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**Jim Cate** · 11-12-2013, 14:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by GILow

So perhaps you could say that when coastal cruising at least, the bigger, faster boat has the advantage of being able to get to the next anchorage in time to escape the next blow?

This being a different issue to open ocean cruising where speed is no particular advantage when there is nowhere to run to for shelter, then the seaworthiness of the boat is more critical?

Matt

Matt, that's a fair enough statement IMO.

But remember that there are some factors in ultimate sea worthiness that are size related... like the relationship between wave height and the yachts beam and the likelihood of being capsized.

More knowledgeable folks than me have argued about this for donks, and I'm no Naval Architect, but even at sea I have been happier in larger boats than in my S&S 30. Of course, that 30 footer survived TS Gil halfway to Hawaii in 1983... and I don't even remember being scared! Did our best day's run ever in that boat with nothing but a storm jib flying (162 miles, but determined only by celestial and log, not GPS).

Cheers,

Jim

**boatman61** · 11-12-2013, 15:03

Fair points Jim... bigger is faster and can save your ass on the shorter runs... as for your friends though.. doubt I'd use the drogue myself.. heaving to is my choice... preferably on a favourable tack but each to their own.

**Jim Cate** · 11-12-2013, 16:07

Phil, they are not using a drogue, but a para-anchor off the bow (I think). I didn't even know that they had one, and in general, I'm not in favour of that practice in a monohull. I too would have thought that a Vertue would heave to very well, and that that would be a decent response to the conditions. When we catch up to them in Tassie sometime fairly soon (I hope) I'll quiz them on the whole thing, and perhaps learn something. The owner is a very skilled shipwright (the boat won best in show at a Sydney Wooden Boat fest), but has not done too many miles offshore, so this may be an accelerated learning experience for him too!

Cheers,

Jim

El Pinguino · 11-12-2013, 16:18

So its not the Vertue I'm thinking of?

Heaving too would be my choice in a Vertue (my previous was a Vertue) as they just sit there like a duck.

Ocean Diamond 2 · 11-12-2013, 16:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Phil, they are not using a drogue, but a para-anchor off the bow (I think). I didn't even know that they had one, and in general, I'm not in favour of that practice in a monohull. I too would have thought that a Vertue would heave to very well, and that that would be a decent response to the conditions. When we catch up to them in Tassie sometime fairly soon (I hope) I'll quiz them on the whole thing, and perhaps learn something. The owner is a very skilled shipwright (the boat won best in show at a Sydney Wooden Boat fest), but has not done too many miles offshore, so this may be an accelerated learning experience for him too!

Cheers,

Jim

Hi Jim,

Is the boat called Tui of Opua ? I think Bruce and Thelma are on their way down and I hope they are safe.

Derek

terminalcitygrl · 11-12-2013, 17:10

I think the Pardeys "go small, go now" is intended to inspire folks who have the dream and limited resources to pursue it soon and smartly, believing that many who wait to buy a bigger boat which costs more initially and to maintain often have their dreams crushed or curtailed. Of course if one has unlimited resources...
I'm sure they'd support cruising in whatever you are comfortable in and can afford.

El Pinguino · 11-12-2013, 17:25

Off course we shouldn't be second guessing the person out there as only they know what the conditions are.
That said conditions appear to be moderating over the next few days..
East of Flinders Island Coastal Waters Forecast

**boatman61** · 11-12-2013, 17:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Pinguino

Off course we shouldn't be second guessing the person out there as only they know what the conditions are.
That said conditions appear to be moderating over the next few days..
East of Flinders Island Coastal Waters Forecast

I would not say we are second guessing... personally I would have hove to... mainly coz I never carry a sea anchor/drogue... its all personal choices..

Not a judgemental thing...

El Pinguino · 11-12-2013, 17:47

I was actually chastising myself... no one else

Pretty much ditto here... I have a seabrake thing which has been in the focsle for about 14 years... I really can't imagine deploying it in a blow... too much string and stuff to deal with. Have hove to a few times , laid ahull exactly twice. Of course all is made a lot simpler if you try to avoid having to go to windward in the first place....

**boatman61** · 11-12-2013, 18:09

Running before I've gone so fast my bow has started to bury so deep I've only had 3 inches freeboard... round up and heave to was the only answer..

bfloyd4445 · 11-12-2013, 18:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatman61

Running before I've gone so fast my bow has started to bury so deep I've only had 3 inches freeboard... round up and heave to was the only answer..

done that and then the bow goes under and the thought comes to mind you are about to become a submarine as you scramble to slow down.....Scary the first time this happens

Maybe there is something to be said for just battening down and going to sleep leaving the yacht to herself. seems like they often survive the worst seas on their own

GILow · 11-12-2013, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by bfloyd4445

Maybe there is something to be said for just battening down and going to sleep leaving the yacht to herself. seems like they often survive the worst seas on their own

Can't remember where I read it, but someone wrote about the "Hotel de Para", being a reference to the relative calm and relaxation of putting out the para-anchor and getting some rest.

Seemed like good advice.

Matt