Hi Sailors!
The Sailing Weekly Roundup brings you the latest in sailing news, trends, gear, events, and training. Every week 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 just returned from a 5 day coastal and offshore expedition where we beat our way against relentless headwinds to New Bedford, MA. Next week I’m headed to Bermuda with 4 students aboard Rocinante, our Norseman 447, for an offshore sail-training expedition. After a few days in Bermuda to re-provision and rest, we’ll head back offshore and point the bow for our home waters of Penobscot Bay, Maine
During this last expedition I sailed from Rockland ME to New Bedford MA with my co-instructor/mate Biz Wallace and a lovely couple from Virginia who are planning to spread their sailing wings a bit wider in the coming years aboard their new sailboat.
On this windy passage, one thing came up repeatedly: reefing. My motto is “reef often, reef early.” We reefed by day, we reefed at night. We struck the jib and set the stays’l, we partially rolled the jib, we shook some reefs. We did it all, over and over again as conditions required. At first, having to go forward to the mast to set the main and stays’l is surprising and daunting for some of our trainees. We keep our halyards led to the base of the mast, instead of the cockpit. We have our reasons, which have evolved over the years. But our current reefing system is pretty sweet and once our students experience the simplicity of it, they come to appreciate Rocinante’s set up.
There are a few things that help make our reefing system work so well. (1) Simplicity and low friction. (2) The Granny Bars. By far, one of the best features of our rig are the granny bars. They really do transform working lines at the mast from a scary and heroic act of bravery (tomfoolery?) to a safe and comfortable adventure. They provide a good secure perch for cranking the winch, seeing the sail, communicating with your crew and of course clipping a tether. (3) A dedicated clew outhaul winch on the aft side of the mast. This winch and it’s simple rigging help make reefing the mains’l a painless 2 minute operation. Seriously.
Ensuring that your reefing system is simple, bulletproof, and easy to use, is one of the best safety features you can add/adjust on your boat. Once it’s set up well, you too will reef often and early, and with glee.
Note: I apologize for not keeping up It’s been difficult to keep up with these weekly newsletters, and I apologize for the inconsistent delivery. While we are offshore for the next 3 weeks, there will be limited newsletters, but we’ll be back to our normal schedule when I return in July. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
~ Ben
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Don’t forget to check out our sail-training expeditions at MorseAlpha.com.
From Morse Alpha:
2 Bunks available on our July 18-23 AND August 15-20 Expeditions
We had a cancellation! It’s not too late to join us for an expedition this summer. Our expeditions are always busy with lessons, drills, scenarios, planning, navigation, and fun. One day we’ll head out to sea and sail overnight. The expedition 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’s a lot different than our previous boats, but still considered a classic… one of Bob Perry’s best designs. She sails and handles wonderfully in all conditions we’ve experienced so far.
Now for the best of the web...
News:
Fears of environmental disaster as oil-laden ship sinks off Sri Lanka
”With all the dangerous goods, the nitric acid and all these other things, and the oil in the ship, if it's sinking it will basically destroy the whole bottom of the sea," she said.Boat Bursts in Flames After Owners Harass Boaters Flying Pride Flags
Moments after shouting gay slurs at a boat flying LGBTQ Pride flags, passengers find themselves swimming for their lives.
Educational:
Can tide height affect an object’s visibility from a yacht?
The skipper and crew of the Bowman 46, Flying Colours, are anticipating their arrival in Falmouth after crossing the Atlantic. They are currently about 30 miles off the Isles of Scilly, sailing through the night in clear visibility.