Lake sailing to sea sailing

I finally got the 16 out in the swells for the first time last weekend thanks to Genmar Star and the rest of the Wrightsville "junkyard crew". Man what a difference! It adds a whole new level to the sailing experience. The first day was blowing pretty good. I had sailed in those kind of winds before but never where they were so consistent. My first challenge was making my way out of the inlet and into the ocean, a task I didn't do so well on that day. The wind was coming straight down the inlet which required some timely tacking to make it out. I think all in all I blew about twelve or more tacks. I was having all kinds of trouble adjusting to the persistent wind, waves, and confined conditions. To add to the problem, my main traveler was sticking and the jib sheets kept getting twisted from the jib clew plate pullys. I became aquianted with the Wrightsville beach Coast Guard after I blew a tack near their station and was basically carried into their dock . I managed to beach at a small landing they had to quickly untangle the jib sheet. I have to give them props for being cool about it as legally I wasn't supposed to be anywhere near there. I didn't have much room to manuvere out and immediately after I shoved off I couldn't get the rudders down enough to steer my way out of hitting their dock again, at which point one of the coasties asked me if I'd ever been on a Hobie before. That was like nails on a chalkboard. But I eventually made it out to the ocean and had a great time trying to keep the boat right side up. Day two was a bit better with lighter winds and I remembered how to properly tack, I'm proud to say I didn't blow a single tack or jybe the second time out, and stayed well away of the Coast Guard. Ocean sailing is where it's at, I didn't know what I was missing. Thanks again to the junkyard crew for getting me out there and helping me get over the first time jitters of ocean sailing. Now I just need to work on keeping up.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

I've never sailed on a lake but have always wanted to out of curiousity. Nevertheless, you're right . . . . sailing on the ocean is a blast. It's more fun than "Six Flags." I learned on the ocean and at first, I was terrified. After many capsizes and sometimes being washed up on the beach on my side (ridding me of most of my fears), I began to look for the high winds and big swells. Sometimes when there weren't many swells, I'd sail behind the path of the big boats across the wake just to get that rush. It would be temporary but it would be better than nothing. Has sailing made me stupid or what? I still want to see what kind of speed I can get out of my boat with flat water. Well, one day.

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Happy Sailing,

David

Yeah man, I was a bit scared the first time out. I tried my best to hide it and think I did ok. The crew I was with was real supportive. Sailing in the ocean was such a cool experience. I'm sure a lot of you here started out in the ocean but it was a big step up for me. And my two-three years on the hobie is the only sailing experience I've really ever had, aside from my week long sailing merit badge course at one summer camp many moons ago.

But that being said, lake sailing, especially small lake sailing, is still fun and enjoyable. I think it has made me a better sailor in light air as you are constantly having to watch the puffs and lulls to keep speed. Plus, there is little to no wave action or motor boat wake, at least where I sail. I've unofficially gotten up to somewhere between 20-23 mph on the lake, having a wave rider with speedometer keep up with me, not accurate I know. But I was smoked in the ocean close hauled, I tried my best to watch what everyone was doing as they scooted by me. But, now I'm jonsing to get back in the swells and trying to keep up with the better sailors. You gotta love this sport! I'm hoping to take a newbie out on the lake this weekend, maybe I can russle up another future sailor. Somebody's got to drive all those used boats out there.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909