I was convinced I needed to buy a boat. I’d spent the last two years skippering club boats as far afield as they were allowed to go; another year of membership simply wouldn’t help me grow as a sailor. I needed to get offshore to progress and to get offshore I needed to buy a […]
Safety Offshore: Evaluation and Preparation
Mr. Safety nudges you toward the Danger Zone Dana called me out, loudly, “if there is anyone who embodies one of the stereotypes in that video it’s you; you’re ‘Mr. Safety.’” We were at the bar after an uneventful evening circling cans and haranguing each other using the latest sailing video to make the rounds. […]
Our Atlantic Gale: Chip is Not Impressed
I got to crew on a delivery from Nantucket, MA to the Annapolis Sailboat show this year. The GRIBs indicated that if we went far enough south that we’d miss the worst of the low crossing our bow, we even delayed our departure to help it pass. That didn’t work out; the wind never clocked […]
First Nighttime Doublehanded Spinnaker
It was a busy night. We set the chute around midnight after rounding Cape Ann; we triple checked everything and had a great, if hesitant, hoist! Then Gurhan then got his first solo night watch with a preview of the Perseids to keep him company. I set an alarm for when we’d get close to […]
FEARLESS’ Newport to Bermuda Constitutional
What a different experience this year! Instead of days reefed this year we alternated between champagne sailing and fighting to keep steerage in calms. We only used the big genoa and spinnakers; we only put in a single reef once when a squall approached but never caught us. Not that this trip was without drama. […]
Following SavvySalt and friends at sea
I’m new to satellite messaging and if you’re reading this you probably are too. I bought a DeLorme inReach Satellite Communicator (affiliate link) and am trying to use it to help keep friends and family ashore informed about how things are going out at sea. When I’m sailing offshore with friends I try to have the […]
The Scenic Route to the Boat Show
“Today is rain free and just a little bit on the windy side in the Boston Harbor. Let’s go sailing ehh?” “The bay will be much like the open ocean. Sounds like an adventure!” “I really want to get out there now!” Thus were my lamentations as I watched some formidable weather pass the East […]
Fantastic First Delivery: Offshore at 17+ Knots
My first offshore trip was a delivery and it was an amazing sail. When I look back on it I always remember feeling relaxed and cruising downwind. This video makes me feel the same way. Though, as the end alluded to there was still some adventure along the way. With as many things as went […]
