I'm posting this in hopes that someday I'll be able to look back at this and laugh. Actually, I'm laughing at myself now.
I decided to attempt my first sail today with my new CD25. Those of you that have read my posts lately know that I'm a novice at this. It's sunny, warm, 15mph wind...seems like a good prospect.
First of all, how do you steer in reverse??? I had a heck of a time getting out of my slip heading into the right direction. It seems like the CD has to have quite a bit of water passing the rudder before it becomes at all responsive. 2 Guys on the docks kept me from hitting anything too hard while a few guys with sneers watched cautiously from their 40 footers. Eventually I headed off into the right direction, out through the channel and into open water.
I had decided to just use the main sail today, to get used to it. Just to practice. Everything was going great. Had it going on a beam reach, moving along pretty good I thought for a novice such as me. I played with the sheets and the traveler getting a feel for it. I was happy. Hey! I'm sailing!
After about 1/2 an hour, I decided to make a 180 deg turn heading back the way I had come. As the boom swung through and the sail filled, the main sheet slipped from the traveler. I had no knot tied in the end (had really never thought of it) so all the rope pulled out of the pullies. No problem, stay calm. I'm an ER Nurse. I'm used to stressful situations. I'm cool. I figured I'd just lower the main until I got the sheets re-run and start over. The Main halyard is run back to the cockpit. Easy. Except it wouldn't come down by just it's own weight. No problem. Just hop up on the deck and pull the main down. As I did, the sail started coming off the mast. What the HEL...! Seems the little alluminum cylinder shaped thing that holds the sale onto the mast had slipped out. Oh, there it is, rolling toward the bow. Dive! Got it! Slipped it back into place, grabbed the vise-grips and tightened it a little. It won't tighten. Damn! It's stripped! All this time, since the sheets are still loose, the boom is riding free. Get a grip. Stay cool. I jumped back down to the cockpit, grabbed the loose sheet and tied it off to a cleat. Now the boom is secured temporarily. I went back up t the mast and gathered up the sail to keep it from filling with wind or blowing overboard. Then I figured I'd go back down to the deck and fix the sheets and then re-hoist the main. I'd worry about that stripped part when I got back and lowered the sail.
As I stood there on the stern re-running the main sheet, I got tossed a little bit from the waves so just just down. SNAP! Oh shi...! I just broke my tiller in half!!!! Then the sheet slipped from my hand, the end of it wrapped around the broken end of the tiller and threw it overboard. Too far to grab. I don't feel so cool anymore. What am I doing out here by myself! Wait a minute. Don't cry. Why not, no one else it here to see.
Well, I still have about 18" of tiller so I can still steer. I got the Sheets back together, secured the sail, and just motored on home in defeat. Now I'm wondering. How do I get back into my slip without anyone noticing my tiller. As much trouble as I had getting out of it, I'm sure they're all waiting for my return. As expected, I was met at my slip but getting into it was much easier. Maybe I steer better with a short tiller. Anyway, no one mentioned my tiller. Guess I'll see if the ones I've seen at West Marine will fit.
Anyway, just thought I'd vent a little. It sure would help if some of you would add you stories to make me feel like I'm not alone at this. I really am enjoying it though, and I didn't fall overboard!
scottmacc@coastalnet.com
First Solo Sail........
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Lou Ostendorff
Re: First Solo Sail........
Hi Scott;
Man, when are you going sailing again...I've got to get some video of this!!! Seriously, welcome to the club. If everyone on this board posted their first flirt with sailing, I'm sure it would be entertaining, if not educational...the first sailboat I owned was a Point Jude...beautiful little daysailer, but it was a handful in a breeze...I had an accidental jibe on my first sail and threw my youngest daughter in the drink! My wife was screaming at me, as if it was MY fault, she couldn't understand that the wind 'does this sometimes'... well, I got past that, and many other adventures in that little boat...now I'm a DoryBoy...so are you! Really, it's a lot of fun, even if you're sailing alone...better if you go with some knowledgeable sailor a few times...you'll learn a lot in just a few hours and outings. Where do you sail? I seem to remember something about New Bern, NC. I pass by this place (Little Charleston), every time I go to my boat. Let me know if I can help. Good Luck!
Lou Ostendorff
CD25D "Karma"
'82, #63
louosten@ipass.net
Man, when are you going sailing again...I've got to get some video of this!!! Seriously, welcome to the club. If everyone on this board posted their first flirt with sailing, I'm sure it would be entertaining, if not educational...the first sailboat I owned was a Point Jude...beautiful little daysailer, but it was a handful in a breeze...I had an accidental jibe on my first sail and threw my youngest daughter in the drink! My wife was screaming at me, as if it was MY fault, she couldn't understand that the wind 'does this sometimes'... well, I got past that, and many other adventures in that little boat...now I'm a DoryBoy...so are you! Really, it's a lot of fun, even if you're sailing alone...better if you go with some knowledgeable sailor a few times...you'll learn a lot in just a few hours and outings. Where do you sail? I seem to remember something about New Bern, NC. I pass by this place (Little Charleston), every time I go to my boat. Let me know if I can help. Good Luck!
Lou Ostendorff
CD25D "Karma"
'82, #63
louosten@ipass.net
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Dave Low
Re: First Solo Sail........
Scott:
Congratulations - you made it back into the slip in one piece. Perhaps with a slightly bruised ego but with a wealth of knowledge.
I had my 1st solo last year. I was as nervous as a one-legged man in a butt kicking contest. But - like you - the sailor that made it back was a better sailor than the one who left
Happy future sailing
Dave
davidlow@erols.com
Congratulations - you made it back into the slip in one piece. Perhaps with a slightly bruised ego but with a wealth of knowledge.
