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Inspiration...

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/13/2004 : 10:47:34

Note: Those fortunate among us who get Latitude 38 have probably read the article already.

The fellow who sailed his Potter 19 to Hawaii a few years back has written some articles about his latest cruise. On this adventure he 'pottered' up the inside passage from Puget Sound to Glacier Bay National Park and then all the way back down the Pacific coast to SF Bay.

His original plan was to sail all the way up the coast. A rudder failure coupled with facing the reality of beating 500 miles into ocean swells caused him to re-think his trip and he trailered the boat up to Puget Sound. (smart move).

While it may seem imprudent to take such a voyage in such a small boat, he was very well prepared and paid close attention to the weather. In addition, he modified his boat for increased seaworthyness... for this voyage he replaced his stock swing keel with one made of composites and having a lead bulb.

Since our C25's are a virtual Queen Mary compared to a Potter, this may provide some inspiration to get more of us out 'cruising'...

WOTAM - '77 Catalina 25 SK/SR Sail Number 158

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/13/2004 : 21:03:52

...and it's also the reason Doug and Ruth got their Alberg.

Some people like to challenge Nature and amaze other people--some people like to feel a little more on the safe side in a boat that can take more than the "weather window" originally indicated. The Pacific is unforgiving, particularly along the Northern California coast where there are few places to hide. If you're into those things, enjoy!

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 05/13/2004 21:17:20

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 05/18/2004 : 21:59:17

I just read that article. You are right, Bruce...very inspirational. While I've never met the man, based on the tone of his writing, I don't feel he was trying to amaze anyone, but was just following his passion. I understand Part II of the story will be in the June issue.

Another inspirational article in the May issue was in the short write-ups of a few participants of this year's Pacific Puddle Jump (Mexico to the Marquesas), specifically about a couple we met and shared drinks/meals with last September while anchored at Cat Harbor. They were preparing their '71 Columbia 34 for the Ba Ha Ha after the hurricane season. What was a bit different about them was they were both pretty young (20's) compared to most full time Mexico or world cruisers. Plus, they weren't what I would call the most experienced sailors (from Las Vegas), but seemed pretty humble about the whole thing. Anyway, I'm not sure it's anyone's cup of tea, but they have a pretty amazing website about their preparations, as well as a pretty thorough log of their ongoing adventure (currently enroute to the Marquesas) -- http://www.flocerfida.com

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 05/19/2004 : 19:53:28

I'm looking forward to part two (the cruise south) myself...

The point I was trying to make is that (IMHO) a well-found C25 should be able to do things like cruise the inside passage to Alaska.. sail DOWN the coast of California, etc. provided that it's done with a prudent eye to the weather and good common sense. Meets the definition of a 'coastal cruising'

There were some very important lessons in the Potter story.

1) When faced with the fact that part of his plan wasn't feasible (sailing North along the West Coast) he abandoned plan 'A' and decided to trailer the boat up to Puget Sound.

Lesson - your plans have to be flexible.

2) On an unfavorable forecast, he waited in port. The smaller the vessel, the more important it is to take your time... and budget enough time to be able to wait.

Lesson - in a small boat, you simply can't be in a hurry.

3) He paid close attention to his navigation, the weather, the tides, sea conditions and the condition of his boat.

Lesson - command your vessel in a seamanlike manner.

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RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 05/20/2004 : 12:42:31

Bruce:

You summarized those lessons very well!

We've been corresponding via e-mail and Flocerfida is currently anchored in Rangiroa (not sure where that is yet) and plans to update their website when they arrive in Tahiti.

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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.