Tim Diebert Posted September 19, 2004 Posted September 19, 2004 Yesterday turned out quite interesting. New experiences and sensations for both my son, Zach, and myself. Have a look if you like... http://www.timtone.com/tt/ttphotos/PhotosSailingZach1.htm Quote
Kudzu Posted September 20, 2004 Posted September 20, 2004 Thats my kind of sailing weather! I remember taking out my lawyer buddy for his first sail in similar conditions. Needless to say we scared him but he eventually enjoyed the ride. Quote
Tim Diebert Posted September 20, 2004 Author Posted September 20, 2004 I do enjoy these conditions as well....but it can be a tad nerve racking. The water is cold enough here now, that if you had to spend much time in it you would be in trouble. Even though it is only the 2nd weekend in September...the lake is all but deserted. So a mistake and disappeared boat might not be noticed. But, you pays yer money and yer takes yer chances. Quote
adla Posted September 20, 2004 Posted September 20, 2004 nerve racking or not, it looks like fun...i have had closer calls just on the streets of las vegas....sailing can't be nearly as dangerous as driving on the 95... i'm always impressed with your photos...especially, the beach -light a fire-stuff. I will be like Jan soon...asking practical questions about sailing the boat...and stuff... a. Quote
John B Posted September 20, 2004 Posted September 20, 2004 You get a lot of confidence in your boat doing stuff like that. Good fun eh. She looks well sorted out Tim. Quote
Tim Diebert Posted September 20, 2004 Author Posted September 20, 2004 Adla, thanks for the pic compliments. I have never considered sailing any more dangerous than any of the stuff I do for fun. Spending any time on highways is ultimately more dangerous for sure. In fact, discomfort is about the worst it gets with sailing...and the smaller the boat...the more discomfort. (Something John B. doesn't have to worry about...) Any questions you have about the sailing part of your adventure will get answered by this bunch for sure. Kudzu, what kind of boat did you use for buddy scaring? I have really enjoyed pushing the envelope wind-wise with this little boat this year. My mods have worked well and been strong. I have had the entire boat and rig under a great deal of pressure for extended periods and almost everything has been great. (I have to fix my magical unwinding turnbuckles yet...) If I was out by myself (no extra rail meat) that last day, I would have wanted more options to reduce sail even further. The thing is to be out there when every other boat (even large sailboats) is off the lake and hiding is a kick. Just to be out there enjoying those conditions is quite wonderful. Feeling those gusts and the power in the wind. It would be cool to just keep on leasurly sailing even with a big wind. If you can reduce sail enough the stress factor goes way down and there is much less chance of spilling your beer. AC Stock uses an interesting rig of forward staysail with a boomless storm trysail 'main'. I have a picture of that somewhere....oh, right...here it is.... Yes, you are right John. Seems throught this year I have entertained bigger and bigger winds...and with each step I gain confidence in myself and my little boat...which is what makes it so much fun. All the years I sailed larger boats on the coast I never( except that one day...) experienced winds like this. In this wee yacht it is quite a thrill to be out in those conditions and 'just sailing'....you are right 'inside' the wind and the waves. At times, I do wish I had a bit more freeboard as any water that ends up on the side deck ultimately ends up on the seats and /or cockpit. When it is windy I always have the rail under, as the boat rather likes it....but then I get a wet ass. I need a new toerail, cap and SCUPPERS....or rubber pants. Quote
Guest Posted September 20, 2004 Posted September 20, 2004 Thanks for the shots of your day. I also like the beaching shot. This was and is my intent with the footed keel on my version of the sharpie that I am doing. It is important that in some form of beach wakes, that we get with just the crazies around here, that the boat remains solid and planted while the old folks are what is known here as wade 'shore. I do like the lacking of the weather board, as I am not the enthusiastic sailor and hope I will not need them, as I am not the adventuresome one as some of you guys. Quote
Kudzu Posted September 20, 2004 Posted September 20, 2004 Tim, I took him out on a Cal 21. It was a small 21 footer with a cuddy. It had 230 lb. (I think) swing keel. I had her on the trailer for some reason at that time and we launched over at the local sailing club. The big boys were coming in when we were headed out. One well intentioned lady told us we didn't want to be out there. That it was to windy and they HAD to come in. She was on a 28-30 footer. An hour latter we saw her back out on the water. I guess we got too her sailing in out "little" boat. 8) Quote
