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Poodle or Pirate?
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8824
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 2:36 pm    Post subject: Poodle or Pirate? Reply with quote

So, I was invited to join a crew that races. It's a 40ft racing sailing boat. He stated he drops in April 1st and at that time the water is still in the low 30's. I know they do the Mackinac Island race which would be fun to scratch off the bucket list.

What kind of gear should I check out, and what websites should I check out to familiarize myself with this scene?

They seem to be very open to training/teaching people.


I have always wanted to learn how to sail, I might as well take them up on the opportunity while it stands.

Any guidance would be appreciated.


Last edited by 8824 on Jun 21, 2011 11:34 am; edited 1 time in total
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Dpierce37
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 2:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Man, I have always wanted to sail. Love it. One day I will own a sail boat (Catameran probably) and sail around the carribean.

Have no idea on the gear, just sharing the stoke!

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Nor*Cal
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 2:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sounds like they're looking for rail meat.

Just get some foul weather, non-marking shoes, sailing gloves and I'm sure you have a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. Then it's just a matter of bringing layers and packing it small so you're not lugging a ton of crap onto the boat. West Marine will give you a good idea of the offerings and I would suggest shopping their price once you find what you want.

I've never used this but it looks cool: http://www.nauticed.org/sailing-instructor

Here's another resource: http://www.sailingcourse.com/

I would read up on the starting sequence and right-of-ways as you might be asked to make a call about overlap. I'm guessing they will ease you into it and probably have a core group and need some extras for odds and ends.

Watch out for the boom and report back.

I'm thinking about picking up a small boat to start racing again. Grew up racing Hobie 16's, Lasers, and spent my fair share of time on the rail in the Big Boat Series in SF Bay. I really want to get a trailerable hi-performance boat before 2013 so I have something to watch the America's Cup from.

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Last edited by Nor*Cal on Mar 07, 2011 2:52 pm; edited 1 time in total
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8824
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 2:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dpierce37 wrote:
Man, I have always wanted to sail. Love it. One day I will own a sail boat (Catameran probably) and sail around the carribean.

Have no idea on the gear, just sharing the stoke!


Bubb Rubb yeah! Last year I was in the Caribbean and thought it would be awesome to cruise around on cat.

I would follow the Best Odyseey on FB.

http://www.facebook.com/best.odyssey



I think the boat is a J120.
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Dpierce37
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 2:54 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

sweet...just added them as friends! Thats my dream to live on one and just island hop.
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8824
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 2:59 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nor*Cal wrote:
Sounds like they're looking for rail meat.

Just get some foul weather, non-marking shoes, sailing gloves and I'm sure you have a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses. Then it's just a matter of bringing layers and packing it small so you're not lugging a ton of crap onto the boat. West Marine will give you a good idea of the offerings and I would suggest shopping their price once you find what you want.

I've never used this but it looks cool: http://www.nauticed.org/sailing-instructor

Here's another resource: http://www.sailingcourse.com/

I would read up on the starting sequence and right-of-ways as you might be asked to make a call about overlap. I'm guessing they will ease you into it and probably have a core group and need some extras for odds and ends.

Watch out for the boom and report back.

I'm thinking about picking up a small boat to start racing again. Grew up racing Hobie 16's, Lasers, and spent my fair share of time on the rail in the Big Boat Series in SF Bay. I really want to get a trailerable hi-performance boat before 2013 so I have something to watch the America's Cup from.


Rail meat? Shocked

They did mention last year a bow man? I kinda chickened out last year, I am ready now. I know lake MI is not the ocean, but it will eat just about anything.

There is a West Marine nearby.

The owner of the boat seems really nice about teaching me.

I have big respect for sailing, I know this is serious stuff.

What am I getting myself into?
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Nor*Cal
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 3:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

8824 wrote:
I think the boat is a J120.


Those are great boats.


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Dpierce37
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 3:01 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

lots of sore fingers and arms I am sure. I think the expereince you will get from this will be worth it!
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 3:02 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

"Coming about" = duck
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 3:05 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

My buddy is in the process of captaining over a brand new cat from South Africa. Think he is probably in the Caribbean by now. Very nice ship. Ground breaking hybrid technology.

http://www.tangexpeditions.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=57&Itemid=64

I would suggest checking out the lake geneva yacht scene. Buddy Melgis builds his signature boats up in this neck of the woods. Took the America's Cup in 92'. World class sailor, considered one of the greats. A lot of avid sailor in these parts.

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Nor*Cal
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 3:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Learn the right of ways especially if you are are doing the bow work. The bow man does a lot of spotting on the start line and lay lines and skirting the sail changes. Damned exciting and wet up there so get the foul weather gear.

