Hi Sailors!
The Sailing Weekly Roundup brings you the latest in sailing news, trends, gear, events, and training. Every Friday we’ll send a curated list and analysis by Capt. Teresa and Ben Carey. Instead of sifting through a ton of articles and videos each day – let us do the work for you.
Analysis:
I watched some of the latest Project Atticus videos and couldn't help but chuckle at how common their problems are. Any "new to you" boat will have more problems than expected, and the best-intentioned surveys barely scratch the surface. I've sailed many boats, and I've learned that same lesson many times. Only Chamois and Daphne – our two Nor'sea 27's were trouble-free out of the gate. Coincidence? Probably.
But the issues with Atticus 2 remind me of when we bought Rocinante our Norseman 447 in Bocas del Toro, Panama. To say she was neglected would have been a gross understatement. The previous owners had parked her and walked away. They left their razor on the sink, an open can of beans in the galley, and dirty laundry in the hamper.
Cleaning the boat was less than half of the fun. The previous owners also left a roller furling jib furled the wrong way, basically sunbaking the sail. They left the watermaker unpickled and a vice grip holding on a bolt for the main traveler, among a few other treasures and "creative jury rigs."
We spent a few weeks in Bocas del Toro working on the boat, learning her ins and outs, repairing a few things, exploring, and cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.
But we never could have been ready for the first few days of our passage north. Our 3000nm shakedown sail was one we'll never forget. Just for the record, I don't recommend anyone do a 3000nm shakedown sail. Ever. Especially up the windward passage – which is notorious for the accelerated trade winds and high seas.
On our second day out, we encountered those infamous winds that blow off the coast of Columbia. They were howling! It was a steady 30-35kts and gusting, with 12-14' seas for the next four days. We gave the boat the most serious shakedown possible. It was downright scary. The boat leaked seemingly everywhere. Water was running down the inside of the hull at every chainplate and stanchion. The mast creaked, the floorboards groaned, the head smelled. We wondered if this boat was going to make it. Everything became a worry.
We swore many times over that we would sell this boat as soon as we got back to the states. That was seven years ago. Since then, we've rebed every piece of hardware, replaced the rig, replaced the head, replaced, replaced, replaced. Rocinante is practically a new boat now. We even renamed her. And we are so glad to have the boat we currently have because we fixed every creak and know how reliable she is.
~ Ben
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Don’t forget to check out our sail-training expeditions at MorseAlpha.com.
From Morse Alpha:
Two berths available on our August 15-20th Maine Coastal & Offshore Expedition
We have 2 spots left for this challenging course. Our expeditions are jam packed with lessons, drills, scenarios, planning, and navigation. One day we’ll head out to sea and sail overnight. The trip starts and ends in Rockland ME.Six Things We Love About Our Norseman 447
We are just about 2 years into ownership of Rocinante our Norseman 447. In that time we’ve sailed her just about 8,000 nm and we’ve gotten to know her a bit better. She sails and handles wonderfully in all conditions we’ve experienced so far.
Now for the best of the web...
News:
Video:SailGP Japan collision with USA SailGP on Leg 3, of Race 4 - SailGP Bermuda
SailGP Japan collision with USA SailGP on Leg 3, of Race 4 - SailGP Bermuda. Nathan Outteridge helming SailGP Japan on port tack was on a collision course with USA.
Lifestyle:
Project Atticus: We definitely were NOT expecting this...
We hit a couple of road blocks this week as we struggle to get to know our new sailboat and try to get it ready to leave the dock. We deal with our diesel heater and fridge failing, we complete some difficult engine work, and we ask ourselves if we made the right decision in buying this boat...
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