| Author | Message | ||
     david (david) |
Someone on the roster for my boat wrote me an email expressing newbie reservations and I accidently deleted it before I could fully read it or reply. So here is my general response. Don't worry. Bring something warm to sleep in and some warm layers (wool or polyester fleece are best) and a windproof layer for the nights. This may include your legs, although I have seen people just tough that one out. It gets cold. Cold is the most common avoidable problem. If you show up in shorts and a tee with only your sleeping bag over your shoulder, you will be miserable at some point and I will have very little pity. I will do something about it if you appear to be developing hypothermia, but otherwise its a cold object lesson in not following instructions. Even if you can't beg or borrow enough clothes, you will stand watch during the night. Second, use some kind of seasickness medication. You are a newbie and you don't know if you are susceptible or not. See the post below on the subject. Meclizine works most of the time, Trans Scop works almost all the time. The side effects tend to be non-existent, so take something. Seasickness can be miserable. Scop requires you to get a prescription from a doctor, Meclizine is OTC. Nothing else matters much. Sunscreen would be good. If you appear to be so awkward that you have trouble moving around outside the cockpit, which is rare, we will either keep you in the cockpit or harness you to the boat. If you know nothing about sailing, you can still grind on a winch. You will be surprised how much you pick up along the way. You WILL learn how to steer, because it isn't that hard. One additional comfort note: You will probably get constipated because you will probably not drink enough water and you will probably avoid the unfamiliarity of the head until it is too late. If you cannot endure being stopped up for three days, bring some stool softener. My purpose is to keep us out of trouble, get you where you are supposed to be going, and teach you whatever you can absorb. Relax, this is a bit like backpacking. Its not a leisure ride, but if you can put one foot in front of the other and follow simple directions, you will have a very memorable, positive experience. | ||
| david (david) |
Pilgrimage does not really have a chance of sailing faster than Campbell's Sloop. The Sloop is a much lighter boat as well as probably having a much cleaner bottom. The Pearson is designed as a long-distance boat, not as a cruiser-racer. The Sloop is also being skippered by her owner, who knows her through-and-through. Susie is also a very accomplished sailor. The Group sails as fast as the slowest boat. If we can make Susie work a little to stay ahead at some point, that will be fun enough. We will fly every square inch of dacron I can rig. | ||
| susie (susie) |
Good News! I was able to get the Sea Scout boat Half Moon for Friday night. So far I have Chris, Virgina, Carol, Dixie, Kim and myself. I can probably take 2 more. Marcie??? Plan to meet again at 1630 hours SHARP; at the youth facility buildings! We will for sure be anchoring this time...we need the practice!!!!!! | ||
| dickb (dickb) |
David, If Pilgrimage is going to have any hope of challenging Campbell's Sloop, especially in light airs, we'd better take a clue from Capt. Kidd and add sweeps to our inventory. | ||
| markhowe |
I am gone to Catalina for 2 days, back Thurs night. I have listed some tentative boat crews on the roster page. I have all the inexperienced on my boat plus Alex who is very experienced. Had a good shakedown sail for the newbies last night on Blue Dolphin. Those of you who help David out working on Pilgrimage may be able to talk him into going out to test the fruits of your labors. Don't forget Susie's offer for Friday afternoon. See you Friday night. Also don't forget that if you fail to show up for the precruise meetings without a proxy and notification of instructor [me] you will be dropped from the class. | ||
| david (david) |
I will be doing some maintenance on Pilgrimage during the 4 days before we leave on the trip on the 14th. Anyone who is available during that time and who wishes to get some experience in boat maintenance and help enhance our trip please contact me. First on the list is anything basic which is non-functional, disinfecting the water tanks and such. Then I will try to get the radar back up. We need to check the sails and rigging as well. I have a few larger staysails from the Scout inventory which I would like to try for fit. The flopper stopper could also use a little work, which you will probably appreciate at anchor off SBI. Campbell's Sloop is a fast boat and we will want all the sail area we can get to give them a run on an inherently slower boat in light air  | ||
| markhowe |
