BBB-2015 (Barnegat Bay Bash)

[K3v1n]

Be ready for a nice wind this weekend!

Weather Forecast

[Bob23]

Gents: ATTENTION:
  We need to closely look at the weather for this weekend to decide if we should proceed or not with the planned BBB 2015. Kevin, the ever so humble but enthusiastic amateur weather guru, and I have been discussing the weather for the weekend which is now including high winds and possibility of rain on Sunday. Please do some checking around on your favorite weather site and use zip code 08006. Let me know what everyone thinks.
   The ENE wind direction puts the wind directly on our nose when we head over to Tice's on Saturday morning. I've done this and it's ok but wet. As I mentioned previously, bring extra fuel and raingear. My 23 is a wet boat to motor directly into the wind with. And it could take a few hours of motoring just to get to Tice's.  Not trying to discourage anyone, I just want to be realistic that the conditions may not be the same as we've had in the past.
   I'm gonna call Southwinds tomorrow and get them to extend our cancellation deadline to Thursday so we all should have made a decision by then. While this is a short hop for me (home waters) some of you are driving a good distance to make this the epic event that it is, albeit very loosely scheduled.
   Bob23

[Bob23]

From the honorable K3v1n:
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/atlantic-storm-to-buffet-drench-east-us/52515765#.VgH97ZcnO5M.facebook

[MKBLK]

Bummer! If it looks like a washout/blowout, is the following weekend viable? I would think the bay would still be quite warm. What d'ya think?

Marty K.

[Mike K]

Hi all,

I just got back from a 3 day weekend sailing trip going across the Chesapeake from south of Annapolis to St. Michaels MD.  We didn't have any rain, but we had constant winds about the same as forecasted for Barnegat Bay this weekend.  It made for very challenging sailing with high seas, and lots of action and concentration needed.  While I had a lot of fun sailing, the 3-5 foot seas were NOT relaxing, and the admiral had more than a touch of seasickness.  Not to mention that during the 2 evenings at anchor, it sounded like being in a hurricane with lots of noise in the rigging, the boat creaking, and waves hitting the hull, with lots of rolling and pitching.  And that was on a 10,000 Lb 30 foot boat.  It would feel worse on a small CP.  I think I got a good 3 hours sleep each night in those condition.  I'm still recovering from the mental and physical drain.

I only relate this story as high winds can make for a challenging, cold wet weekend.  And the extra problem of taking down masts and getting a boat ready for road travel on Sunday in high winds and rain doesn't sound like fun!  So, my vote is unless things change significantly, we seriously consider rescheduling.  Due to Cathay's foot surgery next week, I can't do any more sailing beyond this weekend, but if you have to reschedule, just please go ahead and have fun in more relaxed conditions!

Mike

[Bob23]

I and Kev, the master of the weather, both agree that by Thursday, we should have a better idea of what's happening weatherwise. It seems the rain has been eliminated so far and the forecast winds have gone down a bit. I don't mind a motor or sail to windward so let's see what the general consensus is.

[K3v1n]

Fingers crossed that the ridge of high pressure keeps the rain south. Also I think we might gain a little protection from Island Beach State park while at anchor.

[Bob23]

it is true that if the wind stays more from the east, we'll be in the lee of Island Beach State park.
I just spoke with the harbor master at Southwinds Marina and he's quite flexible on the cancellation time. He'll not charge my credit card until after we leave.

[K3v1n]

It'll make for a fast sail back to Forked River on Sunday!


Global Map of Wind

[Bob23]

Yes it will. With the boom preventer on the main and whisker pole on the genoa, we make break CP23 speed records.
Looking back on the last few postings here, let's see how the forecast plays out today. I'm thinking optimistically and bringing my boat from Surf City to Waretown this morning.  From there it's a short sail to Forked River which should happen Friday mid day. "Let the wild times begin!!"
Bob23

[Ron]

Just a thought here-I have found weather reports from NOAA regarding Barnegat Bay to underestimate the wind speed by approx. ten miles per hour. This has been consistent throughout the summer. So if the report is for 8 to 10 knots look for 15 to 20 on the bay. I had hopes of making the Bash this year in our Compac 25 but I am an amateur musician and as luck would have it have a gig in Ocean Grove Saturday.

Ron

[sreidvt]

Hi All,

I actually like sailing in heavy wind but Emily, while she certainly has done it on Lake Champlain, doesn't especially like sailing in rough water and high wind. I'm also on my first "back to normal" day after several days of being down with a flu and fever and, with a deadline coming up fast, really need to work this weekend.  I also don't want to take the chance of passing the flu to Mike or anyone else.

I'd rather be sailing but given Em's input and the timing of my being sick we're going to opt. out. We both would love to see friends old and new but I think this is the smart choice for us. Hope we can join you next year.

My apologies to Mike that we won't be there to cover the jib sheets. But I had a thought and will mention it just in case it is useful. Since 2 - 3 boats (?) are being single-handed this weekend might a combination of two sailors want to join up on just one boat? I don't know how others feel but I especially like to have a second set of hands (and more ballast weight) when the the wind gets heavy.

Cheers,

Sean

[jthatcher]

I have been quietly following the discussion regarding the 2015 bash on barnegat bay..  so sorry to miss it a second time -  and sorry to hear that the weather  may not cooperate..  you guys deserve a beautiful weekend!     ron.. interesting to hear that you are performing in ocean grove..  we have many fond memories of the grove starting with my first visit at the age of 5  in  1965..  where are you playing?        Marty and bob.. don't give up hope.. something will surely work out!   jt

[Elk River]

     Lily and I will also opt out of this year's BBB.  Rigging and down rigging in stiff winds is not much fun.  The winds here are out of the same quadrant, but will be a bit lighter, so we will go off for a couple of days locally.  We hate to miss the festivities, but as has been said already, there is always next year.

     Have fun all,

     Elk River

[Mike K]

Hi guys,

I just found the NWS Marine forecast for the NJ coastal area (Link below). 

http://forecast.weather.gov/shmrn.php?mz=anz451&syn=anz400

Looks like there's a small craft advisory for Friday, and for Saturday, it's calling for 20kt winds with gusts up to 30 kt.  I know that may be for the Ocean side, but it can't be  much less in the bay. 

My inner voice is telling me it's not prudent to rig masts or sail in these conditions, especially single handed.  So, as much as I hate to miss the last sailing opportunity, I think I'm going to have to bow out of the BBB 2015.  If you others decide to do it, please be careful out there!

Mike