Lots of Good Comments Here...

Posted By: Mike Turner, Rob Roy 23 yawl "Fiddlestix," Mobile Bay, Alabama
Date: 9/18/09 6:13p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

After I read all the posts I went back and re-read yours. From my perspective, I think the answer lies somewhere in looking at what's different when you sail your boat, versus your friend's boat. From your post, and some of the observations of those who have replied, the differences are in three areas: the size of the boats, experience levels and who's in charge. As to boat size, from your own experience you can most likely see that your friend's 41' heavy boat, handles conditions (including those pesky shrimpers) a lot differently than your 22' light boat (for reference, my boat is 23' on deck and displaces 2800 lbs. with 900 lbs of ballast, so it's in your class. We previously owned a Catalina 30 that displaced 10,000 lbs). It'll handle a lot more wind without being overpowered, and blow right through heavy chop and wake. It's a lot less sensitive to weight distribution and shifts, and as Tom points out will react more slowly to sudden changes in condition like gusts, etc. On the other hand, one of the benefits of our boats is that problems that may develop, can be much more manageable. Take for example accidental jibes when running downwind. On the big boat, if that boom chooses to come over, there's very little you're going to be able to do about it, and it will come with a lot of force. On our smaller boat, I can reach up and grap the mid-boom sheets to slow down the boom and control its passage to the other side. The key I think is to know how your boat reacts to various conditions so that you can anticipate their effect and manage the boat accordingly. And in some instances like my jibe example, the smaller boat can be more manageable than the larger boat. As to experience level, as others point out, you gain experience by sailing, on your boat and others'. So sail! It may be that you unconsciously feel more relaxed on your friend's boat, knowing that s/he is there to bail you out if problems come up. Contrast this with your statement about your mate's experience level - you may not feel you can turn things over to her if problems develop (of course, she might surprise you, as Pamela has on more than one occasion). But as you continue to sail your own boat and learn more of what to expect out of her, you'll probably find both your experience and confidence level growing. The third point - who's in charge - is somewhat related to the experience point. On your boat, you're the skipper, responsible for the safety of the crew and boat. That can be quite a load, particularly if you don't have confidence in your boat, crew or your own sailing abilities. You may also just be worried about banging up your baby. In the end, I think we've all felt what you're feeling; I know I have. I think it all boils down to experience - as you feel more confident in your own abilities and what your boat will handle, you'll find more confidence on some of the other points you raise, like your wife's safety and experience level, etc. Anyway, that's been my experience - I did a lot of singlehanded sailing in the beginning so I could concentrate on the boat and technique issues without having to worry about the safety of any crew, and built up from there. I won't say I'm always confident on the water, but I think I have a better appreciation of what my boat, myself and my sailing companions are capable of, and that makes for a more enjoyable sailing experience. Mike Turner Rob Roy 23 yawl "Fiddlestix" Mobile Bay, Alabama