New Sailor

[DocWeeWolf]

I have recently purchased a 63 ft motor/sail boat and plan to go down to Oceanside California from Olympia October sometime. Any advice on route and what to watch out for? I am new to a boat this size, but since it is just me and my wiener dog, it is also home now. Thanks, Doc

[JPA Cate]

Welcome aboard CF, DocWeeWolf,

Congratulations on your new mistress!

There are some other members here who have made that trip a number of times, and who will soon chime in.

Ann

[DocWeeWolf]

Thank you, I have already had a few shocks and the pull-out was one of them. Since it is just "Chesty" ( my dog ) and myself, we will enjoy the room and the travel. Going to see my son at Camp Pendleton, he is an MP there.

Doc

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Doc.

[JPA Cate]

The trip you propose is not a mai tais in the sunset deal. It is a longish coastal passage, and the weather is very changeable this time of year. Look at the weather and wind maps, there are strong winds to deal with. The waves accompanying them will find any leaks your boat may have, and the motion may make both you and Chesty sick. Such conditions are extremely tiring.

Fatigue is the single-handed sailor's worst enemy. So do your homework, and if you are not already an experienced sailor, you really need to spend some time at sea before you leave so that you can work out whether or not you or the dog get seasick, and how you'll function when shaky from throwing up. Some people throw up, and then feel fine, others, it's more like the flu and they get worse and worse, can't take in fluids, risk dying from dehydration. It's only a worry when you can't keep water down. Can happen with the dog, too.

I would hope you would take crew, especially if you lack ocean experience.

How good idea this is mainly depends on your prior experience.

Ann