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T O P I C R E V I E W
Voyager
Posted - 08/01/2021 : 06:23:17 This summer has been very challenging here around the States and in New England with crazy weather in places that never generally make the headlines, and the continuing monsoon we’ve been getting in CT with floods every couple of weeks. Elsewhere the droughts are merciless.
But yesterday, after yet another 3” of rain on Thursday, we got two very awesome crisp, clear and bright sailing days in a row. Friday had brisk northwesterlies the peaked out early at 30 kt gusts, but settled down into 10-15s later in the afternoon. I went out on Saturday not expecting much more than 5-10kts as predicted but the weather service.
What I found were westerlies that were about 15 kts punctuated by 18-20s. I shortened sail and pinched a lot, but made the best of it, which was really awesome. I decided to tack up a few miles out of the harbor pinching and reaching as much as possible, where I was making pretty much hull speed until I hit a few breaking waves. Then back up to hull speed, and repeat. I was absolutely soaked with seawater after awhile but didn’t it feel good?
Then heading downwind I just opened the 135 genny and went for it. I thought about going wing-on-wing but I was already running at 5+ kts, I really didn’t need to tend to the main, so I just hardened the mainsheet and ran a very broad reach. The noise and excitement of tacking was now replaced by the calm sweetness of running. There were 1-2ft waves and some broke around me, but I wasn’t in any fear of rounding up or broaching.
A dockmate went out around the same time as me. He’s got an Alerion 20 which is a very sweet boat. You can see it here.
He and his wife sailed with full jib and reefed main at 60° to apparent wind - they flew out 6-8 miles, then reversed course. I saw them on their way back and they appeared to be planing on a 20° heel burning it up.
I later told him my anemometer was reading 15 with 20 kt gusts. He wasn’t surprised based on their boat’s performance. Here’s my now-retired LaCrosse anemometer.
It was one of those great sailing days. Here’s hoping for many more to come!
5 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Voyager
Posted - 08/03/2021 : 15:16:36 Steven, I love sailing over to the Norwalk Islands. Last time I was there the NYC skyline was in perfect view. Pretty remarkable as it’s more than 30 miles away. Eatons Neck and Northport Harbor is also a nice daysail.
SKS
Posted - 08/02/2021 : 19:01:09 Agreed. A great weekend.
Posted - 08/01/2021 : 21:11:55 Scott, that sounds like you had a fun day. Joey, I really enjoyed sailing a rental Hobie Cat around Mission Bay while on vacation with the family several years ago. A sweet location.
islander
Posted - 08/01/2021 : 13:40:13 Yep, Saturday was a 10. Along with some excellent sailing we got to watch the first and fastest Around Long Island regatta racers cross the finish line in my harbor. A great day for sure.
Joey
Posted - 08/01/2021 : 09:16:05 Bruce, glad to hear you found a break in the monsoons and got some epic sailing!
On the other side of the country in SD bay we had a few sprinkles, then some solid 15-18 knt conditions. And yes, those Alerions are beautiful, aren't they?
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.