Anyway, regarding recent posts:
Mike W. I try to never comment on p-15 issues because I don't know that
much about them, except they make an excellent escort. However, I think if
you are going to single-hand, rigging the halyards to the cockpit is
essential, you also want those sail slugs and if possible a cunningham.
Check the condition of your mainsail. Is it all baggy and blown out? If
so it can be treacherous when its gusty as it "cups" the wind. Also a
tiller tamer or some such device would be a good thing.
Geoff and SF - I love the reverse on my Nissan, but it's on a 19. I think
rowing a 15 would be a great way to get it in and out of a slip/dock.
Pat Brennan - Back in the early 80's I was sailing a boat out of the
Estuary. It was a 30' Aldan-Huxley (I think that was it). It was all teak
and mahogony and had an inboard. The first time I took it out we couldnt
get the motor to start. But, hardcore that I am, I noted the paddles and
suggested we just go out in the estuary and tack her. She moved well and
the next thing I knew we were out in the bay. None of the four people with
me knew anything about sailing. I said the boat handled extremely well and
I thought we could safely head for Alcatraz. Well, soon we were under the
Golden Gate! Many of the boats around us were reefed, but that boat was
heavy and plunged on nicely. We ran through Racoon Straits and came around
the back-side of Angel Island at about 5:00 on a tack for Alameda. The
wind died completely. We took turns paddling. Whle also checking out the
engine and its problems. We made good progress and as we eventually got
out of the lee of the island and in the end I brought her into the slip on
a puff. We had no electronics, chart, or radio on the boat. It was
probably a very foolish trip but a great memory.
Later I checked out the tide table and found we had sailed with the tide
that morning and come back on it in the evening. Ever since then I have
paid very close attention to the tide book when sailing on the bay. Since
owning my potter I have had numerous experiences with currents affecting my
heading etc. on the bay. I decide when and where to launch and at what
time based on the tide tables and particularly the current direction and
speed. You can do alot more and go further if you "go with the flow".
Rye - my p19 #621 has a sealed chain locker. I don't use a ventilator so
it stays pretty dry. I only occasionally use the big anchor so if I use my
rode I just take it out to dry when I get home.
Eric Zilbert
Davis, not-by-the-sea, California