sailing 2012 - lessons learned

I once met a guy who'd built a beautiful Oughtred yawl. When I asked him how he found the time (navy engineer and family man), he replied "I just gave up watching Corrie!"

Glad I'm not the only one then:)

Internet radio is pretty good when doing 'non telly' stuff. Different bit 'o brain in use perhaps?



Here's another. I have learnt that a Paravane has put me this past year amongst the fisherman who have to count success on two, not one hand:):):):):)
One smile per fish 2012, so there's plenty left for everyone else
 
Don't fill every locker and spare cabin on the boat with 'essential' carp. It's a hell of job to lug it all to the car/home when you sell the boat - 7 estate car loads in my case; I couldn't believe it. :eek:

Half of it is now in the garage - too good to chuck but no longer considered 'essential' on the new boat. It could be a good year for eBay. ;) :D
 
What I learned: when racing through the Stockholm archipelago at night, it is best not to rely on the owner's iPad as the SOLE means of navigation, particularly if your charging source runs out of juice.
Charts? What charts?
 
I learned, after many attempts to prove the contrary, that the English Channel never experiences summer and that attempting to have an even remotely comfortable cruise in the area is a total waste of time.
 
What I learned in one morning

I learned that:
1. Unless your primary fuel filter is installed correctly, it doesn't actually filter the fuel
2. a 1GM10 stops working when the fuel line to it is solid with gloopy diesel bug
3. a 1GM10 will stop working because of being bunged up with fuel bug at the least convenient time and in the worst location - in the Solent shipping lane with a strong tide but no wind
4. the VHF can come in handy
5. Solent coastguard are nice people that keep big ships away from little yachts who cannot get out of the way.
6. that I can anchor under sail
7. that having spare fuel filters aboard was indeed a good idea
 
Lessons learned.........hmm. Ah yes, when one is sailing around the Solent on a spring tide weekend, remember to check tide times AND current speeds and directions, otherwise one gets asked (politely) by the pilot launch to head South for a few minutes 'cos one thought that one was heading OUT of the deep water channel, whereas one was ACTUALLY heading IN.
(The tide dunn'alf rip out there sometimes)
 
What I learnt is that Port Blanc is close by, has 24hr access and didn't cost me anything :D
Oh! And the buoys are a bugger to find in the dark :eek:

That Perros comment made me smile.

We were there this year.

Wondered why there was no rush to get in :rolleyes:
 
I've found out that in my first year back under sail I'm a bit more rusty than I thought.......didn't help the weather was sheite
 
Planning and sailing dont mix.

Missed the Poole trip and just about every other event I had "planned" for 2012.

2013 is the year of "making it up as we go along". I have 20 trips planned and none have dates. IF the weather looks good for one, then I shall dust off the plan and refresh it - then have a plan b, c and d lined up - so when the weather changes I can still go have fun.
 
That I should have waited until I retired and had a bit of money to buy a boat rather than buy an old one that needed doing up 2 years ago, then I might have gone sailing in 2012.
If someone offers to help you sort out the starting problem with your engine, accept. They might know what they are doing!
That however awkward a job is on a boat, successful completion gives a great feeling of satisfaction. (The more difficult the job the greater the satisfaction). It's difficult to do outdoor jobs in the rain!
Here's to launching in 2013!
 
Top