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story of big winds on Veterans Day

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/12/2004 : 13:38:00

The morning San Diego Pacific ocean was calm with light winds. Those conditions did not last. When I arrived at noon, the flags were standing straight out. By the time I returned, they were ripping.

Backing out of the slip, I was soon raising the main and heeling 15 degrees while still motoring through Quivira Basin with the jib still rolled up. That was the first sign I should have hanked on the 110 instead of the 135. Tacking out of the Mission Bay channel was a load of work single handed. The bow would easily blow all the way down wind while I was working the jib sheets. And I actually needed to use the winches and winch handles to get the jib trimmed! I really needed to get a reef in the main but couldn't do it in the narrow channel. So I used the fishermans reef - dumping the main in the gusts - until I was far enough offshore to get that first big reef tied in. Did it right, in about 1 to 2 minutes.

I don't have a wind meter but the seas were rough, and showing frequent white caps I would guess 20 knots and gusting higher. Fishing was out of the question, but I decided to head directly to windward, bound NW for La Jolla. On the tack west, I could only make about 3.5 knots under reefed main and 135. On the tack north I could make about 6 knots without as much pounding. The rough 2 - 3 foot chop from the west really slowed the little boat down, sometimes almost to a stop. But the helm was balanced nicely. I could let go of the tiller and she would hold course. I put her under autopilot and had lunch, ducking spray, and dodging lobster bouys.

3 hours and 2 long tacks later, I was finally north of Pacific Beach and starting to get into the La Jolla kelp. I had only made about 4 miles to the good. It was just after 3 PM when I turned for home. Downwind, the conditions seemed much better. I rolled out the reef, loosed the outhaul, slacked the backstay, and let the boat fly. We were making about 5.5 knots. The wind was nearly dead astern and I didn't want to set the pole in those rough seas (wearing life jacket, harness, windbreaker and I even put my hood on). So I steered the boat back in two big gybes, one setting me towards the beach, then another setting me across the Mission bay channel so I could enter and head for home on a broad reach. I was back to home waters in only 45 minutes.

As I reached into the channel, surfing some of the waves, the wind veered from a broad to a beam reach and really really gusted. The big gusts combined with the waves to nearly cause a broach. Several times, I could see the jib get just punched full of wind. It caused the boat to heel way over and pulled the bow around downwind with tremendous force. Using lots of rudder force, I could pull the boat back on course, but I decided to just let it go part way around. The rocks were not that close! With big beam winds and surfing stern waves, we went over to about 40 degrees and just took off on each gust. Its the first time I saw speeds through the water in excess of 7 knots or felt lots of weather helm on a beam reach. Steering between the jettys, this was not the time to let go of the tiller and reduce sail or adjust trim sail controls.

After about 3 big gusts we were far enough into the channel that the waves subsided. I rolled in the jib and continued downwind under main alone, making about 5.5 knots. At the end of the channel, it was time to get the main down and motor back into the slip - this was not a day to sail in!

A main slide got jammed in the track for a little last minute minor excitement.

Just last weekend as I worked light, gusty conditions with occasional rain showers, I wished for one good day were I got to tie in all the reefs. I got it. I had a blast, it was a super fun sailing day, and I want to do it again!

Indiscipline 1978 FK SR #398

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/12/2004 : 22:18:15

Yo Jim: Add a little smoke in the cabin and that'd be an exciting story!

For anyone wondering, Jim's 135 is on a furler that's independent of the forestay but doesn't reef. To fly a hanked-on headsail, he drops the whole furling system to the deck, and hoists the hanked-on sail. Better for racing, but maybe not as great for single-handed wave-crashing.

Good luck on the test, Cap'n!

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 11/12/2004 22:23:05

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2004 : 13:16:48

Just trying my hand at writing an exciting sailing story.

Yesterday (Saturday) I slept on board after my late Friday night class. I was up and sailing out of the bay well before 8 AM. I had moderate winds and frequent rain showers. I was trying out my foulies. I stayed dry except my hands, face, and feet. After a couple of hours (and heavier, constant rain) I returned and started to put the boat away. Of course, it cleared up and turned into a beautiful day.

Gary arrived so we both worked on boat projects and then went for a lovely afternoon sail in light winds, blue skies and warm air. Classical Cat got new pintles, gudgeons and a freshly fiared and painted rudder. Indiscipline got the engine inspected and cleaned, nip freshened on all halyards, all blocks inspected and lubed, sail slides / mast track lubed, and general maintenance all around.

Edited by - on

tmhansen
Captain

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USA
397 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2004 : 16:13:39

Jim, 400 miles North in Monterey we had a great weekend on the boat but never saw that much wind. We left San Luis Obispo by 6:15 and got to Monterey about 10:15. Missed the high tide by about an hour by the time we checked in the the harbor office but still had plenty of ramp to launch on. Once into our slip we walked over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the day. Looking out of the windows at the intermittent heavy rain I was content to spend the day with happy kids in the aquarium. Best of all the rest of the weekend I never heard "when are we going to the aquarium". Friday was sunny with light winds and a moderate swell. The Admiral wanted to head West and look for whales but the wind was from the West so we never left the bay. Mom and dad cat napped in the cockpit in the warm winter sun while 9 year old Keiran dodged kelp. In the afternoon the sun went behind the building cloud cover and the winds built a little. Dad finally got the helm and put us on a reach back towards Pacific Grove. Maintained at least 6 knots for about 10 minutes before the wind died and we motored back to the slip for dinner out. ...to be continued (I have to get back to work lunch is over

)

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2004 : 16:22:55

Hey Jim... Since you're a foul-weather sailor, here's a tip from an old cruiser (not me) for standing at the helm in the rain: divers mask. Seriously.

