How Much Wind?

[saildork]

Nat,

Do you know anyone who is already experienced? An experienced sailor will show you very quickly how to handle the boat when the wind begins to pick up. He will also be able to show you how to handle the boat singlehandedly...the steps to take, in the right order, as you go from the dock, to the water and back again.

[AdamLein]

It's been a week and you haven't responded, but I'll assume you went out in your 15 knots and everything was honky-dory. If you still think it could possibly be too much, consider that it's not just the wind speed that affects your ride, but also the fetch -- the distance the wind travels over open water. Are we talking about a lake, a big inlet or bay, or the ocean? Also, an offshore wind will be gusty and variable near the shore, and stronger farther out. An onshore wind will be somewhat more brutal. In addition to fetch, you should consider the current -- if it's running against the wind, you'll be in for a rougher ride.

[Sailormann]

It's been a week and you haven't responded, but I'll assume you went out in your 15 knots and everything was honky-dory.

Well let's hope that you're assumption is correct. It would be a shame to lose a newb so quickly...

[PCP777]

I'm in a C-25 fixed keel tall rig and I think the perfect wind for my little boat, on a lake with good fetch is 12 to 17 knots,even up to 20 knots. Anything over 20 knots gets a bit too exciting.

[flyingwelshman]

Originally Posted by smackdaddy

There's nothing worse than sitting still with dead sails.

I beg to differ.

I mean: you're on a boat (probably your own); in the middle of a body of water.

I can think of plenty of worse things....

[sailingdog]

A bad day at the marina usually beats a good day at the office....

Originally Posted by flyingwelshman

I beg to differ.

I mean: you're on a boat (probably your own); in the middle of a body of water.

I can think of plenty of worse things....