Cancun Sailing Adventure

OK so I spent a week in the Caribbean Sea on a Lagoon 440, learned how to' put up the main and jib, run the auto pilot, use both the manual and powered sail winches, and use the electronic relative wind, heading indicator. The boat was much slower than I thought it was going to be, its also very heavy on the helm. In any wind over about 10 knots adjusting the jib track is a real pain. It was hard to read the sails like I do on my Hobie, its not something you want to keep playing with on a boat with large sails. Anyway all was good. Saw a really nice 80' Tahiti cat doing day charters, looks very fast. Now I just have to wait till the long weekend in May to get the Getaway out !! I'll try and post some pics later.

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06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

Part of the speed sensation that is lost is due to the height that the helm is at on the Lagoon 440. Brendan and I (from Hobie Cat) sailed in the BVI last November on one after sailing Waves and Getaways at the Bitter End for a week. We had the same impression, but man, the higher you get off the water the slower anything feels.

How about that "sectional living room couch" up at the helm station though? 6-8 seating?

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Ya, that was nice, although when tacking or jibing all those people get in the way of the winches LOL. It is a very comfortable boat, lots of room inside and even with 4 state rooms and 4 heads, there was stiff plenty of room on board. Too bad I don't have the .75mil I need for a good used one.

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06 getaway -- always remember, man with both feet in mouth have no leg to stand on.

Also sailed a Lagoon 440 in the BVI (2009), then a Sunsail 384 last August.

Those cats are gorgeous....but remember guys, we're looking at a gross weight of like 25,000 lbs for the 440, if I remember correctly. Water, beer, fuel, wine, holding tanks, pop, more beer, scuba tanks, there's a lot of weight there, so no wonder the performance suffers.

The 384 has a different (narrower) design for the wetted part of the hulls, and performs relatively better, we could hold 5.7 knots without trouble.

A beach cat is still the fastest regular vessel though....even though I loved the 6/8 seater 'sofa' in front, and five at the helm was a regular event.....

When do we leave?

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2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

I've often wondered what is required in order to sail a charter vessel. I have dreamed of doing that, but thought that maybe some sort of certification would be required. My wife and I have contemplated taking a sailing course since we are sorta looking for a monohull to sail and spend some time on.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

Sailing a bigger boat, keel boat or cat, is probably beyond what was intended for this Forum ....however, being one who believes that we never stop learning, I'll start by saying that chartering is hugely fun, a great adventure.

Chartering has turned into a major tourist 'industry', in wonderful places like the BVI's, the Grenadines, Tahiti, Split, Dubrovnik, Turkey, Greece, Australia and elsewhere.

You want to know what is needed to sail a cat on a charter.....you need to demonstrate that you have the experience and knowledge to sail one of their charter boats safely, and be comfortable in those waters and those conditions.

Why not ick up a couple of magazines, Sailing, Cruising World, Latitudes & Attitudes....
If you want to go 'formal', perhaps you might contact your local sailing club and see about getting 'certified', that is, White Sail I, II, III, then perhaps Bronze IV.... then do the American Power Squadron first course, 'Basic Seamanship'. You may want to do more, like 'Celestial Navigation', although with GPS these days.....

The best way to get experience for your sailing resume is to get together with clubs or folks who own a keelboat or a cat, and do sailing with them......

One of the better options is to join a FLOTILLA... maybe six boats, and one Flotilla skipper. You'll be like little ducklings behind the skipper's boat, and you'll learn. You already know most of the basics...let the skipper guide you as to that day's course and anchorage. The sailing you'll pick up in less than 15 minutes.

That's how we started: after learning to sail on little dinghies (Albacore and Laser), we sailed H16s, a Bristol 33 out of Hyannisport, then H18s, then a berth on a 52' Privilege sailing around Antigua for a week, sailed a Hobie 15 off the beach (this is a Hobie from Europe), then in Florida a Wave, then a 29'er, then sailed with Alan on his Tiger (the best), then a berth on a Lagoon 440 in the BVI's, then a Sunsail 384 in the BVI's....live and learn.