BTW, did you try rigging your reefing line like we discussed? Just curious, 'cause I plan to mount the hardware to run it like that.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 11/15/2004 16:28:06

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2004 : 17:36:59

Enjoyed the story about Monterey. I've been up there before and its beautiful - wish I could sail up there some.

Dave - Have not rigged the forward reefing line yet. I have to figure out a way to keep from pulling the sail slides out of the mast track when I reef! (Pulling that rear, single line too tight). I do have a mask on board, I could try that next time.

Anyone have a good foul weather hat?

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5937 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2004 : 19:14:26

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I have to figure out a way to keep from pulling the sail slides out of the mast track when I reef!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Jim, what you need is a set of mast gates, from Joe Martinek for about $25.00. I put them on my boat, and it makes reefing a snap. The following is his email address:

joemartinek@starband.net

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/15/2004 : 19:26:12

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by JimB517
 Dave - Have not rigged the forward reefing line yet. I have to figure out a way to keep from pulling the sail slides out of the mast track when I reef! (Pulling that rear, single line too tight).<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
That's exactly what I was talking about--using the hardware on the mast to pull the reef tack forward some, countering the pull on the clew. I can't promise anything--especially if you put your clew line on a winch... (I know you know how that can break things!) But I'd like to hear about whether it helps.

Edited by - on

tmhansen
Captain

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USA
397 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2004 : 02:15:22

Monterey Continued:
Saturday was alternately clear and sunny and then overcast, then sunny again. Needed to empty the port-a-potty so I slipped the dock lines with all aboard. Then since we are out of the slip... lets just take a cruise around the moorings on the other side of fisherman's wharf. Here kid why don't you steer and I'll go pull some lines. Yea why don't you steer that direction. Hey look at that you are sailing. That was good for a couple more hours of pleasant sailing but then the wind died again when the sun came out. Tried again later Saturday on an adults only trip and enjoyed the biggest swells I have sailed in a while. The big ones must have been at least 12 feet tall but they were not steep. It was one of those "I can't believe how beautiful the ocean is!" days.
Sunday morning we dropped the mast without any disasters and even got the boat on the trailer right the first try in spite of the surge on the ramp. Tried out my new chest waders for winching the boat up onto the trailer and discovered that they did not come with suspenders. I was almost done when a surge overtopped them and I got a cold bit of the Pacific down the front of my pants. After the boat was all secure on the trailer we walked over to cannery row and rented a reproduction Model A roadster. We all had a great joy ride taking turns in the rumble seat. I'm ready to head back again.

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2004 : 02:25:55

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 Hey Jim... Since you're a foul-weather sailor, here's a tip from an old cruiser (not me) for standing at the helm in the rain: divers mask. Seriously.

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Personally, I use swimmer's goggles. Seriously.

Edited by - on

tmhansen
Captain

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USA
397 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2004 : 02:32:47

They also come in handy for a smokey BBQ. You may look kind of goofy but your eyes are not burning!

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2004 : 11:17:30

I already have the mast gates. I only used 1. With two on the sail slides would not fit.

Dave - I see your point and running the forward line of the 2 line reefing should help offset the aft pull and keep the lower slide from bearing all the load. Since the blocks are already installed, and I have plenty of scraps of line laying around, I'll give it a try.

Edited by - on

kbq
1st Mate

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USA
99 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2004 : 12:42:50

Todd -

Some more info on Monterey, if you don't mind - we've been thinking 'bout it...

Do you have wb or wing? I've the wing, and was wondering about the ramp there. Where did you park the trailer, and how much was it?

Thanks!

Kevin
"wait for me"
250wk

Edited by - on

matsche
Captain

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USA
280 Posts

Response Posted - 11/16/2004 : 14:11:30

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by JimB517
 I already have the mast gates. I only used 1. With two on the sail slides would not fit.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Jim: I don't know if this helps, but I had the same problem with mine. Apparently the kerf (? wide part of the mast slot) is bigger on one side than the other. Using a sander, I was able to sand down one of the mast gates enough so that both would fit. As long as I keep the slot lubricated, the slugs slide through easily.

Edited by - on

tmhansen
Captain

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USA
397 Posts

Response Posted - 11/18/2004 : 01:06:01

Kevin
$12 a night for the slip, $12 a day for the parking of truck and trailer.

There are two locations to launch there. The one we used is right next to the harbor office and is two single lanes. It is not too busy at this time of year so it was not a stressful place to be. No place to wash the boat or flush the motor afterward. The other launch ramp is over by the coast guard station, it is wider but there is more swell. (personally I think I'll take surge over Morro Bay's cross current any day) The harbor folks were great to us. The concrete docks are clean and well lit. The restrooms are clean with nice showers. Make sure you have a horn as you will need to blow it each time you pass through "Jaws" the narrow entrance to the inner harbor. We walked everywhere and did not move the truck all weekend. Parking is a problem down on the tourist areas but you can walk or ride a bike easliy.
I don't have a wb or a wing. I have a Laguna 26, very similar to the 25 with a berth in the back like the 250. We draw 3.5 feet on a fixed keel. I use a tounge extension to get the trailer into the water.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 11/18/2004 : 09:28:36

JB wrote...
"I already have the mast gates. I only used 1. With two on the sail slides would not fit."

I had to do a little 'fitment' work with a file on the gate area too... after a few trials/filing they work fine as a pair. Per the instructions, you have to open up the 'corners' of the mast groove opening to get the gates to lay in properly.

Edited by - on

kbq
1st Mate

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USA
99 Posts

Response Posted - 11/18/2004 : 11:16:39

Thanks, Todd - appreciate it! We love Monterey, but had heard horror stories on the (at one time, I guess) costs of parking truck and trailer.

Kevin Quinn
"wait for me"
250 wk

Edited by - on

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