Summer is here!!\u00a0 I know, the first day of summer is officially June 21, and we aren’t there yet, however, this week the San Francisco summer weather pattern seems to have established itself over the bay.\u00a0 Here are few tips to help you enjoy your summer time sailing.<\/p>\n
Watch the water.\u00a0 When you begin to see white caps, consider putting in a reef.\u00a0 At this point the wind speed is probably 12 to 15 knots.\u00a0 You may not\u00a0need a reef, however, it’s easy to put in.\u00a0 Another 5 knots of wind speed and it’s not so easily done.\u00a0 I have never regretted the decision to\u00a0reef.\u00a0 I have regretted deciding not to on more than one occasion.\u00a0 I like to roll my jib up about a third when I put the first reef in the main.<\/p>\n
Feel the helm.\u00a0 If you notice the boat wanting to force itself up into the wind (heading up), you either have the sails over trimmed or you have too much sail and need a reef.\u00a0 If you have a reef in and the boat still wants to head up it’s time for a second reef.\u00a0 Definitely consider rolling the jib in another third when the second reef goes in.<\/p>\n
Sail to the comfort level of the least comfortable person an board.\u00a0 Reefing early, often, and deep is a great way to keep the boat “flat.”\u00a0 If you are looking for an enjoyable day sail, “flat” is typically what you want.\u00a0 If you have any non-sailors or what I call “heeling timid sailors” on board, they will not enjoy seeing the rail in the water and waves crashing over the bow!\u00a0 My wife used to be that way.\u00a0 Anything more than about 15 degrees of heel and my wife’s heel alarm would go off … “Don! That’s enough of that!”\u00a0 Over time she has gotten much more comfortable.\u00a0 The last time we went out, we had a great close reach to San Francisco followed by a outstanding beam reach all the way back.\u00a0 The toe rail was buried in the water the entire way and she had a great time.\u00a0 All because we took it easy when she was first learning to enjoy this great sport.<\/p>\n
It’s cold out\u00a0there.\u00a0 Speaking of comfort.\u00a0 The wind San Francisco Bay is famous for comes straight off the cold waters of the Pacific.\u00a0 It gets very cold, especially when the wind is accompanied by fog or the marine layer.\u00a0 Dress in layers.\u00a0 Wool “watch caps” and warm gloves help a lot.\u00a0 Bring blankets.<\/p>\n
Stop and smell the roses.\u00a0 I’m talking about the rose in the centerpiece of the cockpit table.\u00a0 Try this sometime.\u00a0 Find a spot where you are sheltered from the wind,\u00a0out of the traffic channels, with lot’s of room to leeward.\u00a0 Then\u00a0heave to or put out an anchor.\u00a0 Bring out the rose centerpiece, wine, cheese, salami, and crackers and enjoy the fellowship of good friends in one of the most beautiful places in the world!\u00a0 Some quick notes about heaving to.\u00a0 You are still legally underway.\u00a0 If you heave to on a starboard tack you retain right of way.\u00a0 If you are going to heave to for more than a minute or two, douse the mainsail.\u00a0 Leaving it up is noisy and the luffing isn’t good for it.<\/p>\n
One final tip … go sailing … often!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Summer is here!!\u00a0 I know, the first day of summer is officially June 21, and we aren’t there yet, however, this week the San Francisco summer weather pattern seems to have established itself over the bay.\u00a0 Here are few tips … Continue reading