Thoughts on island cruising? Between 1975 and '87 (until a near-death
dismasting), I cruised Santa Cruz Island each summer for a week in my
HMS 18 and have a few unusual thoughts . .
On the basics and ground tackle, use the weight calcs. on your boat when
fully loaded and get local advice on the best all-round anchor type,
size and chain length, size since both work together. Carry two sets of
these.
Also, consider taking a Come-Along (wrapped in plastic) and 1/4" plywood
panels cut to fit under your bunks. Why? My theory was that if bad
weather came up, I could crank my boat up on the beach with the
Come-Along using the plywood as skids, and the wench and anchor
line/chain attached to a rock. I never used the rig, but it was a good
feeling to know that I could go landside while all other boats small and
large would be forced to go off-shore in a very bad unexpected blow.
The worst blow I experienced while at anchor was at Santa Cruz Island
in 1980 tucked in behind Scorpion Rocks on the South-East end, during a
nasty blow lasting all night. I had 200' of line and 30" of chain on a
single Danforth and slept while sitting in the cabin in my wetsuit and
fins on (the boat can be replaced) with spot light in hand. Wind-driven
chop poured over the boat and I waited for the line to part all night.
In summary, for Island cruising I recommend a complete wet suit with
hood and fins, one Come-Along and gear described above and a ton of
flares (collect out-dated ones to augment your current ones). And don't
rely completely on VHF weather forcasts to skirt weather warnings.
Coastal and island sailing accidents claim the most boats and lives each
year.
Just a few thought . . . . . .
steady on the tiller ^^^^^^^
Larry@Monterey Bay, CA
YUUKI HMS 18 #35
http://community.webtv.net/lsteffen/STILLWATERCOVERANCH