Bought submarine sandwiches to pay the crew (2) off for showing up at Das Boot on time, more than any else. Truth was, I knew in my gut that this old man was not up to sailing an 18nm course in winds between 20 and 35 knots. Not with just two other men. No matter how warm it was.
Any old skipper, as old as I am, has a stomach that churns with many worries he does not share with his shipmates.
In my case, it's not the rig. The keel will fall off before her mast comes down.
It's excessive weather helm, thanks to my huge mainsail, that concerns me. And the pressure it puts on the wheel & steering column. I am dogmatic about not reefing which means in 30 knots I lose control of my boat. Should I give up my dogma instead of X number of racing dates? I could. I've considered it. But with this boat?
I don't think so.
Any old skipper, as old as I am, has a stomach that churns with many worries he does not share with his shipmates.
In my case, it's not the rig. The keel will fall off before her mast comes down.
It's excessive weather helm, thanks to my huge mainsail, that concerns me. And the pressure it puts on the wheel & steering column. I am dogmatic about not reefing which means in 30 knots I lose control of my boat. Should I give up my dogma instead of X number of racing dates? I could. I've considered it. But with this boat?
I don't think so.
But I will renew my recruiting efforts!
ReplyDeleteSorry I couldn't lend my almost 300 pounds to your effort......
ReplyDeleteCould have used them pounds! All of them! Weiner dog, too!
DeleteThe broad reach down to the oil island was a terrific ride. We were hoping the trip back was going to be a close reach. We were disappointed. The beat back was hellacious. Especially the last mile where it built and built. There were just four of us: not one of us could afford a hand or a minute to eat our Poor Boys.
ReplyDeleteGood! Your report confirms my wisdom: those were not waters for old men.
DeleteI went to the club after the race and did not see you. Peeps asked me why I was not out there. I said my foredeck man had to work and I am poor foredeck. You know, it does not bother me that I have lost it. What bothers me is that I cannot remember what it was.
DeleteI can't remember shit myself, SJ. And it's the details that 'll kill you!
DeleteWe opted not to go. Wanted to save my rig. The Beneteau 40 shredded it's main and finished under gennoa.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I hear, Vlad.
Delete