The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...
- Thread starter JamesTXSD
- Start date
No photos, Steve... you can read on without fear. :wink: And, no, even though you asked in the PM, I really have no photos to send you.
Joan said to thank the nice folks that wished her a happy birthday.
A sailing buddy wrote today to wish the catboat racers well. Here's my response:
We're really looking forward to it... we've been home almost a month, and I'm getting a bit stir crazy. I've been training hard for this event: I've sailed the SunCat 4 times now, and I think I've got it down... pull some ropes until that sheet-looking thing goes up that stick do-hickey.
And that's not all; I've been working out. I did a sit-up two days ago... it left me so exhausted and sore that I've been lying down since. I considered doing a push-up, but I think I'll lie here until that thought passes. I believe I'm ready to go!
Joan has loaded the van, checked the bearings and tires on the trailer, did laundry, packed our clothes, went grocery shopping and has the fridge stocked. She washed the boat and van, changed the oil, downloaded enroute weather, put GPS waypoints in, cleaned and closed down the house, checked that the flares in the boat are current, washed the cat, and helped a neighbor re-roof their house... and that was just this morning. The only time she stopped was when I had her bring me the remote for the TV (I was on the couch and it was all the way across the living room). I asked her, "Are you about done scurrying around? I was hoping you'd make us some lunch after you fetch that remote." Now, every time I pass gas, the TV changes channels.
We're heading out tomorrow. I may have to lay down in the back of the van while Joan drives... sitting is kind of uncomfortable right now.
Best wishes,
Jim
Joan said to thank the nice folks that wished her a happy birthday.
A sailing buddy wrote today to wish the catboat racers well. Here's my response:
We're really looking forward to it... we've been home almost a month, and I'm getting a bit stir crazy. I've been training hard for this event: I've sailed the SunCat 4 times now, and I think I've got it down... pull some ropes until that sheet-looking thing goes up that stick do-hickey.
And that's not all; I've been working out. I did a sit-up two days ago... it left me so exhausted and sore that I've been lying down since. I considered doing a push-up, but I think I'll lie here until that thought passes. I believe I'm ready to go!
Joan has loaded the van, checked the bearings and tires on the trailer, did laundry, packed our clothes, went grocery shopping and has the fridge stocked. She washed the boat and van, changed the oil, downloaded enroute weather, put GPS waypoints in, cleaned and closed down the house, checked that the flares in the boat are current, washed the cat, and helped a neighbor re-roof their house... and that was just this morning. The only time she stopped was when I had her bring me the remote for the TV (I was on the couch and it was all the way across the living room). I asked her, "Are you about done scurrying around? I was hoping you'd make us some lunch after you fetch that remote." Now, every time I pass gas, the TV changes channels.
We're heading out tomorrow. I may have to lay down in the back of the van while Joan drives... sitting is kind of uncomfortable right now.
Best wishes,
Jim
Saturday night, October 20th. We completed the first round of sailboat races today - "lively" wind (upper teens, with gusts to the mid-20s). Over 90 boats in all the different classes, with over $36,000 raised for the Leukemia Foundation (so far). Our catboat class has been interesting... think of racing a C-Dory in the middle of a bunch of Cigarette boats. :shock: It was a real workout today... even my hair hurts! :crook
After the racing, there was an open bar (Mount Gay Rum was one of the sponsors of the regatta), a meal catered by Carino's Italian Grill, and two bands (a steel drum band and a rock band). In spite of my muscle aches, Joan dragged me out on the dance floor.
Tomorrow, we have to be on the start line at 10:00. More good wind predicted for race time. Looks like we are just out of the running for some hardware (things will have to go very wrong for the 3 in front of us, and very right for us), but we are having a good time. I will need a week to recuperate from all this physical activity... I think I may be getting too old for this much fun. :wink:
Nothing that a week or so cruising on Wild Blue won't cure.
I'd say wish us luck, but now I'm just trying to hold up without breaking anything on the boat or my aching body. Since there is no jib to trim on a catboat, Joan has been working the traveler and being movable ballast... she seems to be holding up better than me.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
After the racing, there was an open bar (Mount Gay Rum was one of the sponsors of the regatta), a meal catered by Carino's Italian Grill, and two bands (a steel drum band and a rock band). In spite of my muscle aches, Joan dragged me out on the dance floor.
Tomorrow, we have to be on the start line at 10:00. More good wind predicted for race time. Looks like we are just out of the running for some hardware (things will have to go very wrong for the 3 in front of us, and very right for us), but we are having a good time. I will need a week to recuperate from all this physical activity... I think I may be getting too old for this much fun. :wink:
Nothing that a week or so cruising on Wild Blue won't cure.
I'd say wish us luck, but now I'm just trying to hold up without breaking anything on the boat or my aching body. Since there is no jib to trim on a catboat, Joan has been working the traveler and being movable ballast... she seems to be holding up better than me.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Now, Barry, "ballast" on a small sailboat is significant... being in the wrong place at the wrong time can cause a real problem. When we had our trimaran, Joan's favorite place was out on the ama when it was flying. Plus, she is one fine jib trimmer. Neither of those exist on our catboat. Normally with this boat, we are kicking back with some easy sailing... one hand for the boat, one hand for a drink. :wink: We were BOTH scrambling back and forth with these conditions.
The brave skipper was handling the tiller and the mainsheet (and normally I'd handle the traveler, too).
The first mate needed a job (besides "lookout"... as in: "Look out! That J-80 is bearing down on us fast! Starboard! Starboard!" ).
We had one skipper in our class who trailered all the way from Florida and decided the conditions were too much; he didn't go out. Joan said, "Why don't you see if he wants you to crew for him tomorrow?" Was she being nice... or trying to get out of going back out there again herself? You be the judge. :wink:
A couple of the smaller boats capsized in the windy conditions. I have to say, it wasn't boring. Now as long as you don't go getting Joan all riled up, maybe the long drive back home after today's races won't be so exciting.
Best wishes,
Jim
The brave skipper was handling the tiller and the mainsheet (and normally I'd handle the traveler, too).
The first mate needed a job (besides "lookout"... as in: "Look out! That J-80 is bearing down on us fast! Starboard! Starboard!" ).
We had one skipper in our class who trailered all the way from Florida and decided the conditions were too much; he didn't go out. Joan said, "Why don't you see if he wants you to crew for him tomorrow?" Was she being nice... or trying to get out of going back out there again herself? You be the judge. :wink:
A couple of the smaller boats capsized in the windy conditions. I have to say, it wasn't boring. Now as long as you don't go getting Joan all riled up, maybe the long drive back home after today's races won't be so exciting.
Best wishes,
Jim
I had exactly the same thoughts as Barry and was thinking about what kind of trouble I'd get into if I referred to my wife as "movable ballast". I know she wasn't too happy with being called "my ticket to the carpool lane and an extra rod in the water" so I figure "movable ballast" would cross the proverbial line. However, I wasn't going to mention it as I knew you were recovering from the TV remote removal surgery.
CatyMae n Steve
New member
hmmmmm husband calls wife movable ballast -- will wife be calling husband anchor? :wink
Caty
Caty
You people are TRYING to get me in trouble. I told Joan about the "movable ballast" comments here, and she just laughed. 
She does read this stuff once in a while, so you people are not going to get me in trouble (I do that fine on my own, thanks 8) ) And just so you non-sailors know, many racing sailboats (including America's Cup boats) depend on movable ballast - also known as "rail meat."
The races are over. We got home around midnight, after a 400 mile tow home; the van and boat will get unloaed later today. We took 4th place, and (surprisingly) there was an award for that: a beautiful brass oil lamp.
