I wanted to preface the post by saying that this was a VERY nice chap. I saw he and is wife on the fingers of the dock gingerly walking. I was putting new cleats on my boat and as they were walking by i gave them a "hello" as I had never seen them before. Cordially they responded and I asked them name, etc. They asked about my boat. They said they were from another city (1.5 hrs away) and had just bought their boat. They were here to take it for their first stroll. I told them that it was a little breezy for me to solo as it was blowing 18 with gusts to 30. (I have only been sailing myself for about 4 months) Robert (his name) then asked about the marina, cost, etc. Stated 500.00 per yr was fantastic with electric he agreed. Then went about asking me about the depth around the lake. After admiring my boat he asked me about my 6 hp motor and said he had a 2 hp on his Spirit 6.5. Then asked if it would be enough. Then asked if i would look at his boat with him. Then asked how he'd go about raising the sail. I had to show him that after the sail was up he'd have to disconnect the topping lift, which was connected to his backstay. Then asked what the mainsheet was (I did have the idea he knew what to do with it though). He then started talking about raising the jib, and jib lines. He said he did have one day sailing course and did one day of coastal cruising with flat seas.
I told him that if I were him, I'd come back when it was less windy. If something were to go wrong, it'd all go wrong in a big hurry. I told him to come back when the winds were about 5-10 knots for his first run.
I felt bad for him because I know the excitement of having a new boat and wanting to experience the thrill of plying the waves and the wind. But for heaven's sake, with water temps at 45 degrees... in unknown territory, I must admit I was a little scared for him.
Maybe he'd at least have a BFS for Smackdaddy...
I told him that if I were him, I'd come back when it was less windy. If something were to go wrong, it'd all go wrong in a big hurry. I told him to come back when the winds were about 5-10 knots for his first run.
I felt bad for him because I know the excitement of having a new boat and wanting to experience the thrill of plying the waves and the wind. But for heaven's sake, with water temps at 45 degrees... in unknown territory, I must admit I was a little scared for him.
Maybe he'd at least have a BFS for Smackdaddy...