A Simple Cruise on a Simple Boat

[Jim H]

We're gearing up for 2-3 weeks of cruising that will start next week. We plan to pop out of the Solent and sail as far west toward Lands End as far as we feel like.

The weather has decomposed a bit since May-- the last two weekends have had gale force winds and rain on the Southern Coast of England, and it was blowing F8 yesterday when my son and I dropped two new house batteries into the boat. So, we may have to take our time if the winds and weather continue in this pattern.

This morning, we were watching some cruising videos to get in the mood, and we saw some of the Dashew videos and the SetSail website. Cool stuff, but it amazes me how large and complicated their Beowolf and similar boats have been. Here's a good example:

YouTube - ‪DashewOffshore's Channel‬‏

It's clear they have having a great time with their fast averages and fresh water to spare, but it sure is different than our sailing these days. (Heck, we even pass on pressurized water, much less hot water or refrigeration.) One of our big upgrades this spring was a simple led anchor light that plugs into a cigarette lighter and hangs off the boom-- not very high tech, but useful.

Maybe things will change, but for now a simple boat for us. Now if we can get some weather windows to get to Poole and beyond.

[centaursailor]

I spent a windy few days sailing in the Solent a couple of years past and really enjoyed the feel of the area. Lots of historical ports to call into. Passing the needles in a force 7 was an experience as was the double tide calculations.
Safe sailing

[WanderingStar]

Prior to my current boat, I did most of my cruising without pressure water, refidgeration, or even an engine. I enjoyed those cruises, though patience with the weather was a necessity. I don't mind using a camp stove and portable icebox. I always felt comfortable sleeping with enough blankets and a hard top to keep the rain and dew off. Have fun, the water and sky have the same magic regardless of boat size.

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by centaursailor

I spent a windy few days sailing in the Solent a couple of years past and really enjoyed the feel of the area. Lots of historical ports to call into. Passing the needles in a force 7 was an experience as was the double tide calculations.
Safe sailing

Yeah, I try not to think about the double tide calcuations too much...

Here's a site I really like-- it's a weather station right on Bramble Bank in the middle of the Solent:

BRAMBLEMET - Weather Reports from Bramble Bank

At this moment (10:30 p.m.) its still blowing F5-F6 out there. Okay, it's time to ease up a bit before we head out. I've done the F7 bit to Poole, and I was lucky to be the only person not puking on that passage... Such are our family vacations sometimes...

[Jim H]

Originally Posted by WanderingStar

Prior to my current boat, I did most of my cruising without pressure water, refidgeration, or even an engine. I enjoyed those cruises, though patience with the weather was a necessity. I don't mind using a camp stove and portable icebox. I always felt comfortable sleeping with enough blankets and a hard top to keep the rain and dew off. Have fun, the water and sky have the same magic regardless of boat size.

I agree, but I like having a reliable Yanmar. My main comfort needs are a good anchor, a good gin tonic with lime (a health/safety requirement at sea) when all is safe and secured, and a reading light for falling off. We just replaced our house batteries and put in a good battery monitor just for this trip, since I believe we'll send most nights at anchor.