Sailing Wind

[Andrei123]

So i am about to buy this sailboat, Talked to the guy im buying it from and im going to have to take a ferry to get to him. Once there im going to attempt to sail the boat back. Again this is a possiblity which im really hoping would come to fruition. The distance is around 20 miles and there is a bunch of islands on the way. I am really excited about the prospect of doing this, planning on leaving the boat in the marina and sleeping in there for the night ... then take her for a few more spins and head home towards the night time(driving).

Was telling this plan to my significant other, she asked me what happens if there is no wind. I mean is this possible ? I ve been reaserching sailing for years now, never thought of that as a possibility. I will be doing this on Lake Huron, the boat does not have a motor either.

I know this attempt is somewhat crazy, i like things to be a little crazy. I, on the other side dont want to be stranded on lake huron without wind.

I guess the main question is, is it possible to not have wind on a major body of water ? (Lake Ontario, Huron, Superior etc). Do you have to wait for the "right wind" to sail ?

[pressuredrop]

look at the forecast, pick a day with wind...

[pressuredrop]

let me expound a little...

yes it is possible to have no wind on a major body of water, happens all the time all over the world, pretty sure folks have been becalmed around capehorn...

i dont know how much of a factor tidal currents are on the lakes their but it is always something to consider, here in south florida the tidal current adds about 2-3 knots inside the inlets... the gulf stream runs at 3+ knots to the north outside the inlet... because of there currents i will usually wait for slightly stronger winds to blow consistantly then go in fluky winds, i too have no engine...

what kind of boat are you getting?

[Andrei123]

I mean right now the forecast says its 9kmh, on land ofcourse. I cant think of a day with absolutely no wind.

The boat is a small 21footer light boat small cabin, was told it was a kit boat so its no name. About 1979 was told the boat plus trailer probably weigh in around 1100lb.

[sabray]

At some point there will be wind you just might have to wait. I remember I needed to be at work monday morning the boat was 40 miles from home the boat of the time had limited motor. the forecast was good with wind which there was but it stopped.I thought **** I'll never get to work. After awhile I was okay with that idea. Then there was wind again and I sailed to the mooring. Ohh well I went to work.

[MarkJ]

The longest I have been becalmed is one week.

So pack some extra lunches. maybe a book. A long one.

A very long one.


Mark

[Andrei123]

WHAAAaaat 1 week

holly Jezus, i will starve to death ... actually if that ever happened id probably try to swim to shore .

I mean if your boat is made of fiberglass theres very little wood you can try to eat for a week.

But by that do you mean you were moving very slowly or completely stopped.

[simonmd]

So this boat has NO form of other propulsion, ie, an engine?

Of course you can have no wind, just like on land. Check www.passageweather.com or similar before you go.

[Andrei123]

I trully never thought of it, i mean i dont think i can think of 2 days a year where there was no wind this year around here that is. Thats the one thing i found annoying about living here its always windy.(Hamilon Ontario)

[simonmd]

In that case, it's unlikely but to answer your question correctly, it is possible.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by Andrei123

But by that do you mean you were moving very slowly or completely stopped.

Middle of the Indian Ocean. Completely stopped.

The photo is one of a group of Mahi Mahi that followed us for 4 days.
I couldnt catch the bastards either!

The leg was 1,600 nms so we couldn't waste fuel there. had to wait it out.

[Bash]

We call it "becalmed."

It sucks.

It happens.

[daddle]

If there is really no wind then you can simply retie the docklines a few days later. But what typically happens is the wind dies around the halfway point. That's why seasoned sailors don't make plans or have schedules.

No wind and a current taking you into trouble, now that's something to consider. Got an anchor? That sometimes helps.

[Andrei123]

Well i guess it would suck, sounds kinda fun tho if youre prepared.

Isthere some formula that kinda translates wind speed to boat speed? if wind is blowing 30kmh for example is that mean you can hit up to 20kmh.

[sabray]

I'm guessing you have nit sailed.much. I'm knee jerk thinking you should leave the boat where it is and day sail a tad.maybe the current owner will like to sail with you. Or you could find instructo/r crews while you learn the boat.