<![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums - Seamanship & Boat Handling]]> http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ Discuss the art and skill of managing a boat or ship - from Basic Boat Handling and sailing to the complexity of Offshore Passagemaking. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:51:08 GMT vBulletin 60 http://cdn.cruisersforum.com/forums/../ugala/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Cruisers & Sailing Forums - Seamanship & Boat Handling]]> http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/ What About Bridges? http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/what-about-bridges-33257.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:38:07 GMT Some people are afraid to go over bridges. Apparently, we are afraid to go under them! We are new to sailing (read: inexperienced) and are... Some people are afraid to go over bridges. Apparently, we are afraid to go under them!

We are new to sailing (read: inexperienced) and are currently on the Gulf Coast of Florida. We've motored down to Sarasota Bay a half-dozen times so far to practice grounding technique, anchoring, sailing, heaving-to, etc. but if we'd wanted to motor all the time we'd have bought a power boat. We need to SAIL and aren't terribly thrilled with the stress-inducing depths (or lack thereof) found in the ICW. What we'd like to do is go out under Longboat Pass Bridge into the Gulf and start making our way down the coast, but we have reached an impasse born of lack of experience/ confidence.

What about the funky wind conditions found under bridges? What if there's a bunch of traffic lined up behind us and the bridge isn't ready to open? How do we maintain a holding pattern? What if there's no ROOM for a holding pattern? What if there's traffic coming the other way and we run aground trying to stay on our side of the channel and get stuck under the bridge? What if strong currents prevent us from heaving-to? What if the bridge tender won't answer?

Is it really this complicated, or are we blowing this out of proportion in our minds? :( ]]> Andy and Mara http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/what-about-bridges-33257.html Anchoring Technique with Old-Fashioned Anchors http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/anchoring-technique-with-old-fashioned-anchors-33213.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:31:01 GMT I am in the process of closing on a boat with the following ground tackle: 35, 42, and 75 lb Yachtsman's anchors and a 15 lb. Northill as a stern anchor. This is 32' 16000# S/V with a lot of rake. The anchor rodes have about 8' of chain on them, floats, and then reasonable rope rode for the remainder (at least 200'). Now, I know most of you are probably shocked at the lack of any newer anchors and the lack of longer chain. I don't want this to be a discussion about that because there are plenty of discussions about how great new gen anchors are and how great lots of chain is. I plan on adding both. That said, this tackle has been all over the Northeast (especially Maine) and Maritimes and down to the Bahamas twice, and used heavily by a sailor much saltier than I. So, I'd still like to use it when appropriate and safe. What I would like to hear is opinions from folks who have actually used Yachtsman/Luke/Herreshoff anchors and what performance to expect from them, when to use them, how to best set them/recover them, and most importantly, when NOT to use them.

Thanks, Colin ]]> marujo.sortudo http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/anchoring-technique-with-old-fashioned-anchors-33213.html Private Weather/Gulf Stream Forecasting Recommendations? http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/private-weather-gulf-stream-forecasting-recommendations-33107.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:21:02 GMT Hi: I think I would benefit, at least until I get back into the rhythm of passage making, from some intermittent or regular advice/counsel from... Hi:

I think I would benefit, at least until I get back into the rhythm of passage making, from some intermittent or regular advice/counsel from someone expert in helping sailors make their way perhaps around the world.

I recall several discussions along the lines of who might do this reasonably and reliably -- but can't locate the thread.

Help!

Thanks all.

/jon ]]> jglauds http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/private-weather-gulf-stream-forecasting-recommendations-33107.html Fractional Rig - Short-Crewing? http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/fractional-rig-short-crewing-32673.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:19:03 GMT Can I pick someone's brains...mine's single-celled where sailing is concerned. I am interested in a cheap wooden (1959, 13m, draft 1.7m) motor-sailor but the seller is as clueless as me.

The rig:
Oregon pine mast on tabernacle with 7/8 Bermudan rig.
Fixed running backstays.

Stainless steel standing rigging.

Oregon pine rolling boom.

Polyester running rigging

Full set of sails, all of them used in variable condition.

The pics included one of the keel. Could anyone advise me how demanding the rig will be for someone who is inexperienced but is strong and will put in his apprenticeship. We have to spend some money - don't tell me, lots of money... - refurbishing and could we modernise the rig without sacrificing all our arms and legs.

Thanks, Jay

BTW this forum is brill - better than actually sailing for gaining first-hand experience.
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]]> Blackbird http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/fractional-rig-short-crewing-32673.html Your Opinions on Seagoing Vessels Requested! http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/your-opinions-on-seagoing-vessels-requested-32525.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:20:57 GMT Earlier in the week I asked a question that was not easily answered.

"Is there a specific hull design to be a blue water crosser?"

A fellow CF member replied by saying that that answers will eventually turn into an argument, and that's not fun, helpful and most likely get repetitive. :deadhorsebeat:
So my next question is;

What boats have you old salts sailed the Atlantic or Pacific oceans in, and felt most secure aboard than others. And would you like to share why you felt more comfortable in said yacht compared to others. Your opinions will be very much appreciated! ]]> JustInTheBreeze http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/your-opinions-on-seagoing-vessels-requested-32525.html Liferaft Inside or Out? http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/liferaft-inside-or-out-32484.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:49:37 GMT After having read many accounts of life raft deployment under adverse conditions I was wondering what the members think about the placement of the... After having read many accounts of life raft deployment under adverse conditions I was wondering what the members think about the placement of the liferaft, i.e. outside in a mount or inside the vessel, as well as your reasons why. I am opting for the inside the vessel theory thinking that rafts have been ripped from mountings by severe waves, difficulty deploying raft from deck in darkness and severe weather, etc. ]]> cburger http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/liferaft-inside-or-out-32484.html New Boat, Sailing South? http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/new-boat-sailing-south-32449.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:16:27 GMT Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum and need some advice. I've been sailing on and off for about 10 years and last year I purchased a 42' Frans Maas and have the dream of sailing it south from Southern California to the Sea of Cortez and beyond. I just returned from working in Alaska saving money to do repairs on the sailboat and having enough to survive and have fun until I leave for Alaska again in March.

