round trip to Bermuda-Completed

[Will Parker]

Fellow Cape Dorians:

"Jambalaya" (and me) just returned from round trip to Bermuda. Ten days up and nine days back. Boat and crew safe but tired. Great learning experience. Great adventure. I have a few observations (lessons learned) to report if anyone is interested:

1. Don't use quick-release pins for anything you don't want to quick release itself.
2. Don't use knots that can't be untied with one hand.
3. Screws and bolts will back themselves out. Especially ones you never thought could. e.g. compass bolts. Inspect every day.
4. Staysail on a 30 foot Cape Dory has very little utility. May be helpful as a storm sail. Helps going to weather, but no use at all on any other point of sail. Entire setup is deck clutter (boom is dangerous) and should be left at home. You are better off with a 140% Genoa (with roller furling, of course) and sailing like a sloop. Staysail rig interferes with anchoring and unanchoring, further the stay serves as good chafe point for jib sheets.
5. If you have a Cape Dory 30, never bring three people on an overnight cruise, (much less a month). There just ain't enough space for three people and their gear. There may not even be room for two. However, three does make for a better watch schedule.
6. Remember to install lee cloths for each of the two settee bunks. I didn't.
7. Install and use a single-sideband (HF) radio.
8. Learn everything you can about forecasting weather. And then assume you are going to get hit with some bad stuff whether its forecast or not. In this regard, never make the trip in any Month the name of which begins with a Capital letter, or ends in a vowel or consonant.
9. A gimballed stove is a blessing and an absolute necessity. Plus, of course, someone who is both capable and willing to use it.
10. Obtain and use good quality foul weather gear.
11. Do not obtain or use any automatically inflatable life jacket. They will inflate automatically, but will not wait until you are in the water to do so. They will inflate from rain and spray. Get the manually inflatable kind.
12. Don't get the fancy, expensive West Marine ditch bag. Its too heavy and bulky when loaded. You would never get it launched. But be sure you have a 406 EPIRB.
13. If you don't already have one, obtain an Autohelm 3000 autopilot. This is the one that is belt driven. Then bring at least a half dozen spare belts. The 3000 is a great machine, unfortunately it is out of production.
14. You will be glad you have a 100 watt solar panel. Mine met all recharging requirements so long as the sun was shining every day. For the other days, you will need a Balmar high output alternator. Mine completely recharged my house bank (three Group 31's) in an hour and a half.
15. Never sail to Bermuda on a 30 foot boat. A Cape Dory 40 would do quite nicely.

There is obviously more to tell, and I will respond to questions if there is any interest.
Will Parker
"Jambalaya"
CD 30
Hull # 358



whildenp@earthlnk.net

[Joe Sankey]

Welcome back, Will: Hope to hear more, and share some of your wisdom.
Joe Sankey
CD 30 Slow Dance
Magnolia Springs, AL

Fellow Cape Dorians:

"Jambalaya" (and me) just returned from round trip to Bermuda. Ten days up and nine days back. Boat and crew safe but tired. Great learning experience. Great adventure. I have a few observations (lessons learned) to report if anyone is interested:

1. Don't use quick-release pins for anything you don't want to quick release itself.
2. Don't use knots that can't be untied with one hand.
3. Screws and bolts will back themselves out. Especially ones you never thought could. e.g. compass bolts. Inspect every day.
4. Staysail on a 30 foot Cape Dory has very little utility. May be helpful as a storm sail. Helps going to weather, but no use at all on any other point of sail. Entire setup is deck clutter (boom is dangerous) and should be left at home. You are better off with a 140% Genoa (with roller furling, of course) and sailing like a sloop. Staysail rig interferes with anchoring and unanchoring, further the stay serves as good chafe point for jib sheets.
5. If you have a Cape Dory 30, never bring three people on an overnight cruise, (much less a month). There just ain't enough space for three people and their gear. There may not even be room for two. However, three does make for a better watch schedule.
6. Remember to install lee cloths for each of the two settee bunks. I didn't.
7. Install and use a single-sideband (HF) radio.
8. Learn everything you can about forecasting weather. And then assume you are going to get hit with some bad stuff whether its forecast or not. In this regard, never make the trip in any Month the name of which begins with a Capital letter, or ends in a vowel or consonant.
9. A gimballed stove is a blessing and an absolute necessity. Plus, of course, someone who is both capable and willing to use it.
10. Obtain and use good quality foul weather gear.
11. Do not obtain or use any automatically inflatable life jacket. They will inflate automatically, but will not wait until you are in the water to do so. They will inflate from rain and spray. Get the manually inflatable kind.
12. Don't get the fancy, expensive West Marine ditch bag. Its too heavy and bulky when loaded. You would never get it launched. But be sure you have a 406 EPIRB.
13. If you don't already have one, obtain an Autohelm 3000 autopilot. This is the one that is belt driven. Then bring at least a half dozen spare belts. The 3000 is a great machine, unfortunately it is out of production.
14. You will be glad you have a 100 watt solar panel. Mine met all recharging requirements so long as the sun was shining every day. For the other days, you will need a Balmar high output alternator. Mine completely recharged my house bank (three Group 31's) in an hour and a half.
15. Never sail to Bermuda on a 30 foot boat. A Cape Dory 40 would do quite nicely.

