Really? What do you mean by "tender"?

Posted By: Gary, 2023, Milwaukee
Date: 9/25/07 7:14a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: 2023 (ed)

Last friday evening, reefed, I was on Lake Michigan during some (for me) awesome sailing conditions due to the storm front. Within the first half hour or so, my electronic anemometer (masthead mount) pegged me with a 31.8 knot blow, reaching. Unfortunately, my buddy 'won' that night, as while he was on the tiller, he pegged a 33.5 knot blow, which ended up costing me a beer. Don't know if this is any help to you, but not sure what you mean by 'tender'. If tossed about, heeled, etc, QUICKER than a heavy keel boat, I most certainly agree, as she tends to dance about a lot more than a keel. However, she dances across the tops of the swells, rather than cleave through the swell (if that makes any sense). I know a lot of sailors don't care for it, or can't find a 'comfort zone' when transitioning from a keel to something more spry. The photo below is clawing against a hostile sea (and wind) in the Mackinac Straits, Lake Michigan last month, in a 24-28 knot blow. Sea state was mild-moderate rough as you can see, mostly because of the land 'funnel' and the subsequent T-storms I fought all night. This was the slightly calmed dawn results. Gary Santana 2023A