Second sail of Three sheets to the wind

[Fintan Murphy]

Ok lads, I really have to get back to work now. But first.....

We, myself and John, went for the second sail yesterday after work.

Rule no 1. Do not rely on the weather forecast in Ireland. Forecast was for F4 rising to F6, with thunderstorms. Actual weather was F3 to F4, with clear blue skys. Abso-fecking-ly beautiful 8)

We went down (the slip is 11 minutes from my doorstep ), put up the jib (furled) this time), and launched. As soon as we were off the slip, unfurled the jib, sailed out to clear the jetty, went head to wind, and raised the main.

Then we were off! Absolutely perfect handling. Perfect sailing weather, and good company.

We sailed past Cobh, originally Queenstown, where all the immigrant ships had departed, and then as things were going so well, decided to raise the staysail.

Man that was a beautiful sight. I was afraid that it would induce lee helm, but it didn't. As I had not found the weather helm too bad to begin with, it didn't make a marked difference. But it did look great, and would probably make a difference in light airs.

I also noticed the pounding in choppy seas (we had wind over tide). When John (moveable ballast) Walsh went forward to tighten up a halyard, it definitely lessened. I must investigate ballast in the forepeak further.

We arrived back after about an hour, as the sun was going down.

To come back to the slip, we came near it, furled the jib, went head to wind and doused the main. Then we went in under staysail only. This didn't produce enough forward momentum as we were crabbing towards the jetty. So we broke out a paddle and completed the last 25 feet under human power (it was easier than raising the main again). She is easy enough to paddle, and I am still convinced that I can forego the engine - in my circumstances!

Up on the trailer, and home for fajitas and beer.

We were out for an hour, but it had the effect of a days wind-down. :roll:

I know people have said it before, but MAN was this all worth it :!: :!:

[Dave R1]

Good story, Fintan. Keep it up.

I must say I'm a bit jealous of your nearness to the water. I have a minimum of 45 minutes driving time and then I still have to set up the boat. No such thing as a lunch hour sail for me but it sounds as if you could do it.

[Craig]

Sounds like a great day! Yes, please continue to send us ystories of your adventures. There was a fella on the WB board that had an old boat they called LULU. I used to tell the most engaging stories about the boat and their adventures with her. He just sort of drifted off I think as I didn't see his by line (johnrsmith as I recall) anymore and I stopped reading the WB forum. They seem to be a bit hard on their mates over there. Anyway any dispatches from the Ole Sod you could provide would be greatly appreciated and much enjoyed.

Craig J Gleason

[Tim Diebert]

Before I added 240# of lead....I had 140# of sand in the forepeak area. It made a big difference. Quite an imrovement.

[Frank Hagan]

Ballast in the forepeak helps a lot with the pounding. Also heeling helps, if you are on a reach and can induce more of a heeling angle, as the chines dig in and the "presentation" to the waves is more like a V-shaped hull than a flat bottomed hull.

The pounding always bothered me, but I never saw any harm come to the boat from it. Its just uncomfortable as all get out.

Any way for you to get pictures of Three Sheets to the Wind sailing with the cutter rig?

[Fintan Murphy]

Thanks Frank for that. I'll remember the heeling as I am still unsure of putting, and trailering, and launching, 20% extra weight on the boat. I'ts always an option for the future.

I was thinking about getting photos for the rig. I was sorry I didn't have a camera with me on Tuesday, but I was slow to risk it yet. What I was going to do was ask Irene along on the text sail, and she can take a few pictures from the dock.

This may not be for a few weeks as I am going on holidays today for two weeks, but I'll try to get back on the water as soon as I can.

[Florin {VACATIONER}]

Fintan, sounds like you've had quite a bit of fun. Sometimes that's all you need. And an hour is better than none at all. Must be nice to live so close to the water. The closest we have is about 15 min, but it's a smaller lake. THe nice part about it is that they don't allow motors on it so we don't have to put up with the huge wake and pwc annoyance.

The lake we went to yesterday has pretty much everything on it so there are some big waves created by them....especially when you're beached.

So far we found we didn't need a motor either. I'm not sure but as of right now I don't think we'll be putting one on anytime soon.

Have fun on your vacation.

Cheers

[Jan Williamson]

You are lucky to have the water so close I am a 1/2 hour to the closest lake.

Thanks for the stories, sounds like your time building was worth it.