First sail.. I would rather go to the dentist!

Nostrodamus

Nostrodamus

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www.cygnus3.com
It is that time of year again.
Hopefully I serviced the engine correctly and put the right things in the right places, Other bits have been checked, hopefully we don't have a bug in the fuel and the anti foul goes on tomorrow. I cringe every time we have to get the boat lifted in or out in fact I would rather go to the dentist. Then I have to remember how to sail again and use the instruments.
The fist sail is always a nightmare thinking of what might go wrong or what has been happening to the boat over winter.
Poke me in the eye with a sharp stick... it's less demanding on the nerves.
 
Just make sure that the first time you 'sheet' (the rope attached to the big flappy thing at the pointy end) in the genoa (the aforementioned big flappy thing), the sheet is turned the right way around the winch (the nice spinning silver drum like thingies on the side of your cockpit).

If you don't, like me, you will look very silly tugging and grunting on the locked winch.
 
chinita said:
Just make sure that the first time you 'sheet' (the rope attached to the big flappy thing at the pointy end) in the genoa (the aforementioned big flappy thing), the sheet is turned the right way around the winch (the nice spinning silver drum like thingies on the side of your cockpit).

If you don't, like me, you will look very silly tugging and grunting on the locked winch.
Click to expand...

I like your language Chitita apart from the grunting bit.. we have electric silver things which mess with your nails when you have to push the button
 
Nostrodamus said:
It is that time of year again.
Hopefully I serviced the engine correctly and put the right things in the right places, Other bits have been checked, hopefully we don't have a bug in the fuel and the anti foul goes on tomorrow. I cringe every time we have to get the boat lifted in or out in fact I would rather go to the dentist. Then I have to remember how to sail again and use the instruments.
The fist sail is always a nightmare thinking of what might go wrong or what has been happening to the boat over winter.
Poke me in the eye with a sharp stick... it's less demanding on the nerves.
Click to expand...

Agree entirely. I've just chickened out of the delivery trip from winter quarters in S Wales to summer mooring in Falmouth. And its all in the mind. I ride bikes which is statistically dangerous ( been airlifted into A&E once already) but dont think twice about it. Race through the winter in all weathers but with a full crew and me as skipper - I dont think twice about it. Happily do all sorts of other dodgy risky things but when it comes to lightly crewed long passages with me as skipper I get so wound up it isnt true. And as for single handing - no way. Yet its perfectly safe.

Come to the conclusion that I'm just a natural born wimp
 
Nostrodamus said:
It is that time of year again.
Hopefully I serviced the engine correctly and put the right things in the right places, Other bits have been checked, hopefully we don't have a bug in the fuel and the anti foul goes on tomorrow. I cringe every time we have to get the boat lifted in or out in fact I would rather go to the dentist. Then I have to remember how to sail again and use the instruments.
The fist sail is always a nightmare thinking of what might go wrong or what has been happening to the boat over winter.
Poke me in the eye with a sharp stick... it's less demanding on the nerves.
Click to expand...
I have just been to the dentist & very nice she is too.
In fact she wants to see me again as well, cant wait
 
chinita said:
Just make sure that the first time you 'sheet' (the rope attached to the big flappy thing at the pointy end) in the genoa (the aforementioned big flappy thing), the sheet is turned the right way around the winch (the nice spinning silver drum like thingies on the side of your cockpit).

If you don't, like me, you will look very silly tugging and grunting on the locked winch.
Click to expand...

Actually, and I've done this twice now, make sure that when you wind the genoa furling line on to the drum that you rotate the drum the right way. It's so embarrassing to hoist the genoa, pull the furling line and watch it roll the wrong way. Grrrr.
 
Always remember to unlash the tiller before you reverse out of the berth. :o

(Although with a Twister it doesn't make much difference what you do with the tiller when going astern)
 
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Couldnt agree more...our boat was launched on Monday after the usual antifouling, servicing, fitting sails and last minute jobs - engine started and ran for half an hour; all good, so plan sail to the marina where she will live for the summer...weather forecast good for today and tides workable (if you dont mind an early start). So: last night rush home from work, buying provisions on the way, take the wifes car to the marina (and leave it there so we can drive home afterwards) go home, load up the car with gear...outboard, oars etc and set the alarm for 05.30......jump out of bed, walk the dog, grab breakfast, drive to boatyard.....cant see the boat 200 yards away for thick mist....deliberate for an hour...decide to GO....drag tender down beach, carry all gear, oatboard, oars etc....motor out to boat..transfer all gear, tie tender to mooring, prepare sails and all the usual last minute checks...then press the ignition and NOTHING no lights, power...check battery, wires, switches and the usual suspects....after another wasted hour pack sails away, load up tender and off we go home....not to mention another 20 mile round trip to collect the wifes car on the way....THAT FIRST SAIL........lets hope things improve!:rolleyes:
 
Bosun Higgs said:
Agree entirely. I've just chickened out of the delivery trip from winter quarters in S Wales to summer mooring in Falmouth. And its all in the mind. I ride bikes which is statistically dangerous ( been airlifted into A&E once already) but dont think twice about it. Race through the winter in all weathers but with a full crew and me as skipper - I dont think twice about it. Happily do all sorts of other dodgy risky things but when it comes to lightly crewed long passages with me as skipper I get so wound up it isnt true. And as for single handing - no way. Yet its perfectly safe.

Come to the conclusion that I'm just a natural born wimp
Click to expand...

Phewww... so I'm not the only one...... :D
 
Normally I only worry about the engine - anything else can be fudged or done without. This year though, we have new standing rigging, so I'll be worried about that until its been proven in a blow.

Bosun Higgs said:
And as for single handing - no way.
Click to expand...

I found myself in a position where I'd promised the inlaws (and there are a lot of them) that the boat would be elsewhere, and there was only me around to move it 40 miles, with no autopilot. So reluctantly, and full of trepidation, I set out singlehanded. Getting out of the marina was tough (blown against the pontoon between 2 boats, but a passing gent helped me with my lines), but once out, with the sails up, it was honestly one of the best sails of my life. I'd go further than that even - one of the best experiences of my life.

 
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Me too!
1. For the first time I wasn't present for the launch. I was convinced the saloon would be knee deep in water two days later
2. I run the engine for half an hour on the mooring, eyes fixed on the engine, nervously checking pipes and expecting the temperature alarm at any second
3. Don't bother trying to talk to me during the first 40 minute trip down the river!
4. Tight spaces ....Has someone stolen my boat handling skills over the winter?
Combine that with the shockingly cold March, for the first time I was questioning boat ownership.

Last weekend on the Solent .... sun, wind, fixed!
 
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