 20 mile beam reach back to LA Harbor.

Despite having to change plans, it was a truly fantastic trip and to-date our longest.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2cf39b3127cce92448c0b84670000001010" border=0>

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

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Phredde
Navigator

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125 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2003 : 19:05:26

I've got a story like Paul's only different. The weekend before, I had been chomping at the bit to get out on the bay, but due to other plans (including some baseball - Go GIANTS!) couldn't make it. So I took Monday off and went out with two high school buddies who had never been sailing before. So its not really a weekend story, but it sure beat working.

Headed out from Gas House Cove at Fort Mason in the early afternoon. The wind was blowing about 15, maybe gusting higher, had the full main and my small jib. The bay was almost empty; except for Oracle/BMW 1 & 2 racing against each other practicing up for the Moet cup. As we were headed out towards the gate, they were headed in..full crew and BIG spinnakers flying. We sailed right between them, careful not to get in the way (my liability insurance wouldn't cover that!). Saw the 'rockstars' at work. Was impressed by their boats, but glad I was on a pleasure cruise with cold beverages. And while they were working...I had the day off!

Went out the gate and through the 'potato patch' which thankfully wasn't living up to its name that day. Went the furthest out I had ever been, maybe a mile and a half, but still didn't quite clear the headlands.

The best part was on the on the way back. For only the second time ever we saw porpoises swimming along side. A couple of different pairs of twos. You warm water sailors may get that all of the time, but for me its a real treat. Sure we see sea lions, seals, birds, etc. all of the time but porpoise sightings are rare in these parts.

Then on the way back with the wind almost right behind us I showed my buddies how to do wing on wing, and we had a great time playing with the sails and coming on home. They loved it.

The next Sunday I took the family down to the marina green and we watched Ellison beat the Italian right from the shore. There was a good crowd and lots of excitement. We took Phredde out right at the end and passed fairly close by as they did their victory lap. Then we had a nice sunset sail across to Sausalito and back as all of the onlookers went home. Say what you will of those billionaire types, but I sure hope he brings the cup back here to SF.

What a week!

Phredde
Catalina 25
San Francisco

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2003 : 20:34:30

Great story! Thanks, Phredde! Our season is waning here in the Northeast--for me, three weeks to haulout. That means (eventually) snow, fires in the fireplace, skiing, ice storms,... and all that stuff Bay Area folks can't quite picture. Actually, we kinda like it. We can anticipate sailing season next year, spend weekends in Vermont, shovel our driveways, srape ice off our windshields,... <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>

But when launch day arrives, we're really primed!

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

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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/26/2003 : 22:32:45

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Our season is waning here in the Northeast--for me, three weeks to haulout.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Isn't it POSSIBLE to sail year-round? Seems like I read an article about an old guy with a really cool old wooden daysailer that sailed every day of the year in the Northeast. Is it just a matter of comfort or is it something else?

J.B. Manley
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2e212441c60000008010" border=0>
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 09/29/2003 : 00:10:45

Another great sailing weekend in San Diego. Saturday I took my 14 year old daughter Amy and her best friend down to the boat. While they paddled the kayak all around. I made hotdogs. After lunch, the wind came up to something like 3 "gusting" 5 so we sailed all around Mission Bay. The girls took the helm and one of the winches. I the other winch. They learned how to tack and gybe. Both kids has a blast and want to go racing. It was 5:30 and they didn't want to go in. Amy helmed the boat all the way back to the fairway (I pulled it into the slip).

Sunday was my day for single handing. It was light air again - I had boatspeeds of 3.5 to 4.5 knots all day. There is a major red tide going on - the ocean is the color of red paint until you are 3 or 4 miles out. I sailed due west until I was in blue water and then tacked north. After 5 or 5 hours I had sailed to La Jolla kelp and was heading back to Mission Bay. Somehow the wind was heading me. I had to take a long tack offshore inorder to be able to point at the bay entrance. As I was heading out, at about 4 knots, I got a double hookup (both trolling lures struck at once). I turned the boat into the wind and boated two skipjack - small tuna. They were released unharmed.

On shore the wind was blowing to sea. 3 miles out the wind was blowing to land. Within 1 mile of the harbor there was no wind. So I fired up the honda and motored in. Once in Quivera Basin I found a little wind and did something new - I sailed into the slip (with the motor running in idle just in case). This wind was just barely enough to make 2 knots on a beam reach so it was perfect for the first time sailing in.

Great day, I am looking forward to many more fall and winter sailing days!

<img src="http://www.indiscipline.org/cat25/pictures/icon.jpg" border=0>Indiscipline 1978 FK #398

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/30/2003 : 16:28:08

Posted on behalf of Charlie Vick.

Panacea last weekend at Lake Tenkiller, Oklahoma on probably the best sailing weekend of the year (which I completely missed <img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>). Isn't that a beautiful picture, and a beautiful boat?
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d711b3127cce8f05915fc09f0000001610" border=0>
Obviously, Charlie enjoys the best seat in the house as much as I do. Oops, I wasn't supposed to post this one? <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d711b3127cce8f05930141f00000001610" border=0>

J.B. Manley
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

Edited by - on

Charlie Vick
Captain

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USA
423 Posts

Response Posted - 09/30/2003 : 16:44:46

Thanks for the post JB.
Sorry you missed the weekend but I'm sure there'll be more
in the coming months. Great thing about sailing in the south,
the only off months seem to be Dec., Jan., July and August!

CVick
Panacea II '81 C25 #2439 SRSK
Fort Smith, AR

Edited by - on

weluvlife
Navigator

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166 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 10:46:10

Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing them.

Mark Eichman
Lake Don Pedro,CA
'86 c25 TR, SK

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 11:24:30

I love that pic (sans feet), JB! I didn't think C25's were supposed to be sailed with the pop-top up though.

Ben
Adventurous
#5553
C25 SR/SK
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d703b3127cce8e8039b3c9170000001010" border=0>

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 12:13:24

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I love that pic (sans feet), JB! I didn't think C25's were supposed to be sailed with the pop-top up though.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Hi Ben,

The pictures are Charlie's. I just posted them for him, because he couldn't. He sent me the picture of his feet for fun after I asked him if he'd taken the first picture while singlehanding or if I just couldn't see the helmsman; the latter is the case. I don't think he intended for me to post the picture of his feet, but I thought it was fun.

Regarding sailing with the pop-top up, there is the very real concern of the lock breaking or coming loose while sailing. However, if the pop-top is somehow additionally secured (e.g., line, clamps, braces, ???) or if one is willing to take the risk, then I don't see any reason not to sail with it up. Although, I've never personally done it with mine.

J.B. Manley
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
Grand Lake O' the Cherokees
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

Edited by - on

Charlie Vick
Captain

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USA
423 Posts

Response Posted - 10/01/2003 : 13:11:46

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I love that pic (sans feet), JB! I didn't think C25's were supposed to be sailed with the pop-top up though.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I've never heard that you shouldn't sail with the pop-top up.
I understand the concern of it coming unlatched, though its
usually tougher to get the latch down than it is to get it up,
but I alway tie it off from the mast around the sliding hatch
just to be sure.
At 6' and singlehanding it makes it a lot quicker getting into
the cabin should something need immediate attention (like a 4
year old son!)

CVick
PanaceaII '81 C25 #2439 SRSK
Fort Smith, AR

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