Recent Sailing Experiences

[Paul]

Hi all:
Been a while since I have posted, but I am constantly reading your contributions.  So, thought I'd tell of some recent sailing.

Most of the time I sail on Lake Norman, NC on the northern end of the lake.  Typically, I have found, summer is not the best time to sail here unless you live on the lake and can carefully pick your breezy days while tollerating all the speed boat traffic.  I have committed to sailing the other three seasons.   So, when September rolled around, I followed through.  It's amazing how the traffic slowed while the weather remained good with winds 5-10.  Hope life remains this charmed.

My wife and I have two children; 4 yrs and 15 months.  We dream of the girls enjoying sailing as much as we do.  So far, that dream is being realized. :wink:

First week, the girls stayed with their grandmother, while my wife and I brushed up on the sailing skills.  We enjoyed several hours of uninterupted sailing joy under the warmth of the clear sky's sun and breezes up to 12 knots.  She informed me my birthday present was ordered and on the way from Idaho.  Nudge. Nudge. :?

Second week, my older daughter went for a sail with me.  She did quite well, even at four years old.  Last year I ordered new jib sheets in Purple, her favorite color.  You can imagine her delight.  She likes to hold the tiller as well.  It's her independant nature.

This past weekend, my younger daughter came along with her gandmother/dock master/photographer-of-all-important-moments.  Afterall, this was her maiden voyage.  She did alright.  She rested in the comfort of loving arms and tolerated our photo ops.  That is, until that certain time of day arrived when all young children need 40 winks.  After some negotiating, holding, and struggling (main sheet and tiller in one hand, kid on knee, and jib sheet in the other ain't as easy as it sounds), I placed her in the hold, er, I mean cabin, thinking she might lay her little head down on a comfy sail bag.  But, no.  It wasn't to be.  Does the story of the sirens mean anything?  All this, despite the installation of my fortold birthday present from Idaho.  She disembarked moments after her distress signal began to enjoy the bed she longed for.  Now crewless, I singlehanded in 5-10 knot breezes until dusk.

About the present, the Idasailor rudder is all people say it is.  Make sure it is locked in the downwardmost position.  Little Wing sails noticably better to windward.  I balanced her rig pretty well before, noticing a little weather helm.  But, the new rudder reduced it further.  In addition, she moves faster through a tack and just feels better.

I will continue to take the girls in my life sailing as they are willing.  At some point, we'll trail Little Wing closer to home to Lake James, NC for some late fall sailing.

Here's hoping all of you enjoy the fall sailing season with you best sailing companions.  Let us know how it goes.

Paul

[Gil Weiss]

I can totally share and relate to your experiences. We lake sail here in Pennsylvania and until this past rain filled weekend sailing has been teriffic, just like you describe. My wife and I have sailed all but one weekend since we launched our boat for the season on Mother's Day.

We have a four year old grandson and an almost two year old grandaughter. We have been taking them out separately this year with my son. Both kids have enjoyed sailing and we can't wait till next year as I don't know how many more opportunites we will have with suitable weather. We want to keep their experiences both fun and enjoyable.

Boating, especially sailing is great stuff . . . .

[Paul]

Gil:
I think you are right on the money about the fun and enjoyable experience part, especially with kids.  I have learned to keep the outings relatively short.  Make sure they are well fed and rested.  Make sure all bladders are empty prior to boarding, especially since I don't have a port-a-potty just yet.  At least with the older of my two, I can give her something to do.  Involving her in the action is a great experince for her.  She has a lot more fun that way.  Sometimes it's as simple as coiling the purple jib sheets (her favorite).  Sometimes she's helmsman (in between tacks and jibes).  Honestly, I'm not sure who has more fun between the two of us; me teaching or her learning.  As long as we're safe and comfortable and having fun.....

Paul

[Craig Weis]

Right! The Idasailor rudder is a thing of joy.
Thank your wife.
As my friend says, "Don't miss it if you can".
Sailing is fun and kids love it when 'they' are
driving the boat.
It promotes all the right things in behavior plus
a skill that can be enjoyed or honed to any degree,
from knocking about to competitive endeavors.
May your babies grow up safe and lovin it! skip.

[Paul]

Thanks.  They're doing fine.  Idasailor rudder is great.  Purple is still a favorite color around our house.

Paul

[john walker]

Crossing Green Bay from Sister Bay to Cedar River Harbor the other day in 15-20 mph winds with sail reefed, I was close reachig at 5-6 mph and once hit 7.1 !!  started luffing sail a little as I feared a broach.  I sail a Suncat 17'  named "Eagle" out of Cedar River MI.  Johnny Walker

[Paul]

Cool!

Like pushing to the limits under the right conditions.