There is obviously more to tell, and I will respond to questions if there is any interest.
Will Parker
"Jambalaya"
CD 30
Hull # 358

sankey@gulftel.com

[Dean Abramson]

Will,
Really enjoyed reading your post. Thanks. I also would like to hear more, if you are so inclined. Did you have a liferaft? (I hope so!) Where did you put it? What kind? I would love to hear more about the trip.

Dean Abramson
"Mariah"
CD 25D

Fellow Cape Dorians:

"Jambalaya" (and me) just returned from round trip to Bermuda. Ten days up and nine days back. Boat and crew safe but tired. Great learning experience. Great adventure. I have a few observations (lessons learned) to report if anyone is interested:

1. Don't use quick-release pins for anything you don't want to quick release itself.
2. Don't use knots that can't be untied with one hand.
3. Screws and bolts will back themselves out. Especially ones you never thought could. e.g. compass bolts. Inspect every day.
4. Staysail on a 30 foot Cape Dory has very little utility. May be helpful as a storm sail. Helps going to weather, but no use at all on any other point of sail. Entire setup is deck clutter (boom is dangerous) and should be left at home. You are better off with a 140% Genoa (with roller furling, of course) and sailing like a sloop. Staysail rig interferes with anchoring and unanchoring, further the stay serves as good chafe point for jib sheets.
5. If you have a Cape Dory 30, never bring three people on an overnight cruise, (much less a month). There just ain't enough space for three people and their gear. There may not even be room for two. However, three does make for a better watch schedule.
6. Remember to install lee cloths for each of the two settee bunks. I didn't.
7. Install and use a single-sideband (HF) radio.
8. Learn everything you can about forecasting weather. And then assume you are going to get hit with some bad stuff whether its forecast or not. In this regard, never make the trip in any Month the name of which begins with a Capital letter, or ends in a vowel or consonant.
9. A gimballed stove is a blessing and an absolute necessity. Plus, of course, someone who is both capable and willing to use it.
10. Obtain and use good quality foul weather gear.
11. Do not obtain or use any automatically inflatable life jacket. They will inflate automatically, but will not wait until you are in the water to do so. They will inflate from rain and spray. Get the manually inflatable kind.
12. Don't get the fancy, expensive West Marine ditch bag. Its too heavy and bulky when loaded. You would never get it launched. But be sure you have a 406 EPIRB.
13. If you don't already have one, obtain an Autohelm 3000 autopilot. This is the one that is belt driven. Then bring at least a half dozen spare belts. The 3000 is a great machine, unfortunately it is out of production.
14. You will be glad you have a 100 watt solar panel. Mine met all recharging requirements so long as the sun was shining every day. For the other days, you will need a Balmar high output alternator. Mine completely recharged my house bank (three Group 31's) in an hour and a half.
15. Never sail to Bermuda on a 30 foot boat. A Cape Dory 40 would do quite nicely.

There is obviously more to tell, and I will respond to questions if there is any interest.
Will Parker
"Jambalaya"
CD 30
Hull # 358

dabramson@mainephoto.com

[John R.]

Real nice Will, an interesting summary to be sure. We can all learn something from your observations. I especially appreciate that you have the same observation I have about the staysail especially the club boom. I removed ours long ago off our 30.

I am curious about your point regarding "quick release pins", which style did you have particular problems with?

I totally share in your observations made in points #6,7,8,10 & 12.

Great to read your comments, by all means post more that you wish to share.



