What's the perfect wind for an AWB?

Re: Because they wanted to, that\'s why.

I knew that someone would take my comment as a criticism, and it was you. I was most certainly not criticising, I have no objection to other people motoring in to me what seemed good sailing conditions. I was just wondering why, that's all, because I have never sailed on a Beneteau. So please calm down and hold back the insults.

<hr width=100% size=1>One day, I want to be a real sailor. In the mean time I'll just keep tri-ing.
 
Re: What\'s the perfect wind for an AWB?

Oh dear ! Hang head in shame - what is an AWB please ?

<hr width=100% size=1>a pragmatist is an optimist with a boat in the UK
 
Re: What\'s the perfect wind for an AWB?

"Average White Boat"...

<hr width=100% size=1>"I am a bear of very little brain and long words bother me" - A A Milne.
 
Re: What\'s the perfect wind for an AWB?

Absolutely wonderful boat, compared to MAB, manky antiquated bucket, eg Vancouver that got such a wonderful review when it cannie even tack, If I wanted something that would float in every condition I'd be as well sealing myself in a barrel!

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Re: What\'s the perfect wind for an AWB?

One of the properties of Absolutely Wonderful Boats is that their rudders can fall off without in anyway diminishing their usefulness / wonderfulness /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

<hr width=100% size=1>
 
Re: Why?

I think there could be loads of reasons. Sometimes, if on a very short trip (when maybe the destination is more important than the journey) I won't bother to put the sail up at all and use the motor instead. On other occasions, I might see what works best for the conditions and the schedule. Sometimes, even little more than tickover can help keep a tight course. On longer trips, I might motorsail for a period to keep the batteries charged after a long period on autohelm. I might have someone on board who thinks the slightest lean on the boat signifies impending doom. I might want to have some lunch and maybe taking down the genoa and a gentler put-put might enable me to sit and enjoy it. That said, I hate the noise and vibration of the engine and would always opt for sails alone assuming no other factor holds more sway - it's what a sail boat is for after all. Not sure why it's AWBs under specific scrutiny here. Perhaps its also because many MABs have the kind of engine which is pretty useless for anything other than emergencies and low speed berthing.

I suspect, though I can't speak for him natch, that AndrewB might be reacting to the tutt-tutting of people who see an ever-so-slightly poorly adjusted sail as a mortal sin or who enter a very crowded harbour like Portsmouth under sail alone -just because they can - regardless of how their forward vision and maneouvreability might be compromised. Or who get very agitated about flag etiquette. I'd like to hear more about the equine version of this though :-)

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Re: Why?

I'm was not intending putting AWBs in particular under scrutiny. I mentioned them because in North Wales there are a lot of Beneteaux, the archetype AWB, and on the particular trip I joined, half of the boats were Beneteaux.

<hr width=100% size=1>One day, I want to be a real sailor. In the mean time I'll just keep tri-ing.
 
Re: Why?

We at Conwy also had a club trip last weekend and without exception we all sailed!! And what a cracking sail it was too, you really can't waste days like that as they don't come often. Off hand I can't think of a Ben in the club either, Moodys seem to be the favourite here on the river.

On the subject of optimum winds for me it depends who I am with. With my son 4-5 with my wife 3-4, she may prefer 0-1. I have however had my wife out in an 8 unintentionally, luckily the fetch was only a mile so the sea state was manageable so as another posting said sea state is also important as is direction relative to the coast and currents.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://"www.nwcc.info">North Wales Cruising Club</A>
 
Re: Why?

The actual post said AWB not just Ben, Moodys are in that category too methinks, but at least yours sailed it seems, which was the real point of the question - ie why do so many peeps motor when the wind is right for sailing.

<hr width=100% size=1><font size=1>Sermons from my pulpit are with tongue firmly in cheek and come with no warranty!</font size=1>
 
Re: What\'s the perfect wind for an AWB?

Thank you ! I wouldn't dare call our boat (even tho' she is nearly white - a bit of an old lady so fading is permitted) average - I'm sure she'd object !

<hr width=100% size=1>a pragmatist is an optimist with a boat in the UK
 
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