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Thoughts from a Newbie

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Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/16/2005 : 14:57:08

A few thoughts from a newbie:
A year has passed since I decided to give sailing a try (we’re talking complete novice here) and took the beginning and advanced sailing classes through the local Red Cross/Sarasota Sailing Squadron. As part of the class, we would take tours of the boatyard at the squadron while discussing the variety of boat styles and hull designs. Consistently, the instructors kept coming back to the Catalina design. Nothing but positives all around about Catalina…(I also remember something about “if you like to heel QUICKLY, look at a Hunter). Anyway, at the conclusion of the classes I kept on the lookout for “my boat”. Lo and behold, last November I found my boat. Since that time, while sailing on Tampa Bay, I’ve been through one exciting lesson after another…running aground, sudden storms, sea fog, foot cleats, butt cleats, lost a hat or two, the “are we almost done” crowd, boom to the head, I almost lost the boat due to an unexpected storm that rolled off the Gulf of Mexico early on the morning of December 26 (some of the old salts attribute it to the tsunami (sp?), and I’m still loving it more than ever. I love to singlehand and am looking at a trip down the coast to Cabbage Key in the very near future.
I never was much into power boating but the sailboats out in the distance always held my fascination. I always new I loved the sea as a 4 year stint in the Navy allowed me to see a good part of the world (North Atlantic, Med, Caribbean, GTMO , up and down the east coast).
It seems that I’m rambling, but I want to thank you all for allowing me to “look over your shoulder” for the last several months. This site has given me more information and insight than I ever could have hoped for. The experience and generosity you folks exhibit is greatly appreciated and has made my sailing experience wonderful.

Don B
86FK/SR #5216 "Mighty M"
Southwest Florida

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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2005 : 15:36:50

We're certainly glad to have you aboard, Don. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

Fair winds,

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matsche
Captain

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USA
280 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2005 : 16:17:44

Welcome Don. Tell us a little more about your boat. Since you ran aground with a fixed keel, did you have any trouble getting it off?

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Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2005 : 16:53:23

Hi John,

I was on a port tac heading west on the Manatee River out towards Tampa Bay. The channel gets somewhat narrow and was experiencing 1 to 2 foot seas. When I first bumped, I was able to tac back into the channel. Not too bad as the waves kept me moving. It also helps that the area is a very soft sandy bottom. This happened when I first kept the boat at a marina up in the river. Now I have the boat at a marina at the mouth of the Manatee River. Right through the breakwall and in 5 minutes I'm up and sailing on Tampa Bay. That river sailing was for the birds.

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Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2005 : 17:55:31

Welcome Don.

Keep an eye out for a C25 skippered by a young guy named Steve. I sold my '82 swing keel #2892 to him early this year and he sails Tampa Bay. Don't know if he renamed her but it was "Wind Point" when I had her.

If you have any writing aspirations, would love to read the story of the day you "almost lost the boat."

Steve

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Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 06/16/2005 : 23:20:34

Thanks Steve,
I'll keep an eye out for your "Wind Point" and I'll put together the story about our "Christmas Night Storm", actually early morning on the 26th...worse than any of the hurricanes that dodged us. Can't imagine the devistation that went on down your way.

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2005 : 08:27:33

Welcome aboard Don. You'll love sailing your fin.

Val on Calista # 3936

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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.