good on ya G, and the rest of the sailing folks out there.
Not sure there is one simple answer. Conditions , boats, and individual vary.
Been sailing a long time, and actually was an instructor long, long ago for about 25 years. U.S.C.G. 100 / 500 tons.
The sailing club that I worked for, basic lessons began on 30 foot boats, and I had them sailing out of the docks and sailing back in undersail. No engine running. One of these days, it will happen that the engine will be in- op, and you will have to sail the boat to a slip. No biggie, if you know your stuff and have experience.
We also practiced
anchoring under sail as well.
When do we motor ?:
1. When bare
boating other vessels , or sailing off shore and picking up moorings, we mainly use the engine to charge up the
batteries. By running it as we prepare to come into the harbor, we can get
sails down,
dock lines set, and ready for
mooring pick up , or entering a slip. Now, all secured to a
mooring or
dock, in a short time, we can splice the main brace and enjoy the solice, instead of the engine banging away to charge the
batteries.
2. Our last two
BVI trips, two week sailing vactions, we used 7 gals of fuel for one trip, and 8 gals, the last trip. We did motored into the mooring field, double bridles set for the mooring pick up, charged up the batteries and shut it down. The less we have to listen to the engine running, the better.
Different situation.
3.
Delivery from Cabo San Lucas, Baha,
Mexico. Sailed when we could, but with the wind direction on our bow, close hauled we were headed to
Tahiti instead of L.A., so sometimes we would crank on the Iron Jenny, and use the main for a steadying sail, and point up closer to the wind . Extra fuel jugs were lashed to the
lifelines.
4. Day sails off
Newport Beach. Sail out of the docks, and on a broad reach, the 3.2 NM, from the
head of the main channel and on out to sea. Returning, we would sail the vessel back up the harbor, tacking into the wind for the 3.2 miles, then roll in on the roller snarler, and dock under the luffing main sail at the sailing Club ( Lido Village Marina ). These were 30 ft range boats. Largest vessel that I docked under sail was a Tayana 55. Dead in slips. Rigged all dock lines, as well as breast, or midship dock line. Perfect and easy.
5. Some docks or slips, there is really no room to maneuver or depart under sail. So we motor out, and stand clear of the docks and boats and haul up the sail.
6. Motor When the sailing directions, or cruising guide state to motor thru shallow narrow passages, rocks and
reefs, have the engine on arriving or departing thru reef passes in
Tahiti, etc. Same for the
BVI . Just follow the procedures.
7. If we have wind, we are sailing. If we have to reef down, instead of a
single reef , I just tuck in a double reef since the wind generally continue to increase , and we are all set. No need for the engine to be on or gears engaged. Peaceful sailing.
Note, Engine on or off in strong winds and seas. In strong ocean conditions , it is better under sail, than motoring and bashing into a sea way under power. That is evident when you visually compare the situations of a vessel reefed down and sailing and a vessel with sails down and motoring.
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Our observations of vessels sailing : engine secured, or those under power and sail furled.
What we see now, especially in the BVI, is that we have great sailing winds. 15 to 20 mph. We are sailing up the Sir Francis Drake Channel about 25 nm from Norman Island to Virgin Gorda Sound....leverick bay.
Helm change every hour for Erica and I.
Yes it will take a few tacks, but so what. We are sailors and love sailing, and that is why we do not have a motor vessel.
We are double reefed, small 110%
jib, and we slide the travel down a bit to leeward.
No rounding up, no weather
helm, no exagerated heeling. We are sailing and having fun. Only two us, no engine assistance . The sound of the water rushing along the
hull is fantastic. Far more pleasant than a diesel engine bang, banging constantly.
But, what we see. mostly all catamarans, same conditions, same basic
destination , they may have a main up, maybe, and they are motoring with both engines all ahead full. Sometimes they have the auto pilot engaged, and no one at the helm or even on lookout. The party light is lit.
Also, observing monohulls, making a
passage from
newport bay, ca. to
Catalina Island. 25 to 33 plus miles depending on the harbor of choice. We have great winds, and are sailing, they are motoring. Some have not even taken off their sail covers. And we will be making more knots under sail, reefed down, than they are beating and bashing into the wind and seas. Very uncomfortable for crew and passengers. Likely to be some prop checking over the transom.
So, to answer your question....how much do you motor, it really does depend on the
skipper, their seamanship and personal motivations. Totally up to the individual as when to sail or motor or for how long.
However, we feel that all of us are out there to enjoy had have a good time, at sea and in different cruising grounds. Be it mono
hull or
catamaran, sailing or motoring, we all are enjoying and living the dream.
How often do you motor ??
Re: How often do you motor ??
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