Sailing Texas South Coast 25 knots & higher

[tbodine88]

Ahoy


I will be sailing in the Texas 200 for the seventh time this year.


I have a new boat, a Nimble Artic 26. She has three sails, a roller furled 150% genoa, a Main with three reefs, and a spanker sail.


five out of the last six trips the trip started with winds 30-40 out of the south to south-east. Then as the week progressed they moderated to 20 then 10 then zero.


in 2019 the winds were generally on the nose out of the north east until the last day when there were light south east winds.


The water on either side of the channel tends to be shallow enough to wade across. There are often birds standing not far off the channel.


I have only gone aground a few times usually when the tiller man is inattentive. Its pretty easy to get my other boat a West Wight Potter 19 off, by raising the center board and hauling her off or motoring.


The Nimble has an 18" lead keel, with a five foot center board. I haven't yet determined how much leeway she will produce in a high wind off the starboard quarter.


The President of the Texas 200 club is concerned and says " That is a pretty big boat for doing what you want to do, with that 18" keel. I would say don't even try it if the wind is blowing 15+. It's just asking for trouble. If the wind is more moderate, then you can make it. "


I am wondering if there are any sailors out there who are will to offer advice

[Scubaseas]

No idea where the Prez is coming from. If you stick it in the mud, raise the board, let the main sheet loose (but mind the boom), back wind the jib and put the rudder hard over. Between the power and the heel you should be able to plow through the mud. A 135% Genny might be a better fit, but I don't know how your boat sails. If you can reef the main and reef the headsail I don't see the problem.

If you board is stuck in the mud just stand on the rail and rock the boat. It's just black stinky Texas mud.

Is there any reason you can't run it with the board 2/3 up if concerned about draft? Try sailing with the board up and see what the leeway is. I bet it's not that bad except hard on the wind.

Kedge anchor and the winch in worst case scenario.

[tbodine88]

Thanks. I was once sailing my Potter in Clear Lake near Kemah Texas. winds were about 10 knots. I sailed around a deep draft boat that was stuck in the mud in the middle of the lake. So I am a little concerned.