Just a short trip put on yet another windy afternoon... I can't remember the last time we had such an extended period of high winds.. undoubtedly it's something to do with the jet stream or rather it's position vis a vis the UK, but nonetheless while the sailing is exciting, it is also brutal, allows for few mistakes, and is hard on boats....
So as I say - just a short trip - it was already blowing old boots when I started, but it was building more by the time I got to the Pilsey buoys/markers and to be honest it was just sheer machismo to keep going, so rather than hold on for HISC I turned at NE Pilsey and had the most amazing drag race back to the head of the Northney channel - I was clocking 6's all the way and the occasional 7, and even a 7.1 (all SOG of course, and I had a bit of tide with me, but even so..)
So as I say - just a short trip - it was already blowing old boots when I started, but it was building more by the time I got to the Pilsey buoys/markers and to be honest it was just sheer machismo to keep going, so rather than hold on for HISC I turned at NE Pilsey and had the most amazing drag race back to the head of the Northney channel - I was clocking 6's all the way and the occasional 7, and even a 7.1 (all SOG of course, and I had a bit of tide with me, but even so..)
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| NE Pilsey ahead - sun shining, breeze building, reefs (not enough) in.. |
At the top of the channel and just past Marker it was time for a bit of experimentation - headed up into the wind and dropped the main so I could see how she sailed on headsail alone... remarkably well all things considered... first thing I noticed was that the speeds were still good, less, but good considering the increase in stability/control... she didn't point as high (clearly) but was still tracking well.... but the the third thing was that she was so stable she almost sailed herself up wind - the effect was a bit like heaving to - with the hand off the tiller she would gradually head up, hit tipping point, bear away again, and so the process would repeat... very good!
Back to the mooring and tied up by 2'ish.. I think I'm going to have to add the outboard pad to the job list this winter - taken a bit of a hammering this season, and I noticed a small crack in the gel that I may address sooner... elsewhere, the cockpit hatch covers are holding up a treat!
Log:
Distance: 8.49 (cumulative total in the mileage tab at the top)
Wind: F4 going F5, gusting F6; SWxS for most of the time
Sail Plan: Reefed main and genoa
Speed: 3.9 average / 6.7 maximum - and as per the post I saw a few 7's and a 7.1 while out...
Back to the mooring and tied up by 2'ish.. I think I'm going to have to add the outboard pad to the job list this winter - taken a bit of a hammering this season, and I noticed a small crack in the gel that I may address sooner... elsewhere, the cockpit hatch covers are holding up a treat!
Log:
Distance: 8.49 (cumulative total in the mileage tab at the top)
Wind: F4 going F5, gusting F6; SWxS for most of the time
Sail Plan: Reefed main and genoa
Speed: 3.9 average / 6.7 maximum - and as per the post I saw a few 7's and a 7.1 while out...
I like a big wind, even as you say it can be hard on gear, but it blows the cobwebs away in more ways than one. How does she sail on Mains'l alone?
ReplyDeleteMy cobwebs are blown, thanks.. :o))
DeletePS. Not tried main alone - must try it....
Delete