I had my 1st solo last year. I was as nervous as a one-legged man in a butt kicking contest. But - like you - the sailor that made it back was a better sailor than the one who left
Happy future sailing
Dave
davidlow@erols.com
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Joel
Last Year's First Solo Sail (long embarrassing story)
The important thing is, you made it back. And are not likely to repeat any of THOSE mistakes, even if there are plenty of others to make! Sometimes our boats are a little worse for the experience. Good luck with the tiller. There should be a few sources on this board.
Since you asked for stories:
Last year I brought my Ty to Little Neck Bay from a lake in Pa. where I’ve kept her since I bought her in ’88. If I was lucky, I’d get 2 good sailing days a season on Lake Wallenpaupack, so I was looking forward to really learning how to sail in western Long Island Sound. Pokey II may be an old boat, but I wanted to spruce her up a bit for her new environs, so I put all new teak rub and toe rails during the off season (we won’t go into why she needed them, if you please!).
I arranged to have her launched off College Point, near LaGuardia airport on Mothers’ Day last, with a truck my brother borrowed doing the towing honors. It was a good CD sailing day, forecast 60 degrees and 20+ knots from the NE, although I’d never sailed in anything like that. I’d called the marina to find out what mooring was mine. They said to just pull up to the dock when I got there. They would take care of things then.
We lowered her and stepped the mast with typical alacrity. I rigged her for the sail and my brother left to return the truck. Wouldn’t you know it, but the outboard wouldn’t start! Fortunately, the lift operator hadn’t left yet, so he arranged to have a friend tow me out. As they left, I hoisted the sails (main and working jib) and ….
Pow! She buried the starboard rail before I even had a chance to pull in the mainsheet. Having read on this forum (and other places) that this is the kind of weather that CDs are bred for, I gritted my teeth (did I mention that I was sailing solo, the first time in these waters, the first time in conditions like this?), determined to make it to my mooring at Bayside Marina. I had no way of going back anyway. It turns out the forecast was wrong: we had 25+k that day.
My initial point of sail was NE, dead into the wind. I tacked for what seemed like an eternity, burying the rail each time, with planes taking off overhead, whitecaps breaking over the bow, my heart in my throat, too afraid to release either sheet for long enough to radio for help. The weather helm was amazing, even with the sheets out. It was hard to make any headway at all.
After about an hour, I rounded College Point and was able to fall off to a port beam reach. The heel angle was still more than I was comfortable with, but at least I wasn’t getting pounded and sprayed as I was when pinching. I stayed on one tack for the next hour, sailing first under the Whitestone Bridge, then the Throg’s Neck Bridge. My sheets were almost all the way out and the tiller was hard alee to keep going straight. Talk about weather helm! I had never reefed before, so I was afraid to try! I was afraid to let her luff under such strong winds; I was afraid the sails would get ripped to shreds. I saw maybe one other boat the entire time (which just confirmed that I was nuts to be out that day), but at least my heart went back to where it belonged. I was starting to not only feel like maybe I was going to survive this trip, but even a little bit in control.
When I rounded Fort Totten and ran into Little Neck Bay, I found myself surfing 5-foot swells. What a gas! I started to feel good again. I began to plan my approach to the Marina: I’d sail even with her, approach via a port beam reach and just as I get to the dock, turn her dead upwind and drop my sails just as we kissed the dock. Seemed like a good plan and I was in control again.
When I got near the dock, I threw my little lake fenders over the port side, turned upwind and lost all headway. I’d forgotten one thing: the 5-foot swells. As poor Pokey pounded against the dock, she would rise up a few feet and pound down on the dock just as it was rising up the same swell. With each impact, there would be a crunch: the sound of the new rub rail first splintering, then getting ripped off one foot at a time. There was a dock hand there trying to help me push off, but the force of the wind and swells were more than any force we could muster (it wasn’t exactly dead into the wind). The rail was doing its job and sacrificing itself against the dock. Of course, it’s meant to rub, not slam down overlapping the top of the dock.
The dockmaster came down and ordered me to cast off, so I drifted backwards rubbing and crunching against the entire length of the dock, getting blown mostly back and partially into the dock until we were adrift among all the moored boats. The plan was now for the dockmaster to use the launch to tow me to my mooring. While that wasn’t easy under those conditions, I was working with a pro and we got to my mooring uneventfully.
The rest of the season, whenever I went out, the dockmaster would make a comment or two about that docking. Embarrassed as I was, I got the feeling that everyone who goes to sea has experiences where they are not in control. And so long as you live to tell the tale, it’s all part of our chosen avocation. It’s how we learn. I felt that the pounding Pokey took at the end of my trip was just Mother Nature’s way of putting me in my place for starting to feel that I was even in a little bit of control that day!
Joel
s/y Pokey II
'73 Ty #549
Bayside, NY
PS The dockmaster told me that the time when I was feeling the best that day, surfing the swells, was when I was likely in the most danger. He warned of pitchpoling capsizes. Wouldn’t you know it!?
bondy_joelNOSPAM@hotmail.com
Since you asked for stories:
Last year I brought my Ty to Little Neck Bay from a lake in Pa. where I’ve kept her since I bought her in ’88. If I was lucky, I’d get 2 good sailing days a season on Lake Wallenpaupack, so I was looking forward to really learning how to sail in western Long Island Sound. Pokey II may be an old boat, but I wanted to spruce her up a bit for her new environs, so I put all new teak rub and toe rails during the off season (we won’t go into why she needed them, if you please!).
I arranged to have her launched off College Point, near LaGuardia airport on Mothers’ Day last, with a truck my brother borrowed doing the towing honors. It was a good CD sailing day, forecast 60 degrees and 20+ knots from the NE, although I’d never sailed in anything like that. I’d called the marina to find out what mooring was mine. They said to just pull up to the dock when I got there. They would take care of things then.
We lowered her and stepped the mast with typical alacrity. I rigged her for the sail and my brother left to return the truck. Wouldn’t you know it, but the outboard wouldn’t start! Fortunately, the lift operator hadn’t left yet, so he arranged to have a friend tow me out. As they left, I hoisted the sails (main and working jib) and ….
Pow! She buried the starboard rail before I even had a chance to pull in the mainsheet. Having read on this forum (and other places) that this is the kind of weather that CDs are bred for, I gritted my teeth (did I mention that I was sailing solo, the first time in these waters, the first time in conditions like this?), determined to make it to my mooring at Bayside Marina. I had no way of going back anyway. It turns out the forecast was wrong: we had 25+k that day.
My initial point of sail was NE, dead into the wind. I tacked for what seemed like an eternity, burying the rail each time, with planes taking off overhead, whitecaps breaking over the bow, my heart in my throat, too afraid to release either sheet for long enough to radio for help. The weather helm was amazing, even with the sheets out. It was hard to make any headway at all.
After about an hour, I rounded College Point and was able to fall off to a port beam reach. The heel angle was still more than I was comfortable with, but at least I wasn’t getting pounded and sprayed as I was when pinching. I stayed on one tack for the next hour, sailing first under the Whitestone Bridge, then the Throg’s Neck Bridge. My sheets were almost all the way out and the tiller was hard alee to keep going straight. Talk about weather helm! I had never reefed before, so I was afraid to try! I was afraid to let her luff under such strong winds; I was afraid the sails would get ripped to shreds. I saw maybe one other boat the entire time (which just confirmed that I was nuts to be out that day), but at least my heart went back to where it belonged. I was starting to not only feel like maybe I was going to survive this trip, but even a little bit in control.
When I rounded Fort Totten and ran into Little Neck Bay, I found myself surfing 5-foot swells. What a gas! I started to feel good again. I began to plan my approach to the Marina: I’d sail even with her, approach via a port beam reach and just as I get to the dock, turn her dead upwind and drop my sails just as we kissed the dock. Seemed like a good plan and I was in control again.
When I got near the dock, I threw my little lake fenders over the port side, turned upwind and lost all headway. I’d forgotten one thing: the 5-foot swells. As poor Pokey pounded against the dock, she would rise up a few feet and pound down on the dock just as it was rising up the same swell. With each impact, there would be a crunch: the sound of the new rub rail first splintering, then getting ripped off one foot at a time. There was a dock hand there trying to help me push off, but the force of the wind and swells were more than any force we could muster (it wasn’t exactly dead into the wind). The rail was doing its job and sacrificing itself against the dock. Of course, it’s meant to rub, not slam down overlapping the top of the dock.
The dockmaster came down and ordered me to cast off, so I drifted backwards rubbing and crunching against the entire length of the dock, getting blown mostly back and partially into the dock until we were adrift among all the moored boats. The plan was now for the dockmaster to use the launch to tow me to my mooring. While that wasn’t easy under those conditions, I was working with a pro and we got to my mooring uneventfully.
The rest of the season, whenever I went out, the dockmaster would make a comment or two about that docking. Embarrassed as I was, I got the feeling that everyone who goes to sea has experiences where they are not in control. And so long as you live to tell the tale, it’s all part of our chosen avocation. It’s how we learn. I felt that the pounding Pokey took at the end of my trip was just Mother Nature’s way of putting me in my place for starting to feel that I was even in a little bit of control that day!
Joel
s/y Pokey II
'73 Ty #549
Bayside, NY
PS The dockmaster told me that the time when I was feeling the best that day, surfing the swells, was when I was likely in the most danger. He warned of pitchpoling capsizes. Wouldn’t you know it!?
bondy_joelNOSPAM@hotmail.com
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Will W.
Re: First Solo Sail........
Hi Scott
Congratulations on not falling overboard!
Seriously though, I know that you will laugh one day maybe as hard as you had me laughing reading your post.
Your first sail sounds a lot like mine. I went out by myself to get the feel for her before a long sail to move her. I went out in early March almost exactly 1 year ago. The wind was blowing 20 plus knots so I went with the main only. I had only sailed windsurfers and a few lasers and sunfish alone before and I clearly remember at one point, after a serious knock down, wondering what the hell I was doing out there alone with what I now realize was so little experience. In the end I made it back and the good thing was; and I hope the same goes for you, is that I learned to be way more thorough in my preparations.
I did not break anything that day but I was humbled. I realized that for me part of having fun on my boat is being fairly secure in my knowledge and abilities. I single hand 95% of the time I sail. The learning curve is big early on. Try to sail as much as you can with others who know how to sail, but don't not go out if you can't find a friend. I have found that every time you go out will be a learning experience. BTW I have read about spare tiller set ups for emergencies. I think I will look into a spare set.
Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25
willwheatley@starpower.net
Congratulations on not falling overboard!
Seriously though, I know that you will laugh one day maybe as hard as you had me laughing reading your post.
Your first sail sounds a lot like mine. I went out by myself to get the feel for her before a long sail to move her. I went out in early March almost exactly 1 year ago. The wind was blowing 20 plus knots so I went with the main only. I had only sailed windsurfers and a few lasers and sunfish alone before and I clearly remember at one point, after a serious knock down, wondering what the hell I was doing out there alone with what I now realize was so little experience. In the end I made it back and the good thing was; and I hope the same goes for you, is that I learned to be way more thorough in my preparations.
I did not break anything that day but I was humbled. I realized that for me part of having fun on my boat is being fairly secure in my knowledge and abilities. I single hand 95% of the time I sail. The learning curve is big early on. Try to sail as much as you can with others who know how to sail, but don't not go out if you can't find a friend. I have found that every time you go out will be a learning experience. BTW I have read about spare tiller set ups for emergencies. I think I will look into a spare set.
Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25
Scott MacCready wrote: I'm posting this in hopes that someday I'll be able to look back at this and laugh. Actually, I'm laughing at myself now.
I decided to attempt my first sail today with my new CD25. Those of you that have read my posts lately know that I'm a novice at this. It's sunny, warm, 15mph wind...seems like a good prospect.
First of all, how do you steer in reverse??? I had a heck of a time getting out of my slip heading into the right direction. It seems like the CD has to have quite a bit of water passing the rudder before it becomes at all responsive. 2 Guys on the docks kept me from hitting anything too hard while a few guys with sneers watched cautiously from their 40 footers. Eventually I headed off into the right direction, out through the channel and into open water.
I had decided to just use the main sail today, to get used to it. Just to practice. Everything was going great. Had it going on a beam reach, moving along pretty good I thought for a novice such as me. I played with the sheets and the traveler getting a feel for it. I was happy. Hey! I'm sailing!
After about 1/2 an hour, I decided to make a 180 deg turn heading back the way I had come. As the boom swung through and the sail filled, the main sheet slipped from the traveler. I had no knot tied in the end (had really never thought of it) so all the rope pulled out of the pullies. No problem, stay calm. I'm an ER Nurse. I'm used to stressful situations. I'm cool. I figured I'd just lower the main until I got the sheets re-run and start over. The Main halyard is run back to the cockpit. Easy. Except it wouldn't come down by just it's own weight. No problem. Just hop up on the deck and pull the main down. As I did, the sail started coming off the mast. What the HEL...! Seems the little alluminum cylinder shaped thing that holds the sale onto the mast had slipped out. Oh, there it is, rolling toward the bow. Dive! Got it! Slipped it back into place, grabbed the vise-grips and tightened it a little. It won't tighten. Damn! It's stripped! All this time, since the sheets are still loose, the boom is riding free. Get a grip. Stay cool. I jumped back down to the cockpit, grabbed the loose sheet and tied it off to a cleat. Now the boom is secured temporarily. I went back up t the mast and gathered up the sail to keep it from filling with wind or blowing overboard. Then I figured I'd go back down to the deck and fix the sheets and then re-hoist the main. I'd worry about that stripped part when I got back and lowered the sail.
As I stood there on the stern re-running the main sheet, I got tossed a little bit from the waves so just just down. SNAP! Oh shi...! I just broke my tiller in half!!!! Then the sheet slipped from my hand, the end of it wrapped around the broken end of the tiller and threw it overboard. Too far to grab. I don't feel so cool anymore. What am I doing out here by myself! Wait a minute. Don't cry. Why not, no one else it here to see.
Well, I still have about 18" of tiller so I can still steer. I got the Sheets back together, secured the sail, and just motored on home in defeat. Now I'm wondering. How do I get back into my slip without anyone noticing my tiller. As much trouble as I had getting out of it, I'm sure they're all waiting for my return. As expected, I was met at my slip but getting into it was much easier. Maybe I steer better with a short tiller. Anyway, no one mentioned my tiller. Guess I'll see if the ones I've seen at West Marine will fit.
Anyway, just thought I'd vent a little. It sure would help if some of you would add you stories to make me feel like I'm not alone at this. I really am enjoying it though, and I didn't fall overboard!
willwheatley@starpower.net
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Warren Kaplan
Re: Last Year's First Solo Sail (long embarrassing story)
Joel,
My first solo sail was way back in 19 and 72. I had bought a Sea Sprite 23 and was taking her from City Island all the way (4 miles or so) to Little Neck Bay also. My mooring was at Great Neck Estates, across the Bay from Bayside Marina. The one with the tennis bubble. The wind was fine and the day was fine but it took me 4 hours to go the four miles. I reached my mooring after the launch service had quit for the day and I thought I'd be stuck for the night and ill prepared for that. Luckily a kid sailing a little Snipe saw me stranded and came by. I climb onto the Snipe and he took me to the dock. Alot of water under the keel since then but that first sail is usually one you never forget and usually wind up laughing about every time you think of it!
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27 #166 (1980)
Homeport: Oyster Bay Harbor, NY
Setsail728@aol.com
My first solo sail was way back in 19 and 72. I had bought a Sea Sprite 23 and was taking her from City Island all the way (4 miles or so) to Little Neck Bay also. My mooring was at Great Neck Estates, across the Bay from Bayside Marina. The one with the tennis bubble. The wind was fine and the day was fine but it took me 4 hours to go the four miles. I reached my mooring after the launch service had quit for the day and I thought I'd be stuck for the night and ill prepared for that. Luckily a kid sailing a little Snipe saw me stranded and came by. I climb onto the Snipe and he took me to the dock. Alot of water under the keel since then but that first sail is usually one you never forget and usually wind up laughing about every time you think of it!
Warren Kaplan
Sine Qua Non
CD27 #166 (1980)
Homeport: Oyster Bay Harbor, NY
Setsail728@aol.com
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Hobbster
Reward time.......
Scott:
What a story. We all have one to tell. Yours is behind you now. (If only for now) To reward you for your honisty and a great story, I will build you a new tiller for the material cost. You are in New Bern and so am I. E-mail me with a phone number if you are interestered.
I hope that this is best worst day of sailing you ever have.
Glen Snader
Hobby Marine
glen@hobbymarine.com
What a story. We all have one to tell. Yours is behind you now. (If only for now) To reward you for your honisty and a great story, I will build you a new tiller for the material cost. You are in New Bern and so am I. E-mail me with a phone number if you are interestered.
I hope that this is best worst day of sailing you ever have.
Glen Snader
Hobby Marine
glen@hobbymarine.com
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Michael Heintz
A Glass of wine to you SIR !!!!!
Well
join the club. Everytime you go out it will be an adventure of some sort!!!!!
I solo sail quite a bit
this past summer cruising back from Woods Hole Cape Cod to Block Island
a nice 40 mile run solo. I had been motorsailing in light winds for a few hours when I decided it was time to eat. Auto engaged I scanned the horizon not a boat in sight hadn't been one in sight all day
went below to make a quick sandwich when I heard a BAM...I flew topsides saw nothing ahead...look behind and saw a chopped up lobster bouy....ha ha sez I..until I realized I was at a standstill !!!!!!! I quickly killed the engine...dropped the sails and had a look......YUP I could see the line to the pot I didn't know where it was snagged but I could feel the force pulling the boat...I was afraid it was hooked on the prop or some how on the rudder....first I ran below to inspect the shaft...it was there and wasn't taking any water.....Ok sez I here I am..20 or so miles out...no one around...what to do....I snapped on my harness...lowered the swim ladder...and with knife in mouth..was about to hop over and cut the damn thing...Of course it WAS the summer of all the SHARK attacks.....scanned the waters ..didn't see any sharks...when BAM we were free!!!!! I'm guessing the line was snagged on the keel and eventually slip off....Sittin there harness on, knife in mouth...boy did I feel stupid....Oh well like I said everyday is an adventure!!!!
Michael Heintz
Captain Commanding
Machts Nichts
CD 30 MK II
Cove Marina Norwalk, CT
mzenith@aol.com
join the club. Everytime you go out it will be an adventure of some sort!!!!!
I solo sail quite a bit
this past summer cruising back from Woods Hole Cape Cod to Block Island
a nice 40 mile run solo. I had been motorsailing in light winds for a few hours when I decided it was time to eat. Auto engaged I scanned the horizon not a boat in sight hadn't been one in sight all day
went below to make a quick sandwich when I heard a BAM...I flew topsides saw nothing ahead...look behind and saw a chopped up lobster bouy....ha ha sez I..until I realized I was at a standstill !!!!!!! I quickly killed the engine...dropped the sails and had a look......YUP I could see the line to the pot I didn't know where it was snagged but I could feel the force pulling the boat...I was afraid it was hooked on the prop or some how on the rudder....first I ran below to inspect the shaft...it was there and wasn't taking any water.....Ok sez I here I am..20 or so miles out...no one around...what to do....I snapped on my harness...lowered the swim ladder...and with knife in mouth..was about to hop over and cut the damn thing...Of course it WAS the summer of all the SHARK attacks.....scanned the waters ..didn't see any sharks...when BAM we were free!!!!! I'm guessing the line was snagged on the keel and eventually slip off....Sittin there harness on, knife in mouth...boy did I feel stupid....Oh well like I said everyday is an adventure!!!!
Michael Heintz
Captain Commanding
Machts Nichts
CD 30 MK II
Cove Marina Norwalk, CT
mzenith@aol.com
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JimL
Don't worry about a bad day, once in a while....
....I attended a banquet for long distance motorcycle riders (Iron Butt Rally stuff) and the guest speaker pointed out that bad days are ok, as long as you don't run out of them. It's only that last bad day that matters, all the rest are just part of the great stories we all enjoy.
I single hand my CD25 every chance I get (but I do reef pretty early). Best wishes for safe and fun sailing!
JimL
leinfam@earthlink.net
I single hand my CD25 every chance I get (but I do reef pretty early). Best wishes for safe and fun sailing!
JimL
leinfam@earthlink.net
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Bob Bundy
Re: First Solo Sail........
Scott,
I know that your first sail was not what you expected but it wasn't that bad either.
My father sailed our little O'Day Daysailer for its maiden voyage on a stormy day as
he read the instruction booklet included with the boat titled "How to sail." What a
day!!!
Since then, back in 1968, we have had some great sailing and love it as a lifestyle. If
you do need a hand getting some of the kinks out of your sailing experiences, I teach
sailing down in Charleston aboard a 25D. I would be happy to come up or have you
come down. If you want to do a weekend we can work that out, too.
Keep it up. You will enjoy it once you get it all worked out.
Bob Bundy
USCG 100 Ton Master
CD25D Tiva Charleston, SC
803-776-4535
BundyR@aol.com
I know that your first sail was not what you expected but it wasn't that bad either.
My father sailed our little O'Day Daysailer for its maiden voyage on a stormy day as
he read the instruction booklet included with the boat titled "How to sail." What a
day!!!
Since then, back in 1968, we have had some great sailing and love it as a lifestyle. If
you do need a hand getting some of the kinks out of your sailing experiences, I teach
sailing down in Charleston aboard a 25D. I would be happy to come up or have you
come down. If you want to do a weekend we can work that out, too.
Keep it up. You will enjoy it once you get it all worked out.
Bob Bundy
USCG 100 Ton Master
CD25D Tiva Charleston, SC
803-776-4535
BundyR@aol.com
-
len
Re: First Solo Sail........
scott
thanks for your story! - i thought i knew how to sail until i started going alone, i must have made all the mistakes possible - i've learned to take time afterwords to go over the whole thing in my mind until i am sure i understand exactly where i went wrong -
FYI the usual knot at the end of sheets to prevent them running through blocks is a figure eight
len
Sea Lion CD 31
Hewitt's Cove Marina
Hingham, MA
md.frel@nwh.org
thanks for your story! - i thought i knew how to sail until i started going alone, i must have made all the mistakes possible - i've learned to take time afterwords to go over the whole thing in my mind until i am sure i understand exactly where i went wrong -
FYI the usual knot at the end of sheets to prevent them running through blocks is a figure eight
len
Sea Lion CD 31
Hewitt's Cove Marina
Hingham, MA
md.frel@nwh.org
-
D. Stump, Hanalei
Re: Some answers Sir.....
Captain MacCready,
Yes Sir, you are now a CAPTAIN! That means responsible for whatever occurs aboard your vessel. It is at times a very lonely position to hold, but at times it is also the best position on board your vessel. It sounds as if you have learned a lot in a very short period of time and not a lot of damage was done.
If I may be so bold Sir, a few answers to your questions:
1. Backing any Cape Dory is problematical. They will not back as long as anyone is watching! If anyone is looking directly at you, give the command "About Face!" and when they are not looking, back her smartly away from the slip! But, kidding aside, install a 3" or so ring on the dock or on a piling, run a length of polypropalene (sp) rope through it about 150 feet in length. Use this to steer the vessel in reverse, pull on it ever so slightly as you back down, and the bow will pull away from the dock as you back. A warping line it is called, and once you get the hang of it, backing is simple, even if you are being blown hard against the dock with a beam on wind. Be sure and use the poly line as it FLOATS! Once backed clear, drop one end of the doubled line and retrieve the line on deck. You can also use this as a retrieval line if someone goes overboard, attach it to your horseshoe bouy.
2. Practice reefing under sail in light airs. 15 knots is too much for practice. You should be able to reef under full sail, main and jib flying. Have her heading full and by, close hauled, ease the main sheet until the main floggs a little, the jib will keep you under way, but slower. The noise of a flogging sail is good for the short period of time it takes to reef, and is REQUIRED. Tie off the helm, go to the mast, and drop the main to a pre-marked mark on you halyard, fix the tack. Pull in the reef with your jiffy reefing system, raise the halyard again, and you are done. You need not tie off the cringles unless you want her to look pretty. Oh, fix the sail slide gate, on Hanalei, if it doesn't work, it is rousted out from below and thrown overboard! That includes Crew, if they are not WORKING as they should! If equipment does not work, it does not belong aboard!
3. Nautical knot tying is not only an art it is a requirement. All sheets should have a figure 8 knot in the end.
4. I question Sir, did you have a safety harness on??? What would have happened to you IF you had fallen overboard??? I dare say, we would not have heard of your adventures from you, but we might have read about it in a Caost Guard report! Not a good thing! If you sail solo, get a harness and wear it!
Finally Sir, you were NOT defeated, you just had a bit of a rough awakening. Remember, whenever you put to sea, you are not only putting your crew at risk, but also yourself. All we can do as Captains is to anticipate everything and be ready to deal with it as best we may. Sounds like you did well, Sir, and things will go better the next time. A glass of Port(not wine, that's an inexpensive drink for lubbers, which you no longer are) with you Sir, I remain.......
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
Yes Sir, you are now a CAPTAIN! That means responsible for whatever occurs aboard your vessel. It is at times a very lonely position to hold, but at times it is also the best position on board your vessel. It sounds as if you have learned a lot in a very short period of time and not a lot of damage was done.
If I may be so bold Sir, a few answers to your questions:
1. Backing any Cape Dory is problematical. They will not back as long as anyone is watching! If anyone is looking directly at you, give the command "About Face!" and when they are not looking, back her smartly away from the slip! But, kidding aside, install a 3" or so ring on the dock or on a piling, run a length of polypropalene (sp) rope through it about 150 feet in length. Use this to steer the vessel in reverse, pull on it ever so slightly as you back down, and the bow will pull away from the dock as you back. A warping line it is called, and once you get the hang of it, backing is simple, even if you are being blown hard against the dock with a beam on wind. Be sure and use the poly line as it FLOATS! Once backed clear, drop one end of the doubled line and retrieve the line on deck. You can also use this as a retrieval line if someone goes overboard, attach it to your horseshoe bouy.
2. Practice reefing under sail in light airs. 15 knots is too much for practice. You should be able to reef under full sail, main and jib flying. Have her heading full and by, close hauled, ease the main sheet until the main floggs a little, the jib will keep you under way, but slower. The noise of a flogging sail is good for the short period of time it takes to reef, and is REQUIRED. Tie off the helm, go to the mast, and drop the main to a pre-marked mark on you halyard, fix the tack. Pull in the reef with your jiffy reefing system, raise the halyard again, and you are done. You need not tie off the cringles unless you want her to look pretty. Oh, fix the sail slide gate, on Hanalei, if it doesn't work, it is rousted out from below and thrown overboard! That includes Crew, if they are not WORKING as they should! If equipment does not work, it does not belong aboard!
3. Nautical knot tying is not only an art it is a requirement. All sheets should have a figure 8 knot in the end.
4. I question Sir, did you have a safety harness on??? What would have happened to you IF you had fallen overboard??? I dare say, we would not have heard of your adventures from you, but we might have read about it in a Caost Guard report! Not a good thing! If you sail solo, get a harness and wear it!
Finally Sir, you were NOT defeated, you just had a bit of a rough awakening. Remember, whenever you put to sea, you are not only putting your crew at risk, but also yourself. All we can do as Captains is to anticipate everything and be ready to deal with it as best we may. Sounds like you did well, Sir, and things will go better the next time. A glass of Port(not wine, that's an inexpensive drink for lubbers, which you no longer are) with you Sir, I remain.......
Dave Stump
Captain Commanding
s/v Hanalei CD-30C
-
Don Sargeant
Sounds like my first day on skis (NM)
Scott MacCready wrote: I'm posting this in hopes that someday I'll be able to look back at this and laugh. Actually, I'm laughing at myself now.
I decided to attempt my first sail today with my new CD25. Those of you that have read my posts lately know that I'm a novice at this. It's sunny, warm, 15mph wind...seems like a good prospect.
First of all, how do you steer in reverse??? I had a heck of a time getting out of my slip heading into the right direction. It seems like the CD has to have quite a bit of water passing the rudder before it becomes at all responsive. 2 Guys on the docks kept me from hitting anything too hard while a few guys with sneers watched cautiously from their 40 footers. Eventually I headed off into the right direction, out through the channel and into open water.
