first time out on my boat.

I just got back from my second time on a hobie and we had alot of fun. Sailed about eleven miles south on the Indian River and back. It took us about 7 hours total we stopped on an island for about half an hour. The only problem was when we came in to the island the boat stalled because the wind was coming from the island. It took quite a few attempts before we got in close and i jumped of and pulled the boat in. The only spot to land was only about twenty feet wide and the rest of the edge was brush and it was close to the middle so how could I approach and not lose wind? thanks sorry for the long post

That is just one of the problems with sailboats, as you come into the beach you will probably have some trouble.

The beach I beach at is really hard to get to, there is a dock that forces me to work upwind in about a 20 yard wide area, but it sure makes me better at boat handling.

_________________
Nacra 5.2 "Elsies"
Hobie 14T, "Blazin" I guess I am keeping her!

The third island going south is our hangout on the weekends with the motorboat. There is a sandbar on the west side so when I take the 16 out I usually approach from the windward side and just pull up on the beach.
That way its quick to get in and out.
How easy was it for you to launch out of Ballard? I pull my boat up to that little area next to the dock and rig up. Sometimes that daymarker gets in the way while I'm trying to get out if the wind is strong. I looked for your boat, but it was too hazy to see down to the islands clearly.
Anyway my wife and I are planning an early morning sail on Monday.
I'm glad you had a good sail.

Eric

how long does it usually take you to get down to the islands? i am just learning to sail so it took longer than it should but it is fun i might try to go out mon. afternoon i have to go in to work for a while. we didn't have any problems getting in or out of ballard. leaving the wind was pretty calm so we just barely were moving but i got to the launch about 6:15 set up the boat in the grass on the side of the ramps pulled it down no one was leaving in any motor boats making it easier. coming back in i paddle a little just because of more traffic but the wind picked up and we made right in to were we launched. rigging the boat is so easy it only took about 15 min to get in on the trailer and head for home. i live about five minutes away. i just need to learn to put the mast up myself and i will go after work for a few hours.

I always try to use the wind to my advantage if I'm going to sail a long distance either up or down the river. I get the forecast before starting out. If its going to be a lot of work going up wind to the islands, then that is what I prefer knowing that I'll be able to sail back on a run. Getting out early in the mornings usually means light wind sometimes from the west or so. It will usually turn from the east when the east coast seabreeze kicks in. Depending on the speed and direction I can get to the island in maybe 45 minutes to an hour. I can sail from the Pineda Causeway to the Eau Gallie Causeway in 30 minutes with a steady wind. The distance is about 6 miles, so doing the math I may average about 12 miles an hour. But, anyway whats the hurry.

Take Care,

Eric