So - Pocket Yachtsmen - UNITE ! (How many of us are there?)

[Tom Stormcrowe]

I'm genuinely curious as to how many of us Pocket Yacht trailer sailors there are here? I'll start it off in the traditional format for self help.......the first step is to admit:

Hi, I'm Tom, and I'm the skipper of a pocket yacht. s/v Candide, a 19' MFG Bandit 19.

We need a sailboat smiley, by the way. If I make one up, I'll send it on. Meantime, fellow pocket cruisers, feel free to chime in here.

[rtbates]

I'm one..

I have a Cape Dory 25D and while I do have and have used the trailer she's not what I or most folks would consider a trailer sailer...

A POCKET CRUISER for sure and a damn fine one I might add,,

[Ishmael]

Currently own a 1988 O'Day Daysailer III - (new sails coming this week!) - that I use to zip around Nantucket harbor, teaching the kids to sail, and an occasional day trip to Muskeget or Tuckernuck Islands. Hoping to move on up next year to a Catalina 250WK. This will allow for weekend trips to Martha's Vineyard, Cuttyhunk, Block Island, Cape Cod, and my old stomping grounds - Boston . It'll most likely stay on the mooring all summer, but it'll be nice to be able to haul it out and tow it to my yard whenever I choose.

[tbodine88]

I have a West Wight Potter 19. sailing Lake Travis this weekend. Have sailed in the Texas 200 in her and around Galveston twice.
When she was new, I wrote these
Frimi's Page

[Greenhand]

Do you have a slip on Lake Travis or how are you putting in these days?

Precision 18, same area, but haven't actually been on Lake Travis, having found free to $5 ramps on other lakes.

We are currently in negotiations about whether or not the Texas 200 should be our vey first trip to the gulf or whether we should have some experience before such a commitment.

[tager]

I don't suppose a Haida 26 qualifies as a pocket yacht, but KEET is on the small end of the cruising sailboat spectrum. I live aboard, and love it.

[Travelnik]

I'm Dean with a 22' Westerly Nomad, S/V Second Chance.

[tbodine88]

Originally Posted by tbodine88

I have a West Wight Potter 19. sailing Lake Travis this weekend. Have sailed in the Texas 200 in her and around Galveston twice.
When she was new, I wrote these
Frimi's Page

I keep her on the lake today. In the winter she's going in my back yard. If you want to remain mobile then the best free ramp I found is on Buchanon when theres enough water to cover the ramp at the County park on the west side. In the winter you can launch most places for free since the parks aren't manned. Another good place is Lady Bird Lake down town, so far always free.

[tbodine88]

Originally Posted by Greenhand

Do you have a slip on Lake Travis or how are you putting in these days?

Precision 18, same area, but haven't actually been on Lake Travis, having found free to $5 ramps on other lakes.

We are currently in negotiations about whether or not the Texas 200 should be our vey first trip to the gulf or whether we should have some experience before such a commitment.

The Texas 200 is a REAL ADVENTURE. The winds were pretty high for a 18 foot boat in early June, last time I went. Once behind the barrier islands the water was flat which was nice. Only went a ground twice, or three times. Thank god for the ability to lift the center board. Also understand this is a camping trip. The only "nice" camp site was at the Padre Island Yatch club on the second, now third night.

Beware of oyster beds, another fellow lost his bottom sailing across one of those the year after I went.

[Greenhand]

The Burnet County ramp on the east side was extended this summer. The very impressive ramp on the west side is high and dry.

As for the Texas 200, we already spend weekends on the boat, only getting off to walk around, never at the marinas. The water supply lasts Friday to Sunday, even on 100 days, always stuff left over in the cooler and the snack bag, so as long as we can add ice and fill up our five gallon collapsible at some point...Our concern is our experience level out on the gulf. Since our long term goal is to cruise, we fully expect to do the TX200, it just might be 2014, rather than 2013.

[p_everette]

I'm Phil
I have a Paceship PY23, (no trailer) In a slip on the Indian River, Melbourne, Fl

[Adelie]

Does it count if I very seriously considered getting a Cal20 and heading out for Hawai'i?

Before the munchkins came along, of course.

[sarafina]

Ranger 23

[gjordan]

Pocket Cruisers Rock! Even though I sold it 35 years ago, I still consider my Contessa 26 as the ultimate pocket cruiser. It was not a trailor sailor, but living on it was about as tight as living in a pocket. It took my wife and I many thousands of miles at very low expense. I was young and flexable back then and didnt mind living with full crouching headroom. I move up to much bigger and more expensive boats later, but consider the 2 years spent on the Contessa as some of the best days of my life. For those thinking about doing the Texas 200 in a small boat, go for it. I am sure that there are equipment rules for the cruise, but good ground tackle and a reasonable idea of how to use it, and knowing how to reef down will get almost any boat safely thru an adventure. Doing trips(races?) with a group is a good confidance builder. My 2 cents worth.____Grant.

[Coops]

Me got me hand up. Have a Coronet 20(New Zealand designed and built)












Have had up to 45' keelers but my preference is for small. Ideal boat for us would be a Dana 24, sigh!

Coops.