Tuesday sail will be at 1730. Those who can, come at 1630 or so and we can go over the parts of the boat and practice setting and dousing sails and reefing. The rest of you get there when you can but let me know so's we can look for you. | ||
| Ryan Evans |
I'd be very interested in going on the shakedown sail tomorrow; however would not be able to make it until 1730 or so. If this isn't too late, please count me in. Otherwise, I can also go Fri (after 1530) if that works better for others, or just wait for the next one. | ||
| markhowe |
Regarding the shakedown sail tomorrow night; would delaying it til 1700 help anyone? I only had Spring and Saul and now Spring can't make it by 1600. Not sure what Saul's situation is. How bout Laura, Donna and the rest of you that I haven't heard much from?? Another possibility might be Friday during the day, but I don't imagine that will help much. Tues night should be the best shot. | ||
| markhowe |
Shakedown sail for inexperienced sailors on Tues. from 1600-1800 or so. Just a short intro to get you started. Mainly so that when we start talking about things in the class, you will have some idea what we're talking about. Meet at the Youth and Group facility [gray buildings by the kiddie beach] at the opposite end of the parking lot from the Aventura classroom. I'll be around earlier if you can get there earlier. Let me know. | ||
| susie (susie) |
On Friday Aug.1st (the day of our first class) From 1630 sharp until 1845, I'd be happy to give the students in our class, who have never before anchored, the opportunity. Please let me know if you plan to come. I'd be happy to do the same thing on Friday the 8th. Dock B/ West Side/ 189/Campbell's Sloop. My cell# is 874-4819. | ||
| susie (susie) |
Opps...did I say 4:30? You don't know if this is AM or PM do you. Let's make that 1630! | ||
| susie (susie) |
Dang...I'd love to take a group out next Monday or Tuesday but I'm sailing over to Catalina and Santa Barbara this Sunday and wont be back until Thursday. Oh...anybody want to practice anchoring with me tomorrow night? (Friday) 4:30 Dock B/ West Side/ 189/Campbell's Sloop. My cell# is 874-4819. | ||
| saul (saul) |
I have no experience and can go for sure on Monday, not so sure on Tues but I'll try. | ||
| Spring Sendele |
Count me in for a sail on Monday or Tuesday if you decide to go... Spring Sendele | ||
| markhowe |
Any inexperienced class members interested in doing a sail next Mon or Tues??? I'm thinking a short shakedown sail for those who haven't had the chance to see what it is all about. Maybe Susie might like to take her crew out too?? Say maybe from 1600-1800? [can you translate that now?] Or later if that would help. Mark | ||
| susie (susie) |
Time I thought I'd share with you a few tips on the 24hour time cycle. It is true that AM and PM have no place in navigation. Written time uses four digits: Two for the hour(09-not just 9 and two for the minute (01-not just 1) The day begins at 0000, and the time one minute later is recorded as 0001 or 12:01am; 0100 would be 1:00am IF...you were on land! The second half of the day continues in the same pattern. All chart work should be done in this format. Spoken time is just as concise; "zero seven hundred" or "fourteen forty." For the sake of consistancy, at 1000 and 2000 you would say "ten hundred" and "twenty hundred" rather than one or two thousand. I'm going to share with you how I learned to figure out the time. You don't need all your toes and fingers for this technique; all you need to know, is how to subtract 2 from a number! 1300 3-2- 1:00pm 1400 4-2= 2:00pm 1500 5-2= 3:00pm 1600 6-2= 4:00pm 1700 7-2= 5:00pm 1800 8-2= 6:00pm 1900 9-2= 7:00pm 2000 20-2 Think 10-2= 8:00pm 2100 21-2 Think 11-2= 9:00pm 2200 22-2 think 12-2= 10:00pm 2300 23-2 think 13-2= 11:00pm 2400 24-2 think 14-2= 12:00pm I hope this makes it a little easier for you! | ||
| susie (susie) |
If you'd like to learn more about the Channel Islands before you venture out there in Aug.; check it out on the web. www.nationalparks.com/channel_islands_national_park.htm Maybe next year the Saddleback class can go to Santa Cruz and Anacapa; take a 7 day trip. What do you think about that?? | ||
| susie (susie) |
Bald Eagle chicks will join the neighborhood! 12 bald Eagles were realeased on Santa Cruz Island this summer. A 6 week old bald Eagle from Alaska was taken to the island Sunday. This is the second year in a 5 year bird release project. Of the 12 they released last year, 7 have been found on Santa Cruz or Anacapa. So...if there are any bird lovers in this group, bring your binoculars and let's see if we can't spot some of these beautiful creatures! There's also said to be a bald captain we can spot on the sailing vessel Pilgrimage?? He is known to be one of the most complex creatures ever to roam the land. MAN!!! |
