What wind force would keep you in harbour?

[haydude]

Was reading a post on the motor boat forum and the general consensus appeared to be that many motorboaters would not voluntarily venture out in a Force 6 or above.

Assuming a well found yacht, about 30 feet, with a reasonably competent crew - what wind force would keep you in harbour - on the basis that it is an enjoyable pastime and not a 'race for survival'?
I know wind direction, sailing area, tides etc play a huge part, and that many people enjoy an ocassional testing sail.

LOL

Where I have my boat, motorboaters do not leave the marina if it isn't completely sunny and flat. Small fishing boats do go out up to an F4. With an F5 normally there are only sailboats but very few, most motoring near the coast because forced by a "return" passage. In an F6-F7 I found myself often alone out there (sailing, not motoring).

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Last weekend when it blew a bit I was stuck in a marina (God forbid) as SWMBO and I had met some friends there on the Friday night.
Yes it was a bit hairy on the Saturday, but for a tough little longkeeler reefed a bit, with a competant crew it would have been exhillerating.
However, sat inside the marina it sounded like a gale 10 was blowing.
With the sound of the wind in the wires and all things slapping it had others sat aroung laptops analysing synoptic charts and contemplating being sat there all weekend.
By Sunday I could stand it no longer. I stuck a reef in and out we went and we had the most fantastic sail of the season so far.
There are so many variables as had been said by others, but knowledge with common sense, experience, and the right boat for the occassion all play a part.

 

[Slow_boat]

When I was 21 my oppo and I were delivering a big ketch when we had to anchor off Bedidorm for one night (long and involved story to lead up to it) We went ashore and when the young ladies asked 'Where are you from?' we took great delight in pointing to the only boat in the bay, failing to mention that neither of us owned it.

At that age, fit tanned etc, 'Fancy a nightcap onboard?' worked better than 'I'll give you a lift in the Ferrari' So every morning for a week we'd poke our nose out of the bay, survey the flat sea and steady breeze, decide it was to windy and return to anchor in the bay to get aquainted with other young ladies.

Happy days (he said whistfully)

 

[TradewindSailor]

LOL

Where I have my boat, motorboaters do not leave the marina if it isn't completely sunny and flat. Small fishing boats do go out up to an F4. With an F5 normally there are only sailboats but very few, most motoring near the coast because forced by a "return" passage. In an F6-F7 I found myself often alone out there (sailing, not motoring).

When I was down in Cape Town I was told that racing in 30 to 35 knts is the norm. I was trying out a new catamaran down there ...... in 30kts .... and was amazed that the skipper put up full main and a 100% jib ...... but it was well overpowered for the conditions.

 

[Neil]

I was out today; forecast was 3 to 4, actuality was 4-5, gusting to 6 (by wind history, but it felt a good solid five, gusting to 7). On my own, this was at my limit and I went in shortly after. I was fully reefed, but still had to keep spilling wind with the gunwales at water level. I was a little disappointed when I looked at the wind history; I thought the boat should have handled it better? (17.5 ft, gaff-rigged long keeled day boat)

 

[ninky]

in my boat and with our experience F6 forecast (not occasional gusts) would keep me in. i have been out in more than this on other boats and absolutely love it though. when i sailed in wellington nz it was rarely less.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

Don't worry about it. If you hang around for a while you'll find that most seamanship questions attract a 'If you don't know the answer you shouldn't be allowed on a duckpond' response at some point in the thread.

Loved it.

Reminds me a bit of the Simpsons TV cartoon.

A character comments that she's just spent a week at Bible camp " learning to be more judgmental".

Wry smile on that one.

You certainly need some courage to start a thread on this channel.

 

[LONG_KEELER]

I'm with Guapa and Sgeir here.... i'm less concerned about wind speed, and much more concerned about sea state...

We had a superb sail across to Oostende on Friday... gusting to 30kts, but sea pretty flat... was a truly memorable sail... we delayed the return trip for 2 days, as sea state had increased dramatically, and wind direction was naff.... it wasn't any windier though.

I had a good tip once about sea state.

It was to seek out and speak to Pilot Boat coxswains. Often, the sea state is far worse closer inshore as we know , than more offshore.

Our 'Roughs' off Harwich is an example, where in certain winds it can get better further out to sea.

I wish I had known this after bashing out of Flushing once. Gave up after about 4 hours. Was told that if I had carried on a bit longer things would have got much better. Would like to have had this confirmed by a pilot though.