I had decided to just use the main sail today, to get used to it. Just to practice. Everything was going great. Had it going on a beam reach, moving along pretty good I thought for a novice such as me. I played with the sheets and the traveler getting a feel for it. I was happy. Hey! I'm sailing!
After about 1/2 an hour, I decided to make a 180 deg turn heading back the way I had come. As the boom swung through and the sail filled, the main sheet slipped from the traveler. I had no knot tied in the end (had really never thought of it) so all the rope pulled out of the pullies. No problem, stay calm. I'm an ER Nurse. I'm used to stressful situations. I'm cool. I figured I'd just lower the main until I got the sheets re-run and start over. The Main halyard is run back to the cockpit. Easy. Except it wouldn't come down by just it's own weight. No problem. Just hop up on the deck and pull the main down. As I did, the sail started coming off the mast. What the HEL...! Seems the little alluminum cylinder shaped thing that holds the sale onto the mast had slipped out. Oh, there it is, rolling toward the bow. Dive! Got it! Slipped it back into place, grabbed the vise-grips and tightened it a little. It won't tighten. Damn! It's stripped! All this time, since the sheets are still loose, the boom is riding free. Get a grip. Stay cool. I jumped back down to the cockpit, grabbed the loose sheet and tied it off to a cleat. Now the boom is secured temporarily. I went back up t the mast and gathered up the sail to keep it from filling with wind or blowing overboard. Then I figured I'd go back down to the deck and fix the sheets and then re-hoist the main. I'd worry about that stripped part when I got back and lowered the sail.
As I stood there on the stern re-running the main sheet, I got tossed a little bit from the waves so just just down. SNAP! Oh shi...! I just broke my tiller in half!!!! Then the sheet slipped from my hand, the end of it wrapped around the broken end of the tiller and threw it overboard. Too far to grab. I don't feel so cool anymore. What am I doing out here by myself! Wait a minute. Don't cry. Why not, no one else it here to see.
Well, I still have about 18" of tiller so I can still steer. I got the Sheets back together, secured the sail, and just motored on home in defeat. Now I'm wondering. How do I get back into my slip without anyone noticing my tiller. As much trouble as I had getting out of it, I'm sure they're all waiting for my return. As expected, I was met at my slip but getting into it was much easier. Maybe I steer better with a short tiller. Anyway, no one mentioned my tiller. Guess I'll see if the ones I've seen at West Marine will fit.
Anyway, just thought I'd vent a little. It sure would help if some of you would add you stories to make me feel like I'm not alone at this. I really am enjoying it though, and I didn't fall overboard!
-
Mark Marroni
Re: First Solo Sail........
Thank you for the great laugh you gave me to start off my Monday at the office. I must commend you on your honesty and for sticking to it. We have all had days like that!!!
I used to sail a CD 25 and did a lot of solo sailing. It is a great boat to sail and will become very easy for you to solo. Just give it time. Also, despite all of your efforts, I trust that like the rest of us, you will find that backing a Dory with her full keel and huge barn door rudder is always a challenge.
Although not my first solo, I also have a "solo story" to share. I had a Sea Sprite 23 in Hingham harbor that I sold to a young man 7 years ago. He was such a nice kid who had recently lost his father, I just wanted to do anything to help him with his first boat. I took a day off from work and went down to have the mast dropped. It was a cold October day and the wind was kicking up. I lashed the mast down on the two sawhorses that I had built down the center line of the boat. It made for difficult manuevering, but I thought that I was a seasoned pro and would not have any problems. My task was to motor up the coast several miles to the marina where the new owner was going to have her hauled. It was a wet and cold trip and there was nobody on the water except for me. I got to the new marina and motored in. The owner had told me to find an empty slip. I motored down one side of a long floating dock and thought that I would round the shore side and motor over to an available slip on the main dock attached to shore. Looking at the available slip (hey I've always been a mooring sailor) and not looking at where I was I suddenly ran hard aground. Looking down, I saw sand and gravel about and 3 1/2 feet of water. It was ebbing fast and the current was strong. I put the motor in reverse and tried pushing and motoring off. - No luck. She held fast. I then ran fore and aft, trying to rock the boat while the motor was in full reverse - No luck and the ebb was in full swing. I called for any help from shore but there was nobody around. (No one else was crazy enough to be out on a cold, windy, October day.) I was worried now. I was picturing my sweet - pretty gal lying on her side in the mud when the tide ran out. I felt the bottom again and it was hard sand. I made the decsion to jump out of the boat and try to push her off. MAN, was the water cold!! I pushed and pushed on the bow but couldn't move her. I was able, however, to swing her around 180. I went alongside to climb back on and motor off and I then realized just how high the rail was when standing in the water. Of course, the boarding ladder was safe at home in my garage since it was not going with the boat for sale. I managed to claw my way back aboard covered with muck and gritty sand. So much for topsides finish. I tried to motor / push off again with no luck. The ebb was really going now and she was starting to slid side to side indicating that the water level was really dropping. I decided that I had to go overboard again to see if I could push her off. I laid several warps of line between my stern cleat and starboard winch to build a makeshift boarding ladder. I then went over again. I was able to get my shoulders under the stern and and push up and out. With all of my strength and much shouting (and cursing) she finally moved. I then gave it everything I had and she broke free. After feeling proud of myself and relieved, I realized that the boat was coasting away from me in the current. I jumped after her and swam hard. She was drifting down towards the commercial docks. Oh my, what a pickle!! Swimming hard, I caught hold of one of the lines I had laid overboard and pulled myself aboard. I was able to get her in gear and motor over to the slip before I drifted into the commercial draggers on the other side of the channel. I got home, changed into dry clothes and went back to clean-up my boat. She was a mess with lines, muck, and sand all over. A truly unforgetable day!!
