[Rhodes22-list] July 2006 Sail Magazine

[KUHN, LELAND]

This month's issue of SAIL magazine has an article on picking the right
bluewater boat.  Even though our Rhodes aren't designed for the high
seas, it's surprising how many of the author's considerations fit our
little boats:

 

*	A comfortable and seaworthy cockpit.  This is where you spend
most of your time, at sea and in port.  Good visibility from the helm,
easy access to sail controls, benches long enough to stretch out on,
well-angled seat backs, and a bridgedeck are important.
*	A well-balanced hull and rig that respond well to self-steering
gear.  Self-steering, whether in the form of an autopilot or a
wind-vane, is critical to the success of any long voyage.
*	A sailplan that is easy to handle yet can be tweaked for better
performance.  The two big secrets of cruising are that there is more
light air than heavy air and that cruisers motor more often than they
should.  A light boat is not the answer; a generous rig is.
*	A keel that can survive a grounding and a skeg to protect the
rudder.  Sooner or later you will hit something hard and snag something
you didn't mean to.
*	A hull shape that can track upwind.  There is plenty of windward
sailing offshore, even during a trade-wind passage.  Close-windedness is
less important than the ability to track well while making little
leeway.
*	A hull shape that doesn't pound in a sea-way.  A good motion is
the single most important feature in an offshore boat.  A soft ride
reduces crew fatigue, limits seasickness.
*	A deck layout that keeps you secure when going forward in a
blow.  No matter how many lines you lead aft, you will need to leave the
cockpit.  Bulwarks, tall, well-supported stanchions and lifelines, and
well-placed handholds are important.
*	An interior arrangement that works for you.  If you sail as a
couple, do you really need four private cabins?  Those friends who
promise to come visit you in Bora Bora never show up.  Privacy is
important, but is less important than good ventilation, light,
seaberths, and a functional galley.
*	Finally, the boat must turn you on.  You have to admire the way
it looks.  Don't laugh.  Talk to owners of ugly boats; they're always on
the defensive.  Besides, form and function are always joined at the hip.

 

 Sounds like Stan wrote some of this.

 

Lee

Kent Island, Md

S/V  At Ease

 

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