New Member saying hello, plus Hunter 707 tips please

[markmullen]

Hi all, just thought I would introduce myself as I have just signed up to this forum.

I have played with RIBs a few times but have never sailed before but have been lucky enough to be asked to crew for a friend on his new Hunter 707.

Being totally fresh to this I wondered if anyone had any tips? I am enthusiastic, hard working and strong plus am willing to learn so hopefully that will be a start. Also as a surfer I am used to being around the sea (although usually in it!).

Also on the subject of clothing, what kind of kit will I need? I already have a buoyancy aid (Henri Lloyd Asymmetric) and some Gill gloves. Will I need boots or would be my wetsuit boots be useful? I have had a look at clothing in online shops but there is a bewildering choice. Are there any brands to avoid? Or better still ones to look at?

I am sorry for all the questions but hopefully you will help a noobie out.

Thanks all.

Mark

 

[Neddie_Seagoon]

Ah, assuming that your skipper is one of the racing types, you may want:

* A loud voice for shouting at other boats
* Earplugs to protect you from your skipper
* A waterproof wallet to keep your readies fit for the post-race bar session.

Clothing has to depend on climate, if you're sailing over winter then some decent "oilies", but how much you spend is up to you, many of us buy cheap ones at Lidl, Aldi etc.

Some very grippy footwear - whether boots or shoes depends on weather & preference

Shades & sun cream - you should be so lucky!

An essential book - "The Seamans Guide to The Rules Of The Road"

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif


Welcome and enjoy.

 

[TigaWave]

If you get invited to learn the foredeck job then many people wear dry suits, it can get very get wet.

Wet suit boots are good for these boats, as you'll be getting wet feet even when you have long wellies sometimes.

Wet and fun in a blow, and they fall over sometimes!

 

[rwoofer]

Welcome,

I used to own and race a 707 myself. Great little boat. Answering your question depends very much on what kind of role you will be playing, so difficult to give any specific advice other than talk to the rest of the crew. Even better go out for a practice sail in non-race conditions.

Regarding clothing, you will generally need light and waterproof stuff. Ocean kit tends to be too cumbersome for moving around the boat nimbly. (Flaming suit on)---For the same reason people tend to not wear lifejackets unless it is getting really windy say 25 knots plus. However this is your own choice and the skipper may make the decision for you. I would also tend towards wetsuits boots, especially if you already have a pair for surfing.

Other than that just go out and have fun - the 707 crowd was always a helpful bunch with a great corinthian spirit unlike some of the racier sportsboats.

 

[johnalison]

Hi
There's no harm in making do with what you've got, or go for something cheap to start with.
In reply to a similar post someone gave the advice to cut your fingernails short before going and I would strongly agree.
It sounds like you could have a lot of fun.

 

[poter]

First - welcome...

Ok taking each bit of essential kit in turn -
[NB click on the black words for info]

Shoes - your wet suit bootees are ok as long as they still have some tread, but do as matter of courtesy ask the skip if they ok on deck! better are good deck shoes, get the best you cab afford, like many forumites I get thru at least 1 pair a season, although my 6 year old Sebago docksides are still going, but I normally get 30 quid shoes like shoes

Clothing - what you have should keep you dry & warm but do get a decent jacket, again best you can afford, I use Helly but it really is up to you. Tip... there will be some bargains at the boat show in London in January if you can wait until then.
Still worth going just to have a browse.

Life Jacket - GET YOUR OWN ASAP after you know that you are taking up the sport, go to a good chandler's or order on line again best you can afford. You do not have time to adjust all the straps in an emergency & a good fitting jacket is an absolute must. If you are doing a lot of deck work an auto inflatable is probably best, but is the most expensive Life Jackets

Books - have a look at books for a good read.

last but not least once you are involved have a look at the RYA web site RYA Training

good luck & have fun

poter. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[ShipsWoofy]

[ QUOTE ]
many of us buy cheap ones at Lidl, Aldi etc.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do we? ah, ok then.

 

[Slow_boat]

Ask your friend!

If he has just bought the boat he is going to be spending a lot of dosh at chandlers so might get a doscount. Also, this is a good time of year to get reduced prices in 'last years colours'

The racing scene can be horribly snotty and fashion concious but the 707 crowd seem a good bunch.

 

[markmullen]

Thanks all for the tips. We got the boat into the water on Thursday, got the mast up on Friday and this week hope to get her out and have a go. I managed to pick up some barely used Gill gloves on eBay for £1.45 which was a bargain!

I'll keep you posted on how I get on. We're from Scarborough so if anyone sees a big bloke in a yellow lifejacket looking nervous on a 707 give me a wave.

 

[liztate]

I did a couple of seasons in the Solent and Cork Week '02 on 707s. Great fun and a really friendly bunch of people.

I would definitely advise decent oilies, wellies, gloves, thermals and sunglasses. They can be very wet boats and there is not much room below to get warm! A waterproof bag for phone etc is also a good idea. Best book I read for that kind of sailing was Winning in One Designs. Have fun!

 

[Judders]

The logical place for a surfer on a 707 is gpoing to be the bow, so offshore foulies are right out. Even on a big boat I use dinghy kit for the bow as it is eminently more suitable. Similiarly I would use, if anything, abuoyancyaid rather than a life jacket for the round the cans races. If offshore however, a lifejacket and harness are pretty much essential (do as I say not as I do!)

Which fleet is your mate in?

They are great boats. I think I learned more in a weekend on a 707 than I learned in a summer racing a Swan 53.

 

[markmullen]

We're sailing out of Scarborough on the East Coast. Luckily I am used to the cold water surfing out here!

I have had a lucky purchase on eBay, a Musto MPX smock, brand new, from a dealer for £35 instead of £219. I just need some trousers and boots now.

We're looking to go out later today, I can't wait.

Thanks for all the advice chaps, much appreciated, and for the warm welcome.

 

[Judders]

Do let us know how you got on Mark.