[Rhodes22-list] Re:Response to Dan about first sailing experiences

[Todd Zumach]

Dan,

Don't be put off about my comments about the wind. I am still getting
comfortable sailing in higher winds. I realized during this season that this
was a totally different sailboat. I had the following revelations: First,
given my level of experience (only 3rd year regularly sailing) I never would
have taken my SC22 out in the high/gusty winds. I had no furling on the jib
and only had a rear stay mounted boom topping lift. I had read about the
problems of that type of topping lift. The previous year I had even rigged a
line from the mast head to serve as a topping lift, but it kept getting
tangled so I didn't put it up when I put the boat in the water last year
(big mistake). I had a couple hair raising (and shin scrapping) experiences
in that boat last year. So, we tended to stay off the lake when the winds
were "interesting".

Second, with the R22, I didn't appreciate the value of the IMF until after
the first time taking my wife and our exchange student daughter out for the
first sail in winds of 15+ mph and gusts that built throughout the day. I
was having trouble tacking and heeled excessively so I tried to furl the
main (always furl the main on a port tack). I was on the edge of my ability
and self confidence and ended up using the engine (iron jib) to get me
pointed into the wind and then I doused the sails. Since then (actually I
had to mess up one more time with my oldest daughter on board) I learned
that it is better to leave some of the sail wrapped up until I got away from
the protected SW shore dock.

The most valuable experience I had this sumer was sailing my my friend Rick.
He has a 1975 Hunter 25 that is moored in the Apostle Islands. I got him out
on a day with 10+ mph winds the week after he had been on the big lake in
serious wind. He said he spent 9 hours at a 30 degree heel (a slight
exaggeration I hope). On my boat, he buried the rub rail a couple of times
and learned quickly to hold the boat steady with 15 to 20 degrees of heel. I
realized that the claims that the R22 can not be capsized while under sail
were not marketing hype from Stan. I became a lot more comfortable with the
boat at a 15+ degree heel. The last couple of sails in 10 to 15 mph winds I
had learned how to use the power of the Genoa (it's a 150) for fun and
control too. I was able to keep more of the main out too and I developed a
much better feel of the tiller and was able to stop using the main sheet to
correct for excessive healing. I still have a lot to learn and am excited
about improving my skills so that I will feel comfortable coastal cruising
on Lake Superior. Now I just need to learn how to load the boat back on the
trailer with out attracting all kinds of attention (and well intentioned
helpers) but that is another story.

So, as presumptuous as it may be to give advice given my demonstrated lack
of skills, abilities, and experience, I can say "enjoy the wind". Be
conservative at first (I wasn't), sail with someone experienced (I didn't
soon enough) and enjoy your boat.

Todd



On 11/3/05, daniel snyder <danielsnyder at adelphia.net> wrote:
>
> Todd, enjoyed reading about your experience sailing the Rhodes. I have a
> new one being built for May delivery to sail on our freshwater lakes here
> in
> NH. I'm a first year sailor, having just taken delivery of a West Wight
> Potter 15 this past May which I keep moored in front of our house. I
> couldn't get enough sailing this summer and it was sad to put her away a
> week ago. They had predicted a substantial snowfall....soon as I put her
> away it turned sunny and 60!
>
> I was a little shaken when reading of the difficulty you experienced in
> windy conditions....we have some pretty forceful winds on our lake. I'm
> hopeful that my Potter experience will be sufficient to handle the new
> boat.
> By the end of the season here I quite enjoyed sailing close to the wind
> with
> a substantial heel while under full sail. The Potter has a 110% jib which
> I
> hated to furl. I never had to reef the main. Stan is at the boat show this
> week, but I'm really looking forward to working with him on the new boat
> specs. I've already gotten some really helpful advice from the Rhodes list
> on accessories. Everyone seems so willing to help with their experience.
> Dan
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Todd Zumach" <zoomerzx at gmail.com>
> To: "The Rhodes 22 mail list" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
> Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2005 6:47 PM
> Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] Rhodes 22 list status?
>
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> Since it is slow and the boat is put away I thought I would let you know
> that some of us "northern" sailors have not crawled into the cave to
> hibernate quite yet.
>
> As some of you may recall, I am a new owner. I had a South Coast 22 that
> sank at the dock on Father's Day, so I went without a boat for most of the
> summer. On August 11, I got my "new" 1986 R22 on the water for the first
> time. I can now say, after getting about 15 short sails in that I have
> found
> my dream boat (well, OK maybe a brand new R22 is really my dream boat). My
> wife has compared the SC22 to the R22 like a Ford Fiesta and Mercedes
> Benz.
> I tend to think of it more as a Model T compared to a BMW.
>
> The first few sails were a little dicey. I had gusty winds and (not having
> any furling capability on the SC22) didn't crasp how important it is to
> reef
> early. On the third trip out I thought about two things. First, maybe I
> was
> not really cut out to be a sailor and that the R22 was not the right boat
> for me! Then I got a couple of more experienced sailors out on the boat. I
> sat back (you know, that cabin wall is really comfortable) and let them
> take
> the helm. I paid attention to what they were doing and learned a lot in a
> few short hours. Then in early September, I went on my first solo sail. I
> had a blast! From that point on I was in love with this boat. It was a sad
> day on the first weekend of October when we had to put her away for the
> season.
>
> Since that point I have dreamed of the trips we will have next season. I
> definately will get her up to the Apostle Islands and perhaps to Lake
> Pepin
> on the MN-WI border.
>
> I may sit back and lurk here most of the time. I have enjoyed (and cringed
> a
> bit) at the political discussions, but it is the boating messages I enjoy
> the most.
>
> I managed to get answers to a lot of my newbie questions about sailing on
> the South Coast site. So, I have enoyed reading the comments from other
> new
> owners.
>
> I still have two questions that were never answered when I posted them
> several weeks ago. First, the "old pros" have mentioned searching the
> archives for answers to questions. I have read through some of the
> archives,
> but I don't know what method (software?) is used to actually "search" the
> archives. Any help?
>
> Second, I asked a question a while back about about how to inspect the
> chain
> plates. At the time, it was just idle curiousity, then after I pulled the
> boat, I decided to reseat some of the deck fittings and removed the guard
> plates around the chain plates. I was surprized that some of the chain
> plates had a little play in them (fore/aft). I figured the fastners used
> to
> secure the plate inside the cabin wall may have worked loose. So, the
> question is, how do you inspect them to make sure they are secure and the
> wood is in good shape. Again, any help would be appreciated.
>
> Dreaming of Sailing,
> Todd Zumach
> Phillips, WI
>
> On 11/3/05, Robert Skinner <robert at squirrelhaven.com> wrote:
> >
> > R22RumRunner at aol.com wrote:
> > >
> > > Ed,
> > > Quit inviting people down here. They might actually like it and stay.
> We
> > > have just enough people on the lake the way it is.
> >
> > Now Rummy, don't be like that. It's the PWCs and
> > stinkpots that really get in your face, not us
> > peaceful easy sailors.
> >
> > Besides, I enjoy the fog, the 20-foot tides, granite
> > ledges, many islands and fjords, and other generally
> > challenging conditions of the Maine Coast. Having
> > enjoyed sailing in the Chesapeake Bay region almost
> > year-round, I moved up here to escape the heat.
> >
> > The summers in Maine may be short, but the sailing
> > is intense.
> > --
> > Robert Skinner
> >
> > __________________________________________________
> > Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help?
> > www.rhodes22.org/list <http://www.rhodes22.org/list><
> http://www.rhodes22.org/list>
> >
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