Hat Rock on the Columbia

[Hamin' X]

Thanks, Bubba. Bubba came down from the Tri-Cities, WA and gave me a hand with the maiden voyage of my new (to me) 2001 26X. We put in at Hat Rock Park, about five miles East of Hermiston, OR on the Columbia River. Got away from the dock at about 11 AM, in light air and sailed down river about four miles, with 1-2 MPH breezes, swinging 180 degrees. After about 2 1/2 hours and circling around to pick up a stray fender that someone else had lost, we headed back up river. The wind slowly picked up to 4-5, still variable and we ran and jibed as best we could, in the shifting winds. Winds finally picked up to 8-10 and we got the Mac up to 6-7, on a beam reach. Back to the dock at about 4 PM, with final take down occurring in the dark. All in all, a great day sailing and only used the motor to leave and approach the dock.

Forgot my camera, so these cell phone shots will have to do.

Proud new owner.


Bubba trys to look excited at less than 1 Kt


Barely enough wind to fill the sail.


~Rich

[Nautek]

Good stuff Rich
Who said the Xs are slow
6-7 knots in a 8-10 knot breeze ain't too bad
Those blue boats wouldn't be any better that that

Allan

[Hamin' X]

Well, to be honest, the speed is estimated, but pretty close, I think. The boat handled extremely well, with no problem tacking, even when the 135 genny would hang up on the stanchions. When we discovered what the object floating in the water was (fender), I decided to turn around and pick it up under sail only. Still in light air, the boat handled very well and put us right next to the fender. I am quite pleased with the way the boat preformed, with all the handling problems that I have read. I found her to be well mannered. On the way back, when the wind had come up, I put her into a close reach. With full main and full 135 genny, both sheeted in fairly tight, the heel angle was only a bit over 10 degrees. I was pleasantly surprised.

~Rich

[Nautek]

Sounds good Rich

I often wondered what people said about poor sailing qualities however I have found the same thing as you.
I think the bloke behind the wheel has a lot to do with it.
They are not a racing boat but as a cruising boat they perform much like any other from my experience.
I think the hull shape of the " X "leans more towards a sailing boat whereas the " M " hull profile is leaning more towards a powerboat with the more defined " V " configuration

Allan

[Laika 26X]

Sounds like a great maiden voyage! To be honest, some of the best times I've had were just ghosting along in a very light breeze. Barely a wake or whisper, nor a care in the world. With good friends aboard, time stands still and the fun lasts that much longer!
Fair Winds and following seas on all your new voyages,
"Sub" Ed

[bubba]

I finally got back on the computer. We had a great first day out on his 01 X except for banging my head on the post inside the cabin and seeing stars ( the M does not have a post, gladly ).
When spring comes the race is ON , I think with a 110 jib I will be able to out point his boat WIND with his 130 jib.

It is great to meet some of the folks on this site and go sailing with them.

[Highlander]

It is great to meet some of the folks on this site and go sailing with them.

Thats a big ten four i'll drink to that

J

[Québec 1]

It is great to meet some of the folks on this site and go sailing with them.

Thats a big ten four i'll drink to that

J

J
From what I understand you drank to that a few times already

[Hamin' X]

Took the X out on Wed. for a try at single handing. Wind forecast was for 10-15 MPH from the S & SW. Not! Saild for about 4 hours and covered 3 miles. Sorry it's not as exciting as some of Highlander's pics.



~Rich

[waternwaves]

IIRC,

nary a drop was spilled.......

[bubba]

Are you ready to race???? Now

[waternwaves]

I don't have to race to meet up to sail.....
Tho I think If was to go out saturday in the 30-45 kt winds forecast.......I might want a little bit of crew/railmeat with suitable foulies.
For some reason the admiral is less interested in winter sailing with both boat's heaters out of the boats right now for service.

[bubba]

That is your falt the heaters are out your the elect engineer.

[Hamin' X]

Had a bit more wind today. Left the dock at about 9:30 AM, with wind from the SW at about 5. Sailed around a for about an hour and the wind came up to 10-15 and found out that the boat will round up. Hmm. Hove to and pulled in a reef. Fell off from the hove to position and rolled the 135 genny in to just in front of the mast. Ah, much better. She was really screaming (the boat) on beam and close reach. No trouble tacking at all. wind came up to 15-20 by afternoon and since I have a second reef point, but it is not set up yet, I decided to head in. A nice day. Not ready to race yet, Bubba.

In case some of you wonder why this park is named Hat Rock. Here's it's namesake. Notice the wind on the water in this sheltered area.



~Rich

[School House Steve]

Congrats Hamin X on your new boat. I was also out the week end of Nov 14-15 launching from Wallua (Walla Walla yacht club) and stayed the night near Burbank to program my new HD TV to local stations. Glad to know there is another Mac owner in the area . Haven't run across Bubba in a while but my computer hasen't been well this summer but I hope to cross paths with him and you in the future.
SS