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Back from the Keys

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/07/2004 : 19:52:44

Hi folks,
I got back from 2 1/2 weeks of all out sailing in the Florida Keys. I hate to go to work tomorrow.

I'm really tired from trailering my boat 1000 miles one way so here's a quick report, more details to follow

for the last week of my trip we had small craft warnings every day, but that didn't stop us from sailing. In the Keys you can sail oceanside, or bayside so you can at least avoid the 9 to 12 foot seas out in the stream. But you couldn't get away from the 15 to 25 knot winds we had every day. I finally settled on a reefed main only, and consistantly sailed over 7 knots, and sometimes 8. My knotmeter pegged at 9.00 knots once in a gust. Yahoo. When I checked my knotmeter against my gps, the gps showed about a half knot slower. Must have been wrong, I couldn't have been going slower, yeah right!
My new 14 lb Delta fast set anchor was bought just in time for these conditions, as most nights we gunkholed out. Only broke free one night when it was blowing 20 to 25. I don't think the larger one will fit in my locker.
The new Origo 3000 stove is really great. When I tested out the never used curtain burner which came with the boat I had big flames, so I never put it on the boat. I recommend the Origo highly.
I ate fresh seafood almost every meal. We bought fresh Mahi, or kingfish at the fish market, and cooked it on the Magma.
We met a nice couple at the marina who live on a 45 foot Morgan. I took them out in 15 to 20 knot winds, and let Mark man the helm and trim the main while I trimmed the Genoa (I need a storm sail) He never sailed a Catalina 25 and was really impressed with it in those conditions.
The new Schaefer CF 700 furler is great, and I'm glad I bought the Ullman sail, as I beat it up a lot before I decided to just furl it and go with main only. Maybe a 135 is not to be used in those conditions. Ya think?
My friend who races Catalina 22's was with me for 5 days, and now he wants a 25 wing too.
That wing keel just grabs at the water and you hunker down in strong winds and you seem to heel just so far. I love it.
The amazing thing was that we were one of the only saiboats actually under sail. All of the larger boats were motoring. I thought they are supposed to take stronger winds. Maybe they aren't as good a boat as out 25's are. Or maybe their skippers are timid. Or maybe I'm too agressive.

Next spring, it's off to the Marquesas and Tortugas.

Frank Gloss
Formerly 89WK/TR
85 Ericson 32-3 shoal draft "Molto Bene"

Edited by - on

Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 20:04:35

Sounds like you had a great time, Frank. Can I go with you next time?

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 20:05:09

...or maybe their "skippers" are charterers, and unsure about how to handle a little blow.

Glad to hear you liked the Delta, the Origo, and of course, the C-25! After seeing the undersides, I never doubted that the wing keel was a good cruising configuration, even though I don't have one. It puts a lot of mass at the bottom, and should add some lift under heel.

Sounds like a memorable trip! Congratulations, and welcome back to the real world.

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 22:34:22

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">All of the larger boats were motoring<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I've noticed that before under similar conditions. I think it's a lack of experience. A false sense of security that when it get's windy, and the sails get noisy and somewhat harder to reign in, the relative quiet of the engine is safer......

Not all people think putting a boat on it's ear, kicking up foam, and sitting there holding on for dear life with wild eyes and a big stupid grin on your face is fun...why not is beyond me, then again I'm not normal

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay on the Chesapeake

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 23:42:32

It's probably a little more scary to have a 20,000 lb boat on it's ear and kicking up foam compared to a 6,000 lb one. I imagine a big genny on a 65 foot high mast is quite a handfull!

Even here is southern CA I can't count the times I see the bigger boats motoring when it's 10 knots and 2 foot seas and they would be on a reach if they sailed. And the sails are still furled! Come on, it doesn't get any better than that. Next time get a trawler.

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 03/08/2004 : 13:21:51

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Next time get a trawler.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

You mean motor home....

Oscar
250WB#618 Lady Kay on the Chesapeake

Edited by - on

cch
Navigator

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202 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2004 : 01:24:10

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">
That wing keel just grabs at the water and you hunker down in strong winds and you seem to heel just so far. I love it.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Frank,

Didn't you used to have a swing keel? If so I would be interested in your feelings on swing vs wing. I am a recent swing to wing convert and so far feel the stronger the wing the more I am liking the wing over my old swing. Any thoughts?

Sounds like you had a great trip!!! Would love to make it down to the Keys as well.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 03/09/2004 : 05:38:11

Hi Chris,
I used to have a swing keel on my Catalina 22. I briefly considered a 25 swing, but quickly decided on buying a wing when I moved up to a 25. So I can't compare a 25 swing vs a wing. All I know is that I'm glad I got a purpose built wing keel, especially when sailing in higher winds, well, 20 knot winds is high for me.

Edited by - on

cch
Navigator

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202 Posts

Response Posted - 03/10/2004 : 00:30:10

Hi Frank,

Yes 20 knot winds are plenty for me. I have not had Moonglade out in anything over about 12-15 knot winds since the keel conversion. So far the stronger the winds the more I like the wing. Time will tell. Thanks for sharng your trip with us.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 03/10/2004 : 16:36:57

Hi Chris,
I don't have a wind meter yet, but I think that when the capping waves break and cause spray you are over 20 knot winds. We had a bunch of those too. With reefed main only we were cruising over 7 knots beating to the wind. On a broad reach 8 knots were seen too.
I have been thinking of trailering my boat down your way sometime, and maybe sail Chocktawhatchee bay, or maybe PC. I'll let you know. Heck, why not out in the gulf if the winds are 20 or above. YeeHaa

Edited by - on

cch
Navigator

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202 Posts

Response Posted - 03/10/2004 : 19:04:57

Frank,

Sailing is great here in Panama City. We prefer St Andrew Bay and West Bay right here in Bay County which is why we ended up here in Panama City rather than Destin or Niceville when we migrated from Colorado 6 years ago. 60% of Bay County is water, mostly bays, bayous and canals with alot of places to tuck in for the night. Water is shallow but warm and great sailing all year. Come on down for a visit and we will show you around.

Edited by - on

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.