Try http://www.sunsail.com, they know their stuff.

email me off line for more info... can't wait to go snorkeling at the Indians and drop in at Willie T's for a drink....

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2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

I have read numerous books on sailing monohulls and currently subscribe to Sail magazine (although it is deals mostly with boats WELL above my means). I would really love to start with a pocket cruiser and eventually work my way up to something larger.

I am curious how one would "demonstrate" "experience and knowledge" to a charter company. Although I am very comfortable on a beach cat, I am not so naive as to think beach cat experience is all it takes. I realize there are many concerns when sailing a large vessel in unfamiliar waters what with shoals, currents, weather, shipping traffic just to name a few of the hazards. At any rate, I'll keep dreaming and work my way toward that goal.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

I think the course is called 'Basic Coastal Cruising'.
You need to demonstrate:

You know how:
to raise/lower the main sail
to furl/unfurl the genoa
to set reefs in each
to sail a triangular course, tack, gybe, reach, run
to adjust the traveler/cars for both main and genoa
to power up and check the motors, run in forward and reverse, power down.
to know where to refill with fuel, if needed
to check engine fluids
to operate showers, toilets and holding tanks,
including the 'after snorkelling shower at the swim ladder'
to switch propane on/off
to switch master electrics off, as needed
to locate and operate water systems, and how to refill as needed
to keep the beer coolers full of ice
to operate genset, air conditioning and other 'convenience' amenities
to use the radios
to operate navigation systems
to read a chart and guide books and to follow do's and dont's
to follow 'red right returning'
to avoid collisions and know your COLREGS
to know where the lifejackets and other safety equipment is stored
and how to use them
to set anchor lights at night
to lock all hatches before heading out
to pick up mooring balls and using a bridle to anchor to a m/ball
to set and retrieve an anchor in permitted areas
to approach and tie up to a dock, with fenders
to depart from a dock, and store fender
to 'raft' with another cat
to lower/raise the dinghy and to operate the outboard motor
to open beer or wine
to lower the swim ladder
to play poker
to change CD's
to treat locals with respect
to provision the vessel with adequate supplies of food, beer, wine, corn chips and salsa
to cook and clean dishes, pots and pans
to deal with garbage
to use clothes pegs the proper way so swimsuits dry out quickly
to remember to re-charge the cell phone, laptop and camera each day
to sail safely and have fun.....

What have I left out???

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2015 H16, with spin,
SOLD 1989 Hobie SX18 Sail # 1947 "In Theory..."
'Only two things are infinite, the universe, and human stupidity. But I'm not sure about the former.'

Mixing rum drinks, especially Painkillers!

ET: It all depends on where you go and who you charter with. I've done two BVI trips with The Moorings ('04 and '08).....simple line of sight navigation and the water's deep where you need it. I had a little experience with bigger boats and a little offshore, but mostly my H-16....they approved my resume. (You also pay for a ton of mandatory insurance.) They really make it easy and will send a captain out with you the first half day at no charge if you (or they) want. The boats are equipped to raise/lower/furl sails easily if all else fails, then it's just a big power boat. Get some bigger boat experience and maybe a little offshore, do your homework, and go for it!

There's nothing like Island Time, mon!

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

Have a look at Cumberland Charter Yachts in The Whitsunday Islands Queensland Australia. ccy.com.au
Fly in Jump on fully provisioned Yacht (cat or monohull) get directions. Sail around paradise (islands, sandy beaches, coral, tropical fish. Come back to base. Leave all the garbage and clean up for the professionals. Five minute bus ride back to the airport at Hamilton Island. i did it last October. March to November probably best time. Tell them Donald sent you and i might get a discount next time

In the USVI and BVI, I recommend long time Hobie Sailor Teri Mckenna's yacht "Safari" Lagoon 440.

http://www.boatbookings.com/yacht_search/cya_snap_results.php?id=2350&d=1

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I am already proficient at some of the items on the list! Bringing the beer, icing down the beer and opening the beer! A charter with skipper might be a good start. Could probably learn a lot that way.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic