Teaspoon of water

[sawyer]

Tuesday was a great day on the water.  Wind was out of the SW at 10 to 15, gusting to 20+.  Since I have given up on motors I steered with my knee and paddled out from the marina (straight into the wind mind you) and managed to keep it straight most of the time.  It should be a bit easier when I get my oarlocks and oars in place.  

When I get clear of the marina area, I just raise the main and away we go.  That gets us moving and gives very little weather helm and gives me time to put the jib up, bringing more weather helm at that time.  The only issues I have is that the bottom jib hank tends to stick on the wire a little and sometimes the jib won't get all the way up; and the downhaul on the main needs ajustment and I cannot get it until I make my first into the wind turn.

I sailed alone yeserday, keeping the sails full and holding a close reach.
Finally after working hard heeling as much as possible, losing my rudder and turning up wind, a pretty good gust hit me and I took water over the rail  quite a bit and over the combing just once.  That was the teaspoon full.

For anyone considering a CP-16, (mine is an 87 with the bowsprit), for stability and righting, this is the boat to buy.  I have heard that these boats don't point that well, but I mostly sail on river impoundments, where the wind can come from many points due mostly to high surrounding ridges, and I never have problems getting where I want to, and at a speed that is favorable to getting home on time.  This is my first Com-pac, and if at a later date I want to move up in size, I will stay with the same company/builder.  These boats just sail fantastic.

The other really great thing about the 16 is the ability to beach almost anywhere and within a couple of feet from shore, dump a stern anchor and tie off to a tree or just throw the anchor on the beach.

I'm rambling on.........................               Good sailing to all.

Doug/Newaygo, Michigan                      (CP-16  Still Un-named)