You're on a nice boat that's fairly refined, so it's just a matter of learning the job and knowing what you're looking for during starts and mark roundings. I'm sure they will tell you what they want.

You're in for a lot of fun.

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8824
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 3:11 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The anticipation aka nervousness is building.
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 3:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

nmballa, Melges makes some fast boats.
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8824
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 3:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

fish6942 wrote:
"Coming about" = duck


THANKS! Laughing Laughing Laughing
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8824
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 3:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

What is the biggest rookie mistake to make other than not listening?
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 3:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sailing kicks ass. That is all.
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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 3:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

8824 wrote:
What is the biggest rookie mistake to make other than not listening?


Well as alluded to earlier the boom makes well a loud boom when it hits you, most likely removing some teeth in the process but I wouldn't worry about that so much. Be aware of the sheets (lines/rope), don't get tangled up and keep them sorted and organized. I think sailing contributes to OCD with keeping things in order.

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PostPosted: Mar 07, 2011 5:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Well I will weigh in on the Chicago/Mackinac race. When you get to the island, it's like one huge party. If you've never been the Mackinac, there are no motorized vehicles, only horses and bikes. Watch out for the horse stuff. The bars will be hopping and there are a ton of them that are all right in the downtown area. Personally we spend a lot of time at Horn's, but the Pink Pony is pretty solid as well. If you're looking for a good meal, hit up Yankee Rebel. It's down a side street, but just ask someone where it's at and they'll point you in the right direction. The mussels diablo are the shiz. Usually either Bacardi or Mount Gay will throw a party, typically down at Mission Point resort. The island is a blast, because everyone is stuck on the island, there are no cars, lots of bars, and everyone is on vacation. I don't know if I'll be up for the race this year or not, but enjoy it, it's a blast. If there's anything else you want to know about the island shoot me a pm.
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PostPosted: Mar 08, 2011 9:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Listen to/trust the captain. Keep your head down, hang on and have fun!
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8824
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PostPosted: Mar 08, 2011 10:11 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks everyone for the comments and suggestions.

I spent a few hours on netflix watching some instructional sailing videos. Obviously, you never stop learning but damn there is a ton to grasp.


I spoke with the guy who invited me and they are definitely planning on me being the bowman.

They race every Wed and Sat. Seems like a good crew and willing to teach me the ropes/lines.


Last edited by 8824 on Mar 08, 2011 10:33 am; edited 1 time in total
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PostPosted: Mar 08, 2011 10:19 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://www.bowmansunion.com/2002_web/html/2002_People_of_the_Bow.htm

http://www.sailingworld.com/article/The-Bowmans-Guide-to-the-Asymmetric

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKBrR1ySNkQ

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8824
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PostPosted: Mar 08, 2011 10:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nor*Cal wrote:
http://www.bowmansunion.com/2002_web/html/2002_People_of_the_Bow.htm

http://www.sailingworld.com/article/The-Bowmans-Guide-to-the-Asymmetric

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKBrR1ySNkQ



Shocked Shocked Shocked Shocked

Once you come to a bow you will never want to go back. The most physically and mentally demanding job you can find on the boat. Bowmen get beaten, thrown around and yelled at, but there is nothing like looking down on deck from 60 foot mast, beating to wind in 20 knots. The best source of pure adrenaline you can ever find.



1. To make things realistic, start a cold shower and get in. I recommend wearing your foul weather gear, but that's up to you.
2. Spin around about ten times or so, just enough to make it seem like the shower is "heeled over".
3. Now, with a medium sized frying pan, give yourself a good whack on the top of the head while yelling "MADE!"
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 every five minutes or until you black out. SEE FIG. 1




If you made it through this exercise at least five times without loosing conscienceness or ending up in the emergency room, then congratulations, you are ready for the next level. If you didn't, then you'd better stay behind the mast you wimp!



Shocked Shocked Shocked
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PostPosted: Mar 08, 2011 11:05 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Sweet man! Let us know how it goes.

My cousin-in-law's dad has a sailboat in Jacksonville, FL that they take to the Caribbean for 2 weeks every year. Sail down there, stay on the boat the whole time. Sleeps 6. He took us out on it a few years ago and I loved it. Other than the basics of sailing a Hobie Cat, I couldn't help you with how to do it, I just followed orders. If I retire with $10M this will definitely be a hobby of mine.




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PostPosted: Mar 08, 2011 11:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

8824, haha that bow description is awesome. Have fun!
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PostPosted: Mar 08, 2011 12:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

8824, There is a West Marine nearby. I'm sure that you have realized that this is by far the most expensive boating store around. Not sure where else to shop for sailing stuff but I avoid WM like a hooker with a herpes sore.
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PostPosted: Mar 08, 2011 12:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Brad,

You don't need no 10mm!

