Is Sailing in the 40s in the Ocean an Extreme Sport?

[s/v Beth]

Just recently I read the account of Tacoma Sailor in his trips along the Pacific coast, and they sound just like mine: confused seas, runs between gales and hair raising crossing of banks. As this may be exciting, it really wasn't what I got into sailing for. Is it just because where my boat is located? Or have I had a run of bad weather? Is sailing along this coast just for the big boys, or can us semi retired guys play too?

[hpeer]

40's is age or latitude?

I'm 62 and sail above 45 so I'm screwed either way!

[model 10]

That coastline sucks, it's not you. Makes you admire the fishermen even more. Haul ass down past Cabo San Lucas, Mexico then it's all good.

[DRS]

Are you heading north or south from Juan de Fuca. If you are heading north stay inside Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii. Protected waters abound.
South? Well that's another story but many have done it without incident.
Just like the news most of us talk about what was out of the ordinary

[Bash]

Originally Posted by s/v Beth

Is it just because where my boat is located?

Layton, Utah has never been known for smooth seas.

[Astrid]

What DRS said, although wind and current may not be in your favor if you are heading North.

[bobconnie]

Theres two things about the Lost Coast. Too much wind, too little wind! LOL Only thing about sailing there is you become a GOOD sailor!! capable of sailing most any waters anywhere! It is a lot better 100 miles offshore ! Thats where we always ran going south, going north up the coast can be a booger, but if ya catch the right weather it's not a bad sail !! Im sure you will get it down ! ya sure have the boat to do the job with !!

[model 10]

Originally Posted by bobconnie

Theres two things about the Lost Coast. Too much wind, too little wind! LOL Only thing about sailing there is you become a GOOD sailor!! capable of sailing most any waters anywhere! It is a lot better 100 miles offshore ! Thats where we always ran going south, going north up the coast can be a booger, but if ya catch the right weather it's not a bad sail !! Im sure you will get it down ! ya sure have the boat to do the job with !!

My first sailboat trip ever was in a WS32 and the captain tried to sail from SF to Eureka offshore abot 100 miles out. We turned around after a couple of days. I think we had made about 70 miles north.

[Stu Jackson]

You should know about George Benson.

Why are you surprised?

[Teknav]

George Benson? The cheese steak sandwiches franchise?; I'm already hungry. Hiya Stu, what's for din din?

Mauritz
Going to behave now!

[model 10]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

You should know about George Benson.

Why are you surprised?

You learn so much here.

[Astrid]

It's not really and extreme sport--just something you get used to if there is no other game in town

[s/v Beth]

Alright, talking to the sailors that are regularly on the outside of Vancouver Island and Washington...Don't you guys (and girls) get beat up? I find that I am comfortable out there about 20 %, puking sick 20% cold and can't see through the rain/fog 20 % and in danger from a fisherman/ freighter/ cruise ship about 10%. Swells are usually coming from all different directions about 20% of the time, and then oh yeah, great sailing about 10%.
What gives? Down in the gulf of Mexico I never saw a confused sea, and the freighters all stayed out in the deep. Our biggest concern was sand bars, and when swells got above 6 feet it was "rough conditions" (Haa!) The wind blew all day in one direction, and when it died down it was time to go swimming.
I have never been as cold as I have been off the coast here. Man. You guys and girls are real heros here.

[minaret]

Yes, it is. Easily as risky as other "extreme" sports, as you well know from your recent trip to the hospital. Skydiving is pretty tame compared to sailing the Lost Coast, for instance. So is bungee jumping. You'd have to go to BASE jumping or ice climbing or something to get more extreme, really. It's much like serious climbing going sailing around here, if you don't come prepared you can get in trouble. Better dot the i's and cross the t's. Or stay inside...

[jackdale]

Hi Newt

I now have an even dozen times around Vancouver Island.

Twice I turned back because of weather, once because of mechanical problems.

This last time we used way too much diesel as the winds were light. No fog, some rain, no cruise ships, a few ocean going vessels. The swells were not too bad.

I have never really been beaten up. And the mal de mer is minimal, I self -medicate for a couple of days.

It is cool / cold. I have arrived in Victoria in long underwear several times in the summer. You can dress for the cold.

It is an adventure for those on the trip with me. I know what to expect. I might be looking for a new adventure - maybe north to Alaska. Or an extended trip to take in all the place that I pass by.