We are making plans for a 600 NM race , with a crew of 4 to 5. We are seeking advise on a watch schedules. We will be sailing a 44' Island Packet in the Cruising Division,departing Pensacola Florida in Early May racing to Isla Mujeras , Mexico. The Pilot Charts indicate E to SE winds averaging 11-17 knots.
This site has always provided a wealth of information,any advise will be appreciated.
Thanks in Advance,
Fair Winds
Jerry Albright
CD27 Nautical Weaver
nauticalw@aol.com
watch schedule advise
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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D. Stump, Hanalei
Re: Port and Starboard......
Captain Albright,
This at first will sound brutal, but may work. First, if 5 crew including the Captain, stand Port and Starboard 2 hour watches(Captain is NOT on the watch bill!) during the night, and 3 hour watches during the day time. If 2 hour watches around the clock, then two 1 hour "dog" watches say from 1800 to 2000 hours. Called "dog" watches as they are cur-tailed! The Captain is NOT on the watch bill, but would be expected to respond at ANY time, day or night!
Of course, all hands would be expected to answer "all hands on deck" when ever necessary for saving the vessel or life and limb, or for sail changes! 600 nm, I would think you are looking at a minimum 6 - 7 day run. Good luck....
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
This at first will sound brutal, but may work. First, if 5 crew including the Captain, stand Port and Starboard 2 hour watches(Captain is NOT on the watch bill!) during the night, and 3 hour watches during the day time. If 2 hour watches around the clock, then two 1 hour "dog" watches say from 1800 to 2000 hours. Called "dog" watches as they are cur-tailed! The Captain is NOT on the watch bill, but would be expected to respond at ANY time, day or night!
Of course, all hands would be expected to answer "all hands on deck" when ever necessary for saving the vessel or life and limb, or for sail changes! 600 nm, I would think you are looking at a minimum 6 - 7 day run. Good luck....
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
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Richard Hill
Re: watch schedule advise
I've done that race a couple of times and it's a lot of fun. Don't expect a steady 11-17, however. In several Gulf crossings, I've found that it is either flat calm, or blowing like hell. Ideal sailing conditions don't seem to exist except along the coast. The party in Isla's a gas, however! The watch advice in the previous post is good.
captrahill@comcast.net
captrahill@comcast.net
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len
Re: watch schedule advise
jerry
i've been happy with the swedish watch system - the watches are 0600 to 1000, 1000 to 1400, 1400 to 1800, 1800 to 2100, 2100 to 2400, 0000 to 0300, and 0300 to 0600 - the principal advantage is an odd number of watches daily so each person (or team) rotates, no one does the same watch over and over - with 4 or 5 people, i'd divide into two teams of two each and have the captain separate - with 6 people you can have three teams -
len
md.frel@nwh.org
i've been happy with the swedish watch system - the watches are 0600 to 1000, 1000 to 1400, 1400 to 1800, 1800 to 2100, 2100 to 2400, 0000 to 0300, and 0300 to 0600 - the principal advantage is an odd number of watches daily so each person (or team) rotates, no one does the same watch over and over - with 4 or 5 people, i'd divide into two teams of two each and have the captain separate - with 6 people you can have three teams -
len
md.frel@nwh.org