Need some encouragment here

OK, the plan this weekend is to take the Wave from Biloxi, MS out to Ship Island. Its a ~12mile journey one way. I've never sailed salt water before. The marine forecast for this weekend in the Mississippi sound is for 15-20 knots wind, 2-4 foot waves, protected water choppy.

The distance does not scare me. I've done 25miles on a lake before without any breaks. 20 knots of wind does not scare me - I've done more than that on a lake. I guess what I am apprehensive about is the fact that I will be in "the Gulf".

I've been over the boat. Everything is in order and all shackles and screws tight.

Can I do this? Should be a piece of cake right?

Where would your wife like us to send flowers?

Oh crap, I need to pay that life insurance premium. I'm sure I will get around to that before I head off...

Good Luck 'Dead Meat'. Tell me about who you discovered killed Kennedy when you get back. If you get hurt, they'll take you to a hospital, what the worst that could happen?

I've been out in more extreme conditions. The WAVE is competent. If you are alone or sailing solo, you might consider tethering yourself to the boat.

I do.

It Gives me a sense of comfort and security knowing I won't get seperated from my boat and die bobbing up and down out in the deep blue sea all alone.

_________________

"HOBIE....
Say it LOUD and there's music playing...
Say it SOFT and it's almost like praying.....
I just sailed my WAVE out the Marina !"
West Coast Story

I guess if you have necessary safety equipment, (ie VHF radio, etc), you are confident that conditions won't change for the worse, and feel up to the challenge, then I would say people have done crazier things!
Good luck.

_________________
Jim

2007 Hobie Wave

Really Chris, how many people are going to catch an oddball reference from Hot Shots?

Pudding?

The doctors want to do a inverse reverse rectum pupiloptimy to fix my eyes. They have to go in through the rectum - aint no man taking that route with me!

Also, I'm going for it! Weather forecast looks good. If Im not back in a week, you can find a free partially wrecked Hobie Wave somewhere between Biloxi, MS and West Ship Island - good luck finding it suckers!

I have been sailing my H 14 in the Gulf for the past two years. I have only been out about 3 miles; I have not been out 12 miles but I would not be concerned doing that riding high on my brand new Wave. It can be choppy but it is not that much different than lake sailing.

The tether idea sounds good if you are alone. I saw a man lose his sail boat to the wind just a few weeks ago. Thankfully someone on shore was watching with a telescope and saw him out there alone and sent help. Then they had to chase down the boat.

Good luck, be safe and have fun.

Betsy

Ramada, I've fallen for you like a blind roofer.

I shall name my Wave: "S.S. Essess"

Owatonna, Latoya, Tito-Jermaine.

Did you make that trip yet to Ship Island? if so, how did it go?