tominpa wrote: Really enjoyed the adventures to the Channel Islands. Wish I could share a couple trips I had on Lake Erie from Sandusky to Put-In-Bay and back with heavy 30 knot winds and short interval breakers coming over the boat. Warm, fresh water, but definitely on the edge of disaster, with two other boats that left the island with us being de-masted, and no ability to turn back in that wind. Ahhh, memories. You were much better prepared.
What sails are you running on the H-18?
On one of those trips "The North Shore Cruise" we were caught in a gale, with the NOAA West SB Buoy recording winds gusting to 44 kts. We were in probably closer to 30 knots in steep waves and swell. And I agree, that can be very dicey. The description of how we handled it, with a broken rudder, is in the story. I think I swore off the trips during that experience, and (like MN3) may have quit sailing altogether. It just seems like after it's all over your brain sorta thinks, "I guess it was not that bad."
Sails are Super R Laminate from Whirlwind in San Diego.
http://www.whirlwindsails.com/store/p20/H18_SuperR_Main.html
I sold the boat to a new sailor who bought it with the stock sails. I still have the Super Rs. Had them on eBay for a while but now think I may keep them if I get another H18.
All plans tempered by the idea I am getting too old for this stuff.
Edited by mattson on Jan 12, 2021 - 08:22 PM.
Bill Mattson
Hobie 16 #58342
Santa Maria, CA
mattson wrote: So how come I didn't know about these group?
Are any of you guys on this forum?Edited by mattson on Jan 05, 2021 - 03:38 AM.
Wow that's great, those are your people for sure. In fact it wouldn't surprise me if your stories about beachcat sailing to the islands inspired their trips.
Watching that, all I could think about was what you and the "nine finger wonder boy" could have done with today's camera's and access to YouTube.
____________
Damon Linkous
Kevin219 wrote: The topic of this crossing comes up annually on this forum, and it's always made out to be some treacherous crossing. I've never sailed in the pacific, though I have departed on a cruise ship out of long beach. It was foggy as I recall. Are there any other inherit dangers to this crossing? Pardon my ignorance, but at 18nm it seems like an easy 1.5 hour day sail...
The Pacific is it's own thing for small boats, VERY COLD water all year 'round, BIG SHIPS, FOG, and SUDDEN DARKNESS. (Did I miss anything Bill?)
Just looking at a map doesn't do it justice, Sailing to an island the same distance but in the Gulf of Mexico is a whole 'nother thing. π
____________
Damon Linkous