going out on the 19th of this month for my first overnight sail. Have slotted 2 weeks for a sail to nantucket. Just lookig for advice from others on things to look out for. cd25d
azazz@ix.netcom.com
advice with first blue water sail
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Dana
Re: advice with first blue water sail
__________________adam wrote: going out on the 19th of this month for my first overnight sail. Have slotted 2 weeks for a sail to nantucket. Just lookig for advice from others on things to look out for. cd25d
Should be fun. Watch your weather, shoals, and current.
Dana
darenius@aol.com
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Bill Goldsmith
Re: advice with first blue water sail
Search for "Nantucket" on this website. You'll find many helpful prior postings on the subject.
goldy@bestweb.net
adam wrote: going out on the 19th of this month for my first overnight sail. Have slotted 2 weeks for a sail to nantucket. Just lookig for advice from others on things to look out for. cd25d
goldy@bestweb.net
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Matt Cawthorne
Re: advice with first blue water sail
Adam,
Exahaustion is the biggest problem that I have ever faced offshore. There is always a last minute rush to get everything ready and you start out tired. Then when you are out at night and are struggling with keeping awake the stupid mistakes start. Lights on boats don't look like what the colregs say they should and your normal ability to sort things out is diminished. The deck lights on tugs often obscure the other lights. In my opinion the near shore waters which are filled with traffic are more dangerous than being way offshore. My suggestion here is that if you are tired when you are ready to leave delay the trip one day and get some rest.
Don't be afraid to get on the VHF and call ships that will pass near you. The Captain will not like to be awaken, but at least this way you know that they see you. The noise on the VHF might just be what is needed to awaken the helmsman. Carry a bright light to shine on the sails so that ships can see you if they are close.
Rest up and enjoy your trip. The rest of us are jealous and would like to be going to Nantucket as well.
Matt
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
Exahaustion is the biggest problem that I have ever faced offshore. There is always a last minute rush to get everything ready and you start out tired. Then when you are out at night and are struggling with keeping awake the stupid mistakes start. Lights on boats don't look like what the colregs say they should and your normal ability to sort things out is diminished. The deck lights on tugs often obscure the other lights. In my opinion the near shore waters which are filled with traffic are more dangerous than being way offshore. My suggestion here is that if you are tired when you are ready to leave delay the trip one day and get some rest.
Don't be afraid to get on the VHF and call ships that will pass near you. The Captain will not like to be awaken, but at least this way you know that they see you. The noise on the VHF might just be what is needed to awaken the helmsman. Carry a bright light to shine on the sails so that ships can see you if they are close.
Rest up and enjoy your trip. The rest of us are jealous and would like to be going to Nantucket as well.
Matt
adam wrote: going out on the 19th of this month for my first overnight sail. Have slotted 2 weeks for a sail to nantucket. Just lookig for advice from others on things to look out for. cd25d
mcawthor@bellatlantic.net
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Chris Reinke
Re: advice with first blue water sail
Adam - The best advise I can give is to plan for every possible situation, and then forget all your plans as soon as you leave the dock. I am assuming you have fully checked over your boat and have checked your safety equipment. Simple things like spare flashlight bulbs can make a big difference. You have probable spent many late nights planning your route and anticipating your destinations. Forget it!. The greatest thing about an extended cruise is forgetting all the pressure that fixed schedules of our daily life can bring. My first few trips from New York to Boston were filled with anxiety about having to make a specific port on a specific date. Once I forgot about the schedule the entire true beauty of sailing took over. I recently spent 14 days cruising the eastern coast from SC to NY. My trip was originally scheduled for 8-10 days, but weather and mechanical problems extended the trip. If I had been on a fixed schedule I would have been miserable.
The three biggest factors which can effect your enjoyment are food, sleep and staying dry. If the weather is very wet then you would be willing to forgo your first born for a clean, fresh, dry pair of socks. Ziplock freezer bags are a great packing aid for keeping clothes dry and separate from wet clothes.
The big challenge I encountered is fixing a menu. If you are heading out for more than 2 days then try and keep the menu simple but satisfying. If the weather kicks up a bit then it is important to have prepared foods (soups, stew) which require minimal galley preparation. Another important item is your sleep schedule. Sleep deprivation is a major factor in your ability to make clear decisions. If you and your crew are operating on a rotating schedule then begin the schedule early. Try to ensure that everyone is properly rested (another factor in seasickness).
Chris.reinke@transamerica.com
The three biggest factors which can effect your enjoyment are food, sleep and staying dry. If the weather is very wet then you would be willing to forgo your first born for a clean, fresh, dry pair of socks. Ziplock freezer bags are a great packing aid for keeping clothes dry and separate from wet clothes.
The big challenge I encountered is fixing a menu. If you are heading out for more than 2 days then try and keep the menu simple but satisfying. If the weather kicks up a bit then it is important to have prepared foods (soups, stew) which require minimal galley preparation. Another important item is your sleep schedule. Sleep deprivation is a major factor in your ability to make clear decisions. If you and your crew are operating on a rotating schedule then begin the schedule early. Try to ensure that everyone is properly rested (another factor in seasickness).
adam wrote: going out on the 19th of this month for my first overnight sail. Have slotted 2 weeks for a sail to nantucket. Just lookig for advice from others on things to look out for. cd25d
Chris.reinke@transamerica.com
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Pat Carlson
Re: advice with first blue water sail
Along with all the other advice...if you are prone to seasickness, having something to eat and drink prepared in advance and put somewhere that will keep you from having to go below will make your journey much more enjoyable. Munching also helps if you get tired or bored (something light, like soup & crackers or sandwiches - we like trail mix). If you're traveling with a "mate", change watches frequently (about every 3 hours). Most of all...have a great time and enjoy every minute! You're in for a beautiful adventure.
SkywindMCM@aol.com
SkywindMCM@aol.com
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Jerry Axler
Re: advice with first blue water sail
Along with what the others have said, I usually plan on the unexpected and I'm rarely disappointed on my trip up to Nantucket. Stay loose and don't let a schedule spoil or determine your decisions. The definition of cruising includes constant change in plans. Above all do not trust any one set of information i.e. depth sounder, Location and landmarks should agree, if they don't stop and recheck.adam wrote: going out on the 19th of this month for my first overnight sail. Have slotted 2 weeks for a sail to nantucket. Just lookig for advice from others on things to look out for. cd25d
Don't worry , have fun.
Jerry
cutter36@erols.com
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Don Carr
Re: advice with first blue water sail
Adam - The only comment I might make is to ensure you are up to speed on DR, GPS, Loran as the area is very fog prone at this time of year. I was out just Sunday in Fishers Island sound...whaam.. socked in. If you are using one of the Falcon air horns I'd have a spare can ..just in case. As all the others have stated, take all items as if you were going to live on the boat with no support for 10 days.
Don
s/v Camanae.
carrd@erols.com
Don
s/v Camanae.
carrd@erols.com