First sail today!

[capnjohn]

I took the little Compac down to the river today, right near the Chesapeake Bay, and put her in.  It took me about 30 minutes from arriving at the ramp to starting the motor and motoring away.  Not bad for the first time I guess.  There were a few things that I will do differently next time, but there were so many other boats out that I hated to get in the way.  (Has anyone else noticed that you can get to a ramp with no one there, but by the time you go to launch- or retrieve, whether it's 5 minutes or 30 minutes there is ALWAYS a crowd???)    Anyway, we actually got a few compliments on the boat from others that seemed amazed to see a sailboat go in that fast, with one person stepping the mast at that.    

The day was perfect, with clear skies and about an 8 - 12 mph wind.  I thought the little boat sailed fairly well, especially after reading all about how badly they point.  I was expecting that,  but I didn't think it was too bad.  I don't have the foil rudder, and I have to admit I felt very little weather helm.  What I did feel didn't bother me in the least.  I got the feeling the boat would head up if I let go of the tiller, but I didn't have an opportunity to test that.  I started out with main and jib, but after the wind started dying down I hoisted the genoa.  That really makes a difference, but I'm not sure I had it rigged properly.  With the jib, one line goes around each side of the mast, and back to the cockpit, but the genoa is so large that I led both lines back on the same side of the cockpit, with one actually crossing it.  This made it a pain to tack because I had to step forward and lead the sail and lines around the mast each time.   :?  

With the exception of a few tense moments when the engine cut out as we were leaving the channel, it was a great experience.  These are neat little boats, and as long as you are not expecting a racer (I got passed by every sailboat that got near me) they are very enjoyable.  I don't think it's possible to find an easier boat to trailer sail.  

AND... the BEST part-

Total time spent on the water- 5 hours
Total gas used the entire time- 1/2 gallon



   

[K3v1n]

Sounds like ya had a great time!  
I can't wait for my first sail, spring will be here before ya know.  

As far as speed goes... my brother has a Skipper 20, so I'm hoping to keep up with him if not pass 'em up a few times.