Ice Out... Finally

[SailMML]

I purchased my 1998 Com-Pac 23/3 last October and have been chomping at the bit for six months now waiting to launch ( and driving my wife crazy!!).  Lake many others, I was saddened to see this site go down shortly after my purchase.

Ice out on my lake occured yesterday so I am hoping to launch by mid- to late May.  I have been diligently learning as much as I can from this site and others so I will be prepared when launch day comes.  I have been sailing my hole life but every boat is different and I like to be prepared for how the boat should feel.  I have found lots of great information here.  Thanks to to all.

[NateD]

SailMML,

    Where are you located? In St. Paul the small lakes and the St. Croix/Mississippi rivers are clear at popular sailing spots, but the large lakes are still about 50% ice.

Nate

[SailMML]

I'm in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, about an hour and a half north of Boston.  The ice was about 18 inches think or more this winter butit melted much faster that anyone thought it would.  We have to wait for the lake level to rise a bit with the spring rain as well before the ramps are usable.

[Shawn]

"I purchased my 1998 Com-Pac 23/3 last October and have been chomping at the bit for six months now waiting to launch ( and driving my wife crazy!!).  Lake many others, I was saddened to see this site go down shortly after my purchase."

I know *exactly* how you feel. I bought my '92 23/3 last October and.......

Shawn

[mrb]

To all 3 of you

Congratulations and may the winds be kind and just what you want this summer.

Try sailing loose footed and see if you like the way she handles that way.

Melvin

[SailMML]

To all 3 of you

Congratulations and may the winds be kind and just what you want this summer.

Try sailing loose footed and see if you like the way she handles that way.

Melvin


Melvin,

Thanks for the welcome.  I have never salied with a loose footed main.  Please explain the advantage to this setup.

35 days 'til launch!

Norm

[mrb]

Norm

I find it easier to adjust the foot of the sail for diffrent wind conditions.  The main thing is if you have the foot bolt rope run in the boom slot and you have to reef you will have to either be satisfied with a big bag of sail flopping below boom or tie reef points around boom which leaves you with a poorly shaped sail. 

If you are sailing with loose foot then you can roll that loose area (correctly called the "bunt") and tie the reef points around just the rolled bunt. Not the boom.  You will then have a more efficient sail.  Now a 16 isn't noted for its windward ability.  I have sailed with only reefed main no jib and been able to reach up wind destination in bumpy conditions, with loose footed main.  Never been able to do that with reef points tied around boom.  Admittedly can not tack through wind but have to jibe when coming about.   Unexpected  jibes can be bad but planned jibe is no worse than any other maneuver.  Do have to sacrifice a little ground with each jib so have to plan for that.

Main thing is to try both ways and figure what works for you and know there are options.

Good sailing 

[mammy7]

We are also going to bring our, new to us, Com Pac 23 up to NH in a week or two.  We picked up our boat in Dec 2008 from VA.  Now we are ready to launch her.  Which lake are you on?  We are at Fays Marina in Gilford NH.

[SailMML]

I am on Merrymeeting Lake in New Durham.  I hope to launch by Memorial day.  I know Fay's well.  I bought my last boat through them (Hunter 19).  The wind has been great all Spring and it's killing me to not be out there.  Once I get used to the boat I may try to trailer over to the big lake and go for a cruise. - Norm

[mammy7]

At Fay's Marina   there are 2 other Com Pac.   one is an older 16 ft  which is on a dock and another 16 ft that is on a trailer.  Our sailing has been fine.    We sleep on the boat each weekend and have the kids swab the decks on sunday night.