Offshore Cruising

[PWSII]

I took a leap of faith last October with my '04 25 and sailed in the Harvest Moon Regatta which is a 250 mile point to point Cat3 offshore race (no life raft) from Galveston to Port Aransas  I figured this regatta would be perfect for the boat since historically it ends up being 30 some hours on a beam reach down the Texas coast.  After about 40 hours of sailing (some motor-sailing), we finished the regatta in the Port A jetties at about 5am.  It was an absolute blast going down, and equally adventurous cruising back since we spent the entire time on the ICW.  Sailing the ICW is worth a separate entry with the various ports-o-call, history, swing bridges, locks, tugs, and wildlife reserves... bit of a hidden treasure down this way.  Also worthy of a separate entry is the regatta itself (www.harvestmoonregatta.com) which very well organized and a grand time for all involved.

My boat pre-race had many of the standard features (see earlier posting).  The main things I added were the following:
•   Asymmetric pole-less spinnaker (400SF) plus blocks, lines and halyard.  In 15+knot winds it overpowers the boat causing it to round-up, but anything less makes for nice cruising.  I went ahead and purchased the ATN tacker and sleave also, thinking initially they were mere luxury items but wow did they prove valuable. 
•   VHF radio (Uniden Fixed Mount 525) with Shakespeare antenna at the top of mast.  The radio installed with no problems and I registered for an MMSI # with BoatUS.  The radio has DSC capability though the USCG isn't supported it yet on the Texas gulf coast.  I had the standing rigging tuned during the antenna install.
•   Depth finder (Uniden QT106).  I wasn't quite sure just how effective this would be since the puck shoots thru the hull (versus in-hull), but for $100 I figured it was worth trying as I really like the peace of mind knowing there aren't any holes in my boat beneath the waterline.  I followed the instructions, positioned it under the starboard settee in the cabin, and it works like a champ.  Yes, the boat only draws 30" but knowing the depth made navigation (unmarked channels) and finding anchorages along the ICW much easier.
•   Boat safety gear.  TypeIV horseshoe to go with one of those tethered throwable jobbies, jack-lines, signal flares, handheld VHF, spare VHF antenna mount, radar reflector, binos w/ built in compass (nice!), chem lights, and a spot light to name a few of the more critical items.
•   Navigation gear.  Charts, chart tools, and local cruising books.  I don't have any electronics at the helm – just my trusty Garmin mapping GPS with all the e-charts loaded.  The Garmin sits in one of those ridiculously overpriced mounting arms secured to the binnacle.  It operates on AA battery and, if need be, a 12v plug.  I have a spare GPS that gives position but doesn't map.

Gerry at Compac was a big help specifying type and location of equipment.  One reason there is not a lot of chatter concerning the 25 model on this site is because only about 50 of them have been made.  From what I understand Compac is discontinuing the line because they simply cost too much to build... makes me feel even better about owning one.

I had a relatively experienced crew consisting of my old man, bro, and uncle.  All of us (sans bro) are sailboat owners and have raced previously together on Lake Huron (Mac Race) in a different boat.  We had great weather and calm seas the majority of the race which had us wondering if we didn't pack enough Class 6 in the ice chest.  The last 8 hours, however, we experienced 4-6 foot swells while working our way almost down-wind into the Port A jetties.  The boat handled fine although there isn't a lot of rudder throw since it's no deeper in the water than the keel.  Finishing was a bit adventurous due to a huge outbound tanker from Corpus taking up the channel coupled with a strong current... with a 9.8hp outboard in those conditions you have to have a conceived, verbalized plan well in advance. 

I primarily sail on Galveston Bay and pre-race I was thinking my boat may be a tad bit undersized (race committee did too) for the occasional off-shore cruise, but those thoughts have been erased.  It's solid, handles well, tracks well, and is very accommodating for it's size... we're talking 4 grown men for a week on a steady diet of bologna sandwiches, canned dinners and coffee – 'nuf said.

My only thoughts now are on additional improvements for this year's regatta.  A dodger, better line clutches atop the cabin, and 2nd house battery are on the punch list... just as soon as I finish with the teak.

Regards,
Pete
s/v Simplify

[B.Hart]

   Hi Pete, some people get to have all the fun! Lots of great info also.  HAPPY SAILING   BILL

[Glenn Basore]

Pet,

Very nice post.

I'm going to look at the Uniden QT106 that your using. i too don't like any holes below the water line.

Glenn