Fellow Cape Dorians:

"Jambalaya" (and me) just returned from round trip to Bermuda. Ten days up and nine days back. Boat and crew safe but tired. Great learning experience. Great adventure. I have a few observations (lessons learned) to report if anyone is interested:

1. Don't use quick-release pins for anything you don't want to quick release itself.
2. Don't use knots that can't be untied with one hand.
3. Screws and bolts will back themselves out. Especially ones you never thought could. e.g. compass bolts. Inspect every day.
4. Staysail on a 30 foot Cape Dory has very little utility. May be helpful as a storm sail. Helps going to weather, but no use at all on any other point of sail. Entire setup is deck clutter (boom is dangerous) and should be left at home. You are better off with a 140% Genoa (with roller furling, of course) and sailing like a sloop. Staysail rig interferes with anchoring and unanchoring, further the stay serves as good chafe point for jib sheets.
5. If you have a Cape Dory 30, never bring three people on an overnight cruise, (much less a month). There just ain't enough space for three people and their gear. There may not even be room for two. However, three does make for a better watch schedule.
6. Remember to install lee cloths for each of the two settee bunks. I didn't.
7. Install and use a single-sideband (HF) radio.
8. Learn everything you can about forecasting weather. And then assume you are going to get hit with some bad stuff whether its forecast or not. In this regard, never make the trip in any Month the name of which begins with a Capital letter, or ends in a vowel or consonant.
9. A gimballed stove is a blessing and an absolute necessity. Plus, of course, someone who is both capable and willing to use it.
10. Obtain and use good quality foul weather gear.
11. Do not obtain or use any automatically inflatable life jacket. They will inflate automatically, but will not wait until you are in the water to do so. They will inflate from rain and spray. Get the manually inflatable kind.
12. Don't get the fancy, expensive West Marine ditch bag. Its too heavy and bulky when loaded. You would never get it launched. But be sure you have a 406 EPIRB.
13. If you don't already have one, obtain an Autohelm 3000 autopilot. This is the one that is belt driven. Then bring at least a half dozen spare belts. The 3000 is a great machine, unfortunately it is out of production.
14. You will be glad you have a 100 watt solar panel. Mine met all recharging requirements so long as the sun was shining every day. For the other days, you will need a Balmar high output alternator. Mine completely recharged my house bank (three Group 31's) in an hour and a half.
15. Never sail to Bermuda on a 30 foot boat. A Cape Dory 40 would do quite nicely.

There is obviously more to tell, and I will respond to questions if there is any interest.
Will Parker
"Jambalaya"
CD 30
Hull # 358

[Randy Bates]

Fellow Cape Dorians:

"Jambalaya" (and me) just returned from round trip to Bermuda. Ten days up and nine days back. Boat and crew safe but tired. Great learning experience. Great adventure. I have a few observations (lessons learned) to report if anyone is interested:

1. Don't use quick-release pins for anything you don't want to quick release itself.
2. Don't use knots that can't be untied with one hand.
3. Screws and bolts will back themselves out. Especially ones you never thought could. e.g. compass bolts. Inspect every day.
4. Staysail on a 30 foot Cape Dory has very little utility. May be helpful as a storm sail. Helps going to weather, but no use at all on any other point of sail. Entire setup is deck clutter (boom is dangerous) and should be left at home. You are better off with a 140% Genoa (with roller furling, of course) and sailing like a sloop. Staysail rig interferes with anchoring and unanchoring, further the stay serves as good chafe point for jib sheets.
5. If you have a Cape Dory 30, never bring three people on an overnight cruise, (much less a month). There just ain't enough space for three people and their gear. There may not even be room for two. However, three does make for a better watch schedule.
6. Remember to install lee cloths for each of the two settee bunks. I didn't.
7. Install and use a single-sideband (HF) radio.
8. Learn everything you can about forecasting weather. And then assume you are going to get hit with some bad stuff whether its forecast or not. In this regard, never make the trip in any Month the name of which begins with a Capital letter, or ends in a vowel or consonant.
9. A gimballed stove is a blessing and an absolute necessity. Plus, of course, someone who is both capable and willing to use it.
10. Obtain and use good quality foul weather gear.
11. Do not obtain or use any automatically inflatable life jacket. They will inflate automatically, but will not wait until you are in the water to do so. They will inflate from rain and spray. Get the manually inflatable kind.
12. Don't get the fancy, expensive West Marine ditch bag. Its too heavy and bulky when loaded. You would never get it launched. But be sure you have a 406 EPIRB.
13. If you don't already have one, obtain an Autohelm 3000 autopilot. This is the one that is belt driven. Then bring at least a half dozen spare belts. The 3000 is a great machine, unfortunately it is out of production.
14. You will be glad you have a 100 watt solar panel. Mine met all recharging requirements so long as the sun was shining every day. For the other days, you will need a Balmar high output alternator. Mine completely recharged my house bank (three Group 31's) in an hour and a half.
15. Never sail to Bermuda on a 30 foot boat. A Cape Dory 40 would do quite nicely.

There is obviously more to tell, and I will respond to questions if there is any interest.
Will Parker
"Jambalaya"
CD 30
Hull # 358

Did I miss it? Where did you depart from? Sounds like an adventure. What was the problem with the CD30?



rtbates@austin.rr.com