Finally - I went sailing!

[Brian N.]

After several months of healing from a bad ski accident, I got in my first sail of the season. It could not have been better. The weather was dry and near 80 deg F, almost bright blue skies (smoke from wildfires), and winds 8-10 knots. Waves were small and of no concern. My 24 YO son took a day off from work to tag along, but truthfully I appreciate his help. Setup and breakdown were easy. We had a good conversation, great sailing keeping the wind on the beam most of the time, and tasty sandwiches with fruit for lunch. Does not get better!

[Quantico Frank]

That's absolutely great to hear, Brian! It's been a tough one for me this one as well, but for less painful reasons, obviously. I have been out a few times now at this point, and I may go tomorrow.

Frank

[Riggerdood]

SO happy to hear that Brian! And you had great conditions to boot, not to mention a great time with your son. Kinda makes up for the long down time. Leg holding up OK?

Hope you're able to get out more and more as Summer draws to a close, and same for you Frank!

[eaglecreeksailor22]

Good to hear Brian, many more days like this to come. Enjoy!

[Brian N.]

Frank - sorry to hear that it has been a bit rough for you too, but hopefully that is over and better times ahead, including more time on the boat.

Tim - Got full clearance on physical activity from the Orthopedist, just need to build up strength.

I'm beginning to think that an underlying health issue (Not ready to discuss it publicly) has ended my days of solo sailing. Actually the P165 is easy to single hand, but a mate really makes it a pleasure. It may mean a bit less sailing, but I'm OK with that. Yesterday's sail with my son really brought that home.

On a different note - We encountered 3 paddle boarders while exiting the river channel who were 1) quickly being overtaken by boats exiting and 2) crossing the channel back and forth at a critical juncture where it narrows to about 12 feet across. I blew my whistle to warn them of my approach while clearly turning the boat to port indicating I intend to pass. Gave two blasts on the whistle. So, what did they do? They crossed in front of my bow! I cut the engine to a crawl and tried to explain to them that technically they had the right of way, but their actions were inconsistent with safe practices.  Their reply was not friendly. Part of their reply was "You had lots of room to go around us". They were clueless that I was restricted by the channel, had no idea what two whistle blasts meant, and if I cut the engine any more I would loose steerage in the current. I'm all for everyone enjoying a day out, but some common sense would go a long way along with some knowledge of nautical rules of the road. Coincidently, the day prior 5 paddle boarders had to be rescued on Long Island Sound, according to local news 12. Few details were given, but the Sound is BIG water and should not be underestimated.

[tjspiel]

Glad I checked the forum today!  I don't always anymore.

Anyway, great news that you're back on the water Brian and that you had good conditions and good company.

I hear you on the smoke. Either we get winds from the North and Canadian smoke or winds from the South and Gulf coast heat and humidity.

Makes from some interesting sunsets though:

You cannot view this attachment.

I'm on the boat today but working instead of sailing. Still dealing with a wasp invasion (just a few left now) and my theory is that if I move the boat to a different spot for the day, they'll get lost.

I'll let you know how that theory holds up.

If nothing else it's a good excuse to be on the boat.

[Riggerdood]

Frank - sorry to hear that it has been a bit rough for you too, but hopefully that is over and better times ahead, including more time on the boat.

Tim - Got full clearance on physical activity from the Orthopedist, just need to build up strength.

I'm beginning to think that an underlying health issue (Not ready to discuss it publicly) has ended my days of solo sailing. Actually the P165 is easy to single hand, but a mate really makes it a pleasure. It may mean a bit less sailing, but I'm OK with that. Yesterday's sail with my son really brought that home.

On a different note - We encountered 3 paddle boarders while exiting the river channel who were 1) quickly being overtaken by boats exiting and 2) crossing the channel back and forth at a critical juncture where it narrows to about 12 feet across. I blew my whistle to warn them of my approach while clearly turning the boat to port indicating I intend to pass. Gave two blasts on the whistle. So, what did they do? They crossed in front of my bow! I cut the engine to a crawl and tried to explain to them that technically they had the right of way, but their actions were inconsistent with safe practices.  Their reply was not friendly. Part of their reply was "You had lots of room to go around us". They were clueless that I was restricted by the channel, had no idea what two whistle blasts meant, and if I cut the engine any more I would loose steerage in the current. I'm all for everyone enjoying a day out, but some common sense would go a long way along with some knowledge of nautical rules of the road. Coincidently, the day prior 5 paddle boarders had to be rescued on Long Island Sound, according to local news 12. Few details were given, but the Sound is BIG water and should not be underestimated.

Great news from the ortho! Are you still doing any PT, or just building up strength through everyday activity?

We'll all eventually arrive at the point where singlehanding isn't possible, it's just a matter of when ...

As to clueless people on the water, well, that's been discussed on here ad nauseum, and no point trying to make sense of it ...

[Riggerdood]

Great pic Tom, even if it is a nice smoky Canadian gift. And tariff free!

[Quantico Frank]

ended my days of solo sailing"

Brian, I know we've discussed it before, but is a wet slip or mast-up dry storage still not viable, or has it become a more attractive option?

[tjspiel]

I think you mentioned Brian a new law going to effect in your area that require boaters to get a permit of some sort?

They've begun phasing that in here starting with younger boaters and will eventually apply to everyone but I will be long dead before they get to my age group.

Only applies to powerboats and personal watercraft though.

In your paddle board situation, in spite of their unfriendly response, there is still a decent chance that they've learned something and will know better going forward.

In that kind of tricky navigation scenario it's too bad that there aren't signs where the paddle boarders put in warning them about crossing in front of other boats. Maybe there's not really a good place for signs like that.

[Riggerdood]

CA has a boater card law as well, and it's been the same way: started with younger age groups, and each year included more and more older age groups. This year is the first year that all age groups are required to have one. And it applies to all boaters. I got mine a couple of months ago. I think it was like $10 and completion of an online course, about 2 hours.

As far as signs go, the people Brian encountered don't strike me as folks who would even bother reading them ...