I haven't had a lot of time on this sailboat getting to know it and though I want to go south this winter for a couple of months, do you think that it's a good idea or that i'm rushing it? Would you personally wait till next season, taking the time to get to know the boat and have a fun time sailing locally?

Thanks for your help and advice!

Stanly ]]> Stanly http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/new-boat-sailing-south-32449.html Tacking http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/tacking-32370.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:52:58 GMT Help me out here..... What is the best tack angle in various condition ? When close hauled, is it better to do many short small angle tacks or less... Help me out here.....
What is the best tack angle in various condition ?
When close hauled, is it better to do many short small angle tacks or less long larger angle tacks ?
If VMG is the best indication of best tack angle, should I be looking for this on the GPS and disregarding tack angle and only tack when this starts to decrease ?

I have a 12m cat with fin keels ]]> Crak http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/tacking-32370.html Para-Anchors http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/para-anchors-32369.html Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:47:22 GMT Does anyone have thoughts on hanging one from the stern as opposed to the bow in bad weather? Does anyone have thoughts on hanging one from the stern as opposed to the bow in bad weather? ]]> Jim Newman http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/para-anchors-32369.html Which Shroud ? http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/which-shroud-32333.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 16:45:40 GMT hello all I have been lately receiving conflicting opinions related to my problem , I wonder if I can find a logical yet scientific and convincing... hello all
I have been lately receiving conflicting opinions related to my problem ,
I wonder if I can find a logical yet scientific and convincing answer to my dilemma in here.
while under way in a strong blow, I noticed that the port lower shroud ( lee side ) gets somewhat loose ( this is normal )
when I change tacks the port lower shroud gets under tension while the starboard lower shroud remains tight (slightly less then before)!
my question:
should I tighten the port one to take the slack in it when sailing ??
or should I tighten the starboard lower shroud some more to balance the opposite one ??
thanks for your feedback
Georges ]]> gbendaly http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/which-shroud-32333.html Crazy Video http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/crazy-video-32261.html Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:46:40 GMT I am sure this has already been posted somewhere on here, but my first time finding it...

YouTube - WILD RIDE

YouTube - WILD RIDE ]]> VERTIGO http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/crazy-video-32261.html Cetrek 701 AP Problem http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/cetrek-701-ap-problem-32249.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 20:00:29 GMT Thank you for your welcome Pblais. It's good to be onboard.
My wife and I have just purchased our first, and hopefully our last Motor Yacht. She is a Trader 39, first registered in 1980, is called 'Carlina' and we are so pleased to have her. She is in exceptional condition with her previous owner spending a lot of money on her. Now obviously a boat of this age is going to have some problems, and one that I am hoping that members of this forum may be able to help is with the problem I am having with the Cetrek 701 autopilot. The problem is that when you have set the AP and switched it on all that happens is that rudders go hard to port and turning the boat in circles. I know that some old AP asked the boat to do a 360 degree circle to establish a set up, but this is certainly not the case with our AP. So with that in mind is there anybody on the forum who has had any experiences with the Cetrek 701 and experienced similar.
Any help and input would be very much appreciated.
Thank you ]]> Ian Streten http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/cetrek-701-ap-problem-32249.html Heavy Weather Advice - Beneteau 473 http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/heavy-weather-advice-beneteau-473-a-32230.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:52:17 GMT Good day all, I'm new on the forum, but have dropped in frequently in the past.
Up to recently, I sailed a Colvic Sailor 26', mainly in the Irish Sea, but have just spent my life savings on a Beneteau 473, and would appreciate any advise from anyone with the same or similar type boat

My profession is Master Mariner and am skipper of ocean going tugs, and have been for 18 years, and worked at sea for a total of 32 years. This has taught me that the sea needs to be treated with respect and not to overly rely on weather forecasts. Presently I am working out of Aberdeen, engaged in moving oil rigs, and most of you will appreciate that the weather up in the North Sea is not too clever.

The boat I have purchased is not fitted with storm jib or trysail, nor is there any drag device. The mainsail is single line reefing with two reefs.
There is also a furling staysail, but not rigged.

I dont intend to go looking for bad weather, and will gladly run away bravely from a storm, but on the other hand, if I get caught out, I want to be prepared, so looking at the following options

Storm Jib: One option is the type that can be rigged on the rolled genoa, which are very expensive, plus the rolled genoa is not going to help airflow. I have thought about rigging an inner forestay at the same point at which the staysail could be rigged. This could be left attached to the shroud plates when not is use, and then attached to the deck forestay fitting when needed, and then using a conventional hanked on storm jib, with a suitable long tack pennent.

Trysail: Instead of purchasing a trysail, I have thought about having a sailmaker inserting some cringles in the main to allow a third deep reef to be made. I foresee that trying to rig a trysail would not be easy, short or singled handed.

Parachute sea anchor or drogue over the stern. I would imagine that with a fin keel, the boat would yaw a great deal to a sea anchor, but having never used one, this is just a guess. Would a couple of smaller drogues in series over the stern be a better option. How does the 473 or similar cruising boat cope with a heavy stern sea??

Any advise from someone expereienced with this type of boat would be appreciated. I have read through most of the posts debating drogues v. para's, and there seems to be no defined answer, and is probably left to personal preference ]]> nigel1 http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f90/heavy-weather-advice-beneteau-473-a-32230.html