A buddy of mine just sold his 37' boat for something like 30 grand. I can't remember who mfg'ed it, but it was fully functional and ready to sail (with a 60hp diesel inboard, no less). We spent a good amount of time on the bay over the last 2 summers.



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PostPosted: Mar 08, 2011 1:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

chavez, that's a nice looking boat!

Yeah, I haven't researched them specifically. The $10m wasn't all in expense on the sailboat, just what I would want to be living that lifestyle. The boat I was on had quite a bit of advanced instrumentation on it, it was setup as a 2 man job, but a single-man setup would be nice. It would nice to be able to sleep 6 and be able to make a trip a few hundred miles.

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PostPosted: Mar 08, 2011 1:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Wakebrad, his boat was basically a 2 man setup. He had radar & gps, along with the usual VHF, but nothing else. He lusted after some of the auto-winders and what-not but those definitely weren't in the budget.

I slept on it a handful of times. It could sleep 6 easy. We acutally slept 8 once, but 2 slept on deck. It held enough water for about a week for 6, so in theory you could sail it quite a ways self-contained. We only went as far as Napa, which was about 35-40 miles on the water (each way).

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8824
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PostPosted: Mar 08, 2011 2:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I must say, rogue waves scare the shiat out of me. Not sure if anyone caught the show on Natgeo or discovery on them but after viewing it my concern grew even larger.

If I ever decide to do the ocean thing (not that Lake MI can't kill) I would not leave port without one of these gems,epirb and life raft glued to me at all times. Smile



http://www.katadyn.com/en/katadyn-products/products/katadynshopconnect/katadyn-entsalzer/



Anyone ever see the documentary/movie called Deep Water?
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PostPosted: Mar 09, 2011 9:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Watched some of Deep Water last night. Things have some a long way since then. Not to mention I think I would sail the other direction if I was circumnavigating, but that's just me. I'd love to race the Trans-Pac one of these days. I know a few guys who have and it just sounds awesome.
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PostPosted: Mar 09, 2011 12:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Funny, Ive been learning to sail and I love it. Spending most of my time on kites these days rather than wakeboats, I have a firm appreciation for wind power. In fact, I tried to get Wakebrad to go with me a couple weeks ago but he was out of town.

Sailing is just a neat skill to have. My primary reason for learning is the carribean vacations. I went to the VI last spring and rented a house. While it was cool, I didnt get to see much other than St John. the interior of the islands are less than desireable anyways. I saw the guys who were on sailboats and they were having a blast enjoying the best part of the islands, the areas around the beaches.

I plan on going back this fall, but renting a sailboat instead of a house. Cheaper, and more fun! They will NOT rent to just anyone. You have to have sailing experience and know what your talking about. I recommend keeping a log so that when you want to rent you have something to show.

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PostPosted: Mar 09, 2011 12:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

jason_ssr, man, that does sound badass. Never thought about flying down there and then renting the sailboat..

How did it go a few weeks ago?

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PostPosted: Mar 09, 2011 1:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote



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PostPosted: Mar 09, 2011 2:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

jason_ssr wrote:
Funny, Ive been learning to sail and I love it. Spending most of my time on kites these days rather than wakeboats, I have a firm appreciation for wind power. In fact, I tried to get Wakebrad to go with me a couple weeks ago but he was out of town.

Sailing is just a neat skill to have. My primary reason for learning is the carribean vacations. I went to the VI last spring and rented a house. While it was cool, I didnt get to see much other than St John. the interior of the islands are less than desireable anyways. I saw the guys who were on sailboats and they were having a blast enjoying the best part of the islands, the areas around the beaches.

I plan on going back this fall, but renting a sailboat instead of a house. Cheaper, and more fun! They will NOT rent to just anyone. You have to have sailing experience and know what your talking about. I recommend keeping a log so that when you want to rent you have something to show.


I had the same experience. A few friends and myself had a free house on Tortola in the BVI for a week of surf. We went to a restaurant which is heavily visited by people sailing the islands. Take the cat to an isolated break and shred.......


Great suggestion on the log.
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PostPosted: Mar 09, 2011 3:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Intense trial by fire!! These trips I'm making are specifically to get me up to speed, so the focus of the other two guys is on my learning. Makes learning fast and intense. It's a 32' boat so not big, but not small. As in they showed me how to disembark? The came back to the slip and showed meow to birth it. I thought I was justmaking mental notes til they made me birth the boat by myself 4 or 5 times. This was before even rigging a sail! It was really blowing so we were riding on the jib only. I was at the helm learning th limits of the tack angles.

I picked it up pretty quick, but it isn't as easy maintaining a tack angle like it is on a kite. You don't feel the change as much.

The boat sits at a pretty hard angle while loaded up. Made me nervous at first but I was assured it couldnt go over.

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