Sailing

[Charlie]

How many of you have rules about sailing? As an example "If we drop below 3 knots turn on the engine?" With two teenagers on board I would turn the engine on when we weren't making a schedule.

On my last cruise I decided to change the rule: If we drop below 3 knots pick a closer place to stop and keep on sailing. The rule worked really well in the warm waters of the Med. We didn't get to see as much of Italy but it was very pleasant to actual be sailing the boat. Steering the boat w/o constant trimming (like we did when racing) through confused seas was a challenge but I really enjoyed the total focus that it involved. On another leg we were ghosting along at 2 to 3 knots in flat seas two miles off shore with just a breath of wind in the 150% genoa. I wanted the kids to realize that they would have a hard time catching a boat and they wanted to go swimming. I had them jump off the bow and then catch the dinghy on its way by. The kids tried to swim to keep even with the boat and they could manage but all except my daughter who is a water polo player weren't able to do it for long. They had fun doing it and I think they now realize how far a boat can travel in a few seconds.

What are your rules for sailing v. motor sailing.

[Kapena]

On a long passage I never mind taking a break for a day or two if the winds die. I lay a hull for 3 days once, but mostly it only takes a day before the winds kick in again. A break in the middle of a long passage is really great. Many evenings, if crew is on board, I will stop the boat at dusk, everyone showers, eats and takes a break for 1-2 hours. Surprising how the shower rejuvenates you. My best crew taught me this trick.
On a shorter passage, I may motor sail a few hours, to get into an atoll when the sun is still high enough entrance through the pass and into anchorage. I tend not to turn on the motors on unless I have to, but I always like a boat ride.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Kapena

On a long passage I never mind taking a break for a day or two if the winds die. I lay a hull for 3 days once, but mostly it only takes a day before the winds kick in again. A break in the middle of a long passage is really great. Many evenings, if crew is on board, I will stop the boat at dusk, everyone showers, eats and takes a break for 1-2 hours. Surprising how the shower rejuvenates you. My best crew taught me this trick.
On a shorter passage, I may motor sail a few hours, to get into an atoll when the sun is still high enough entrance through the pass and into anchorage. I tend not to turn on the motors on unless I have to, but I always like a boat ride.

Wow. Can I crew for you. !!!!!
Dave

[hogfighter]

I'll hem and haw about turning on the engine (and burn a gallon an hour), even if I'm doing less than 3 knots, but on land have no problem jumping in the truck and burning up half of Saudi Arabia to get to the store.

Can't figure out why.....

[Unicorn Dreams]

If we drop below 4 kts. raise the main. If we drop again, enjoy the relaxation.
Don't fall overboard, I might be too lazy to turn around. Have had people on the boat that made that real tempting.

[w1651]

Provision smartly or you could be on the menu.

The skippers always right and I am he.

I don't care what your mother says stop bringing her up.

Your brothers a moron stop inviting him.