What's going on with our new 26M ?

[pmmcderm]

My first post here. Just wanted to say that this has been a VERY informative thread. I'm a new 2011 owner, and I'm still learning how to handle the boat well. I sail off Hawaii, and since it's winter, swells are usually 6-8 ft and winds 15+ knots, but often higher.

Couple of things I've learned (many readers probably already know):
- Until the boat is moving well, a gust will push the boat over in excess of 45 deg heel very quickly. When new, this is pretty scary.
- With winds almost always over 15 knots, I don't need the Genoa that I have. I've since ordered a jib. Efficiency is not my issue, stability is. I can do almost everything wrong and still get up to over 6 knots and close to the max speed for the hull.
- It is impossible to fill the ballast tank in a swell. Water just runs in and out. Completely filling and verifying the ballast tanks is now part of my checklist before getting underway from the pier.
- Should have got lines aft mods from the start. I've since added, using the standard kit from byw. Also added the mid-reef point using kit from byw and taking main to local sail loft. For me, it's more than just a single-handed sailing solution. I was up on the deck adding the reef (before I added byw's mod), and we caught a gust. Heeled somewhere between 50 and 60 degrees: me hanging on to mast with my feet hanging over water. When I got back to cockpit, my buddy noted, "You looked a little scared up there."
- I see a lot of folks talking about motoring <6 kts with board down. I usually do that in the marina, but found coming in one time that there is a drawback. The large freeboard can catch a gust and push the boat over to 10-15 heel (sails down), and the change will turn the boat. So, I now consider wind (direction and speed) before lowering the dagger board. It's actually a better solution if you have the room to slide-slip.
- I really wish I had a rudder-angle-indicator. I may get an autopilot in the future, but I'm thinking of adding my own mod.
- Similar to the other comments in this thread, I often have to "tack" under motor power due to direction of the seas, and find the "sweet spot" in terms of speed. That sweet spot changes a little with wave height, wind, and wave period. I've found that I enjoy surfing the boat.
Again, reading this forum has been a tremendous help!

[Ixneigh]

I am sort of curious as to why you choose this boat for what sounds pretty much like deep, open ocean sailing even if it is actually close to an island. Do you trailor the boat when you are not using it or were her other features very important to you?
Please pop in once in a while to post. You are using the boat in conditions that I will probably only see while making a Bahamas crossing. Most of my sailing is in waters less then 20 feet deep and much of that in water I can stand up in.

Ixneigh

[Hardcrab]

While not really a rudder angle indicator, marking your helm at the 12:00 spot, (with the method of your choosing), can really assist in knowing where the rudders are at any time.

Calm water, and enough way on the hull will make the location for a "dead ahead" mark apparent.

You will most likely find that there will be two marks-- one for sailing mode, (if you decouple the engine) and one for powering mode.

Tuning the entire steering system/linkage (with engine coupled or decoupled) for one mark is possible.
Been there, done that.

[pmmcderm]

I'm already glad I finally posted! Sometimes the simplest solution is the best - If weather lets up tomorrow, I'll try marking the helm. (Almost a "Duh" moment there)
I chose the for several reasons, but all related to costs. The waiting list for a slip is 5-10 years, and in some cases indefinite, except at Ko'Olina, which is expensive. That led to a trailer. Also, with a trailer I can take the boat directly around to different parts of the island and not have to transit at sea. I now park my trailer (with the boat on it) in Kaneohe Bay, which may be windy, but no swells. Having the flexability to power and/or sail was also appealing. There's several and here, and I've talked to one owner. Seems the weather has been getting a little rougher lately, but the summer should be much better. I like the fact that it won't sink, and very difficult to capsize (not impossible, as I've noted in San Diego news and on this forum). I'm now working on a series of goals, in order:
- sail around on a reasonable day without scaring the crap out of myself (almost there)
- Sail part way around island and anchor, eat, come back
- Sail to Molokai, spend night, come back
- Sail around Oahu (that will take a couple days)
- Sail to the Big Island (Hawaii), stopping in Molokai and Maui on the way and back
- Sail to Kauai and back
The channel between Maui and Hawaii is notorius for large (10-12 ft plus), confused swells, and the seas around here claim half a dozen "ocean going" sail boats every year. No macs, though. Motor + sails + won't sink. I do have all necessary safety gear, including floating VHF and PLB.
(BTW - I did notice a thread talking about swells. Just for point of reference, you have to look UP from the cockpit to the top of a swell from a if it's 8 feet.)

[Kittiwake]

.... I'm now working on a series of goals, in order:
- sail around on a reasonable day without scaring the crap out of myself (almost there) ....

I have experienced that ambition. I would recommend sailing with just the main for a while: reduces the complexity a whole bunch, without reducing the speed much, and optimizes peaceful enjoyment. Save the jib for when the main alone isn't exciting enough.
Kittiwake