From the Pond to the Sea

   Next year (assuming we are able to do such things) I would like to have a go at sailing / racing on the sea. Having only ever sailed on lakes what if anything should I be prepared for?  Waves... wouldn't know what to do with one.

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epicfail Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 01 Dec 19 Online Status: Offline Posts: 61	Post Options Post Reply Quote epicfail Report Post Quote Reply Topic: From the Pond to the Sea Posted: 14 Oct 20 at 7:58pm
	Next year (assuming we are able to do such things) I would like to have a go at sailing / racing on the sea. Having only ever sailed on lakes what if anything should I be prepared for? Waves... wouldn't know what to do with one.

Rupert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rupert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 Oct 20 at 8:45pm
	Waves, tides, windbends (rather than 90° shifts), offshore winds sending capsized boats over the horizon, nasty tasting water. But actual steady breeze where you can sit out without hitting a lull every 10 seconds will be a bonus.
	Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

fab100 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 15 Mar 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1005	Post Options Post Reply Quote fab100 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 Oct 20 at 10:38pm
	I dunno about your inland water, but ours is 2m deep at the max so if you capsize, the hazard is sticking the mast in the mud. On the sea, its usually deep enough for the boat to invert/turtle if you aren't quick onto the plate. So be quick... And if the tide is low when you launch, don't take for granted that your trolley will be waiting for you, it could be 15ft under water when you get back
	Great book for Club Sailors here

Sam.Spoons Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3400	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sam.Spoons Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 14 Oct 20 at 10:39pm
	In many respects sea sailing is easier than inland, the main thing is that the wind is usually more constant in strength and direction so you can get in the groove for much longer without needing to tack on a shift every 30 seconds. Strong winds are more manageable too as the gusts are more predictable (and less viscous than that gap in the trees back home). Tides and waves are a new experience but tides are understandable with a little local knowledge and, once you get the hang of them, waves are just another form of propulsion (well, offwind at least). If you plan to race with safety cover I'd say just go for it. It's a bit less benign if you are sailing alone so if that's the case get yourself a VHF and make sure you pick your conditions. Edited by Sam.Spoons - 14 Oct 20 at 10:42pm
	Spice 346 "Flat Broke" Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

Sussex Lad Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 08 Jun 18 Online Status: Offline Posts: 360	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sussex Lad Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 20 at 4:48am
	As above.....plus Dragging the boat up and down the beach can be a right b**tard. Sand and shingle not so good as a jetty or hard. Tack on a wave were you can. Waves quite often not square to the wind so upwind you might need radically different settings/sheeting/technique for port and starboard tack. Lifts and headers much more subtle on the sea, sometimes difficult to spot when heading out with no visible reference point on horizon. The boat rots quicker so use the hose thoroughly on the metalwork. Oh, almost forgot, "gunwale bum" can be an issue in a salty wetsuit. Edited by Sussex Lad - 15 Oct 20 at 5:20am

NickM99 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Posting king Joined: 26 Apr 14 Online Status: Offline Posts: 145	Post Options Post Reply Quote NickM99 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 20 at 9:09am
	Boat speed is probably more important on the sea where you have longer legs and fewer opportunities to make big gains by sussing out wind shifts, bends and shadows inland.

davidyacht Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 29 Mar 05 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1345	Post Options Post Reply Quote davidyacht Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 20 at 9:14am
	Easy to forget about getting into the rhythm of working your way over the waves upwind and surfing the waves offwind. Get a tactical compass. Read a book on coastal meteorology.
	Happily living in the past

423zero Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jan 15 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3420	Post Options Post Reply Quote 423zero Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 20 at 9:56am
	Can also get big on you, suddenly, especially when sailing alone, I always use a surfboard tether when I am just cruising, if you capsize, the boat can't float away from you, take your phone too.
	Robert

Gordon 1430 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 27 Jun 17 Location: Lee on Solent Online Status: Offline Posts: 310	Post Options Post Reply Quote Gordon 1430 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 20 at 12:00pm
	If your going out alone make sure you let someone won know what time you should be back. If your late call them before they ring the coastguard. Not all sea will let you invert most of the Solent wont for certain at low tide.
	Gordon Phantom 1430

epicfail Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 01 Dec 19 Online Status: Offline Posts: 61	Post Options Post Reply Quote epicfail Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 15 Oct 20 at 12:38pm
	Lots of great replies! I won't be sailing alone, I plan to have a go at a couple of class events. Sailing on a shallow shifty pond is always entertaining but sometimes feels a little restricted. Tacking to avoid upsetting blokes fishing, dodging three islands and keeping out of the way of the RYA classes. Add this to covering all points of sail on one leg etc.