Tim Diebert Posted September 20, 2004 Author Posted September 20, 2004 The Cal 21 is a very common design on our coast. I have sailed around them a lot. I never got to sail one....and if I ever bought another boat, the Cal would be in serious contention. They can be had quite reasonably these days. What I heard about the 21 is the designer had some kind of deal or contest that this design could not be knocked down?....or something to that effect. They are sturdy little rascals. There are about a dozen of them on the Columbia River system and Arrow Lakes just over the mountain and an hour away. And I believe there is a huge sailing club in Calgary with dozens of the things. As I say, quit a popular design around here. A smart sailer. I have grown quite enamoured with my gaff rig and would be hesitant to make any boat changes that did not include that rig. Right now, if I could buy any boat I might like, I would get one of these.... a Cape Cutter 19, designed by Dudley Dix from S. Africa. http://www.dixdesign.com/inspir19.htm I try not to judge folks by when they sail or how much wind is too much. (though sometimes it is real hard not to poke a little fun at them) Everyone has different levels of comfort or skill. I have a sailing buddy here who has a MacGregor 26 Classic. A very nice boat...he sails the pants off that thing...but if his wife is aboard, he is bludgeoned about the head if the boat heels past 5 degrees. No lie. There is another chap who has sailed this lake for years. He has a San Juan 21 or 24. As far as I know, he has never had his full main up regardless of conditions...and I think someone just told me he actually started using his jib this year. Personally, I am not sure why he sails...? But everyone is different and thank you for that. Have fun. Quote
Jan Williamson Posted September 20, 2004 Posted September 20, 2004 Ok Tim, now I'm really chicken :shock: What a great trip! Thanks for all the pix too. Did you figure out how far you had sailed that day. So do you guys bring your digital cameras on board? I have a few people that is going to do some video and pix from another boat on my launch. My camera is not waterproof. It will be safe on the North River aluminum monster. Maybe I buy one of those sealed floating boxes. Quote
Mike Pennington Posted September 20, 2004 Posted September 20, 2004 Tim, Way to go, nothing like a father son day. :wink: Quote
MikeStevenson Posted September 20, 2004 Posted September 20, 2004 Great shots. Peter and I were impressed again by your big lake. Very pretty spot. We did note one concern: you have only single cable clamps on your rigging. There should be TWO on each cable end. If you're using swaged sleeves (pressed with a proper tool, not a vise or something), you can use only one sleeve on these boats. Cable clamps need to be doubled up, especially if you're using plastic-coated cable. In this case, you have ballast and a board; two added loads not in the plans. Mike Quote
Tim Diebert Posted September 20, 2004 Author Posted September 20, 2004 Jan, we don't go that far if there is wind in the neighborhood of the launch ramp. I don't usually sail for destination. I sail for speed,excitement and like to mix up the points of sail. In the summer if I am overnighting I like to cover as much of the lake as I can. It is about ten miles long. On this day I figure we went several miles though. It is easy to cover some ground when you are doing hull speed most of the day. Sometimes I will take a point on land and set a course for that...or a compass setting.....but usually just to demonstrate to guests just how many wind shifts there can be within a kilometer or two. I take my digital...it is an expensive SLR...not water proof or even resistant. I only bring it out during stressful times when someone else is driving...otherwise, I leave it in its case, zipped up...in a bucket...inside the boat. A few drop of spray is OK, but full immersion is terminal I would think. Mike, thanks for the heads up. My wire is uncoated...but two clamps would be better for sure. After re-rigging the boat I had only put singles on there temporarily until I had a final length. I just forgot to get the others on. That might explain why I thought my wire was 'stretching' and had to re-clamp twice this summer. (though I think I may have noticed if it was slipping...?) Quote
Guest Posted September 20, 2004 Posted September 20, 2004 Jan, a simple ziplock bags, with a little pin hole to vent it, will keep simple spray from hitting it. We also have a soft pack personal cooler, to carry our keys, any cell phone, for wifey on call, and wallets. Sometimes in the open skiff, we use the bags in a playmate cooler, for this safety feature. Do not go in the water and return to this board without pictures :wink: :twisted: Quote
Jan Williamson Posted September 21, 2004 Posted September 21, 2004 Tim, Sounds like what I'll want to do. There are some big lakes down here that I will explore next summer. Eagle lake is huge, and so is clear lake South of here about 3 hours. Funny thing is though that Shasta lake just an hour and a half away, is a very big reservior but I have never seen a sailboat on it. I think maybe the winds are not reliable. Oyster, I think the camera will be on the other boat for the launch. But I might buy a disposible for my boat. I plan on having some vidoe clips too Quote
Guest Posted September 22, 2004 Posted September 22, 2004 Did I forget to say take a camera, Jan?? Many of use landlocked sailors needs some propaganda for motivation. Quote
Craig Posted September 22, 2004 Posted September 22, 2004 That looked like a super trip TIm. Great father and son day! Quote
Tim Diebert Posted September 22, 2004 Author Posted September 22, 2004 Jan...digital video clips....right? :shock: Craig. Yes indeed. A pretty good first day for a fellow to reminisce about years from now. When I first started sailing I spent months just learning how to cope with lack of wind. Not much to speak of there... He did tell me he had a great time....but then he hasn't called me since then...... :? Sorry to hear about your storm damage. As you say, great chance to alter the rig some. Best to try and see something positive from such an event. Quote
MikeStevenson Posted September 22, 2004 Posted September 22, 2004 Tim: I noticed cable slippage in one of the shots. Look at the shroud thimble on the port side (I think) in one of your shots. The thimble has rotated around. Just thought I should give you a heads-up, and it sounds like you were already on your way to fixing it. Cool. Mike Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.