Ocean with 15 to 20 knot winds?

[TJ]

I'm getting ready to take a trip and weather calling for 15 to 20 knot winds with seas 3 to 5 ft.  I will be going out of Beaufort Inlet, haven't had the 19 in weather like this.  How does she handle, should I lay over and wait?  tj     
    7/6/16
    Well, I guess the only way to put it is we Wussed out, on side of caution.  We figured we could handle wind and rain,(were predicting 15 to 20 kts with gust to 35 and thunderstorms) but when temps in mid to upper 90's and heat index of 108 was predicted for the next week or more we called it off.  One of my buddies has had open heart surgery and several stints, we were afraid that might be a little much for him.  I am 70 and the youngest, but we are all three fairly fit and active, sometimes you have to do what you gotta do!  Looking forward to the next trip.   tj

[marc]

Haven't been on those waters but if the inlet is narrow, you may want to wait. I'm guessing that the waves in the inlet are short period and breaking and the winds are onshore. In the conditions you describe, I approach waves at an angle so I don't bury the bow or pound.  I'd have a reef in the main. I've got roller furling & when winds approach 20, I usually run the reef lines inside the stays (occasionally between the stays) and keep the jib to 100% or less. I find sailing in these conditions fun, but OTOH, I'm not trying to get anywhere. I'm just out having fun on a day sail. Pointing suffers so don't expect to go upwind efficiently.
Marc

[Potcake boy]

TJ - I think the boat will be fine, are you experienced and ready for these conditions? We just lost a entire family of 4 here in Southwest Florida due to the lack of experience of the skipper (father). A real tragedy that should not have happened. As was suggested you might start with a reef and shake it out if needed when you get a feel for the weather and sea state. A VHF radio is a must, and a PLB is a very good idea when venturing off shore.

Be safe, and share your adventure.

[TJ]

I've been in these conditions before on other boats, most of the time when I didn't want to, and watching the weather report (they are not always right).  There will be two boats, two of my friends on a Catalina 34 and we are just going a few miles East of Beaufort Inlet to Cape Lookout, leaving from the Oriental and New Bern, North Carolina area on the 5th.  I'm taking my boat to check her out.  Not familiar with the 19 yet and thought I would check with the forum and sailors that know them. Just bought her this year, decided to go with smaller boat.  Will be using jib only, (have bimini up), if wind is right, if not motor only.  I single hand all the time and hope this is the first of many trips on the 19 wandering this area (at 70 and cancer in remission I don't want to waste any time). Thanks for the information.   tj

[Shawn]

Will be using jib only, (have bimini up), if wind is right, if not motor only.  I single hand all the time and hope this is the first of many trips on the 19 wandering this area (at 70 and cancer in remission I don't want to waste any time). Thanks for the information.   tj

I don't know the area you are talking about at all. But to err on the side of caution.. one thing to watch for with this plan is what motor do you have? If you don't have a 20 or 25" shaft you might have trouble motoring in bigger chop. Esp. if you are pointing into the wind with somewhat low power and a prop that keeps coming out of the water.

With just a jib and the short keel you won't really be able to sail to wind and make much, if any, progress. 15-20 knots was easy in my old 23 with a double reefed main and a small 60% jib. 

Shawn

[deisher6]

Hey TJ:
Check for the weather for the days that you are going and returning.  I have taken a C-27 both outside and inside from Beaufort to Lookout several times in the early '90's.  At that time the inside channel was sketchy and we bumped bottom a few times.  Good advice reef before you start if you think that you are going to need it.

Great trip though.

Smooth sailing
regards charlie

[TJ]

Thanks Guys,  I'll keep all of this in mind, that is why I ask.  I have had problems in the past with swells and cavitation, I do have a 5hp Nissan 4 stroke long shaft, but with a following seas it happens.  To tell the truth, I have the inner channel by Harkers Island going thru Taylors creek on my mind also.  Grew up in that area and played in those waters growing up and know what that inlet can be like, if the wind does not suit me, I'll use that route and let the Catalina 34 and buddies take the inlet.  With two foot draft I should be o.k. if I follow the beacons.  Do have to say the Com-Pac 19 is a great boat and I love it, has handled better than I expected the few times I have been able to get out.   tj