Thanks to this great board I have finally been able to confess my sins. Nobody but my wife ever knew of my misadventures before. All through this event, my fathers old syaing kept going through my head..... "No good deed goes unpunished."
Let's continue to have fun - safely!! I'll keep doing the good deeds, but I'll make sure that I know the local waters before I venture.
Fair winds and following seas to all.
Mark
P.S. After 4+ years on the West Coast, I am back in Newburyport, MA and I'm looking for a CD28. If anyone has one nearby, please let me know. - Thanks (I promise to keep water under her keel at all times.)
I used to sail a CD 25 and did a lot of solo sailing. It is a great boat to sail and will become very easy for you to solo. Just give it time. Also, despite all of your efforts, I trust that like the rest of us, you will find that backing a Dory with her full keel and huge barn door rudder is always a challenge.
Although not my first solo, I also have a "solo story" to share. I had a Sea Sprite 23 in Hingham harbor that I sold to a young man 7 years ago. He was such a nice kid who had recently lost his father, I just wanted to do anything to help him with his first boat. I took a day off from work and went down to have the mast dropped. It was a cold October day and the wind was kicking up. I lashed the mast down on the two sawhorses that I had built down the center line of the boat. It made for difficult manuevering, but I thought that I was a seasoned pro and would not have any problems. My task was to motor up the coast several miles to the marina where the new owner was going to have her hauled. It was a wet and cold trip and there was nobody on the water except for me. I got to the new marina and motored in. The owner had told me to find an empty slip. I motored down one side of a long floating dock and thought that I would round the shore side and motor over to an available slip on the main dock attached to shore. Looking at the available slip (hey I've always been a mooring sailor) and not looking at where I was I suddenly ran hard aground. Looking down, I saw sand and gravel about and 3 1/2 feet of water. It was ebbing fast and the current was strong. I put the motor in reverse and tried pushing and motoring off. - No luck. She held fast. I then ran fore and aft, trying to rock the boat while the motor was in full reverse - No luck and the ebb was in full swing. I called for any help from shore but there was nobody around. (No one else was crazy enough to be out on a cold, windy, October day.) I was worried now. I was picturing my sweet - pretty gal lying on her side in the mud when the tide ran out. I felt the bottom again and it was hard sand. I made the decsion to jump out of the boat and try to push her off. MAN, was the water cold!! I pushed and pushed on the bow but couldn't move her. I was able, however, to swing her around 180. I went alongside to climb back on and motor off and I then realized just how high the rail was when standing in the water. Of course, the boarding ladder was safe at home in my garage since it was not going with the boat for sale. I managed to claw my way back aboard covered with muck and gritty sand. So much for topsides finish. I tried to motor / push off again with no luck. The ebb was really going now and she was starting to slid side to side indicating that the water level was really dropping. I decided that I had to go overboard again to see if I could push her off. I laid several warps of line between my stern cleat and starboard winch to build a makeshift boarding ladder. I then went over again. I was able to get my shoulders under the stern and and push up and out. With all of my strength and much shouting (and cursing) she finally moved. I then gave it everything I had and she broke free. After feeling proud of myself and relieved, I realized that the boat was coasting away from me in the current. I jumped after her and swam hard. She was drifting down towards the commercial docks. Oh my, what a pickle!! Swimming hard, I caught hold of one of the lines I had laid overboard and pulled myself aboard. I was able to get her in gear and motor over to the slip before I drifted into the commercial draggers on the other side of the channel. I got home, changed into dry clothes and went back to clean-up my boat. She was a mess with lines, muck, and sand all over. A truly unforgetable day!!
Thanks to this great board I have finally been able to confess my sins. Nobody but my wife ever knew of my misadventures before. All through this event, my fathers old syaing kept going through my head..... "No good deed goes unpunished."
Let's continue to have fun - safely!! I'll keep doing the good deeds, but I'll make sure that I know the local waters before I venture.
Fair winds and following seas to all.
Mark
P.S. After 4+ years on the West Coast, I am back in Newburyport, MA and I'm looking for a CD28. If anyone has one nearby, please let me know. - Thanks (I promise to keep water under her keel at all times.)
-
Jim Myers
Re: First Solo Sail........
I too sail my CD25 solo most of the time. As well as with my 4 and 7 year old kids. This is like solo with one arm tied behind your back! As you found out Solo sailing a boat not set up for it is a challenge. I have "winchers" on each winch, roller furling led to a turning block with a cam cleat on it for one handed furling of the jib, main halyard and one line jiffy reefing led to the aft cabin top and I added a Strong systems sail track on the mast and lazy jacks. With this set up I can be sailing rapidly and under control as well as douse sails just as fast. I feel that the ability to douse all sails rapidly and under control is a major safety issue. Especially securing the boom once the main is down.
You have chosen a great and safe boat to learn on. If all else fails you only draw 3 feet and can ground her and walk (wade) away! ( I hope that it never comes to that)
With regards to backing her down alone. Are there any slips available that are protected from any cross winds or currents? This will make it a little easier. I always start out in reverse at fullthrottle on my 8 horse until I get some steerage. Practice makes perfect!
Fairwind
CD25 #824
Watch Hill & Warwick RI
jmyers@styluscentral.com
You have chosen a great and safe boat to learn on. If all else fails you only draw 3 feet and can ground her and walk (wade) away! ( I hope that it never comes to that)
With regards to backing her down alone. Are there any slips available that are protected from any cross winds or currents? This will make it a little easier. I always start out in reverse at fullthrottle on my 8 horse until I get some steerage. Practice makes perfect!
Fairwind
CD25 #824
Watch Hill & Warwick RI
jmyers@styluscentral.com