All you C-Dory owners know about the comments we get on our boats, at ramps, on the road, in gas stations. It must be the combination of the blue and white Leisure Travel campervan with the white catboat with blue canvas, but we get a constant stream of honks, smiles, waves, and thumbs-up while going down the road. It may be the Cat's Pajamas name with the cat paw prints on it; yes, I've had to explain that numerous times to young people... when one 20-something guy asked about the name, I responded with: "You know when Snoop Dog calls something 'fa shizzle'? Well, your grandparents used the term 'cat's pajamas'. You can shorten it to 'cat's pajizzle' if you want." :wink:
"Cool."
It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. I may need a couple days to recuperate.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
On edit: Joan wanted y'all to know that "movable ballast" is an athletic position, scampering from one side of the boat to the other; knowing when and where to go without getting whacked by the boom or going overboard. She lost a bit of hide on her knees from the non-skid. The woman is a real trooper! Now, just plain ol' "ballast" would be something completely different. :wink
One of the more fun parts of this race: while being passed by many of the bigger boats (with 6 or 7 crewmembers hanging over the rail), we'd smile, wave, and say, "Isn't this a great day?!!" They'd all have their "race faces" on, but we'd occasionally get a smile or a wave out of 'em.
She does read this stuff once in a while, so you people are not going to get me in trouble (I do that fine on my own, thanks 8) ) And just so you non-sailors know, many racing sailboats (including America's Cup boats) depend on movable ballast - also known as "rail meat."The races are over. We got home around midnight, after a 400 mile tow home; the van and boat will get unloaed later today. We took 4th place, and (surprisingly) there was an award for that: a beautiful brass oil lamp.
All you C-Dory owners know about the comments we get on our boats, at ramps, on the road, in gas stations. It must be the combination of the blue and white Leisure Travel campervan with the white catboat with blue canvas, but we get a constant stream of honks, smiles, waves, and thumbs-up while going down the road. It may be the Cat's Pajamas name with the cat paw prints on it; yes, I've had to explain that numerous times to young people... when one 20-something guy asked about the name, I responded with: "You know when Snoop Dog calls something 'fa shizzle'? Well, your grandparents used the term 'cat's pajamas'. You can shorten it to 'cat's pajizzle' if you want." :wink:
"Cool."
It was a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. I may need a couple days to recuperate.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
On edit: Joan wanted y'all to know that "movable ballast" is an athletic position, scampering from one side of the boat to the other; knowing when and where to go without getting whacked by the boom or going overboard. She lost a bit of hide on her knees from the non-skid. The woman is a real trooper! Now, just plain ol' "ballast" would be something completely different. :wink
One of the more fun parts of this race: while being passed by many of the bigger boats (with 6 or 7 crewmembers hanging over the rail), we'd smile, wave, and say, "Isn't this a great day?!!" They'd all have their "race faces" on, but we'd occasionally get a smile or a wave out of 'em.
The catboat is resting comfortably in the driveway. The regatta was big fun. Here's a look at one of the starts...
We got word today that our catboat buddy from Florida didn't make it home in one piece... his boat was rear-ended by a tractor/trailer in Louisiana. He is sore, but OK; can't say the same for his boat and tow vehicle.
A cold front blew in on Monday; the temp dropped 20º and the wind gusted to 40+ mph. We had to put on sweatshirts for the first time since we were in the PNW; that lasted for one afternoon.
Our nights are now cooling down to where we can overnight in the boat again. Tuesday was absolutely spectacular: we woke up to 60º, sunny skies, low humidity, and light breezes. We spent most of the day on Wild Blue, including a dolphin show that lasted over an hour...
We were "tracked" by a couple Coast Guard boats on the way home. We saw them turn around to follow us, and Joan started getting the paperwork out, figuring we were going to boarded. They paced us for a while, then one boat went roaring past us, a half mile or so on up the ship channel... HUGE wake. Then, they sat. As we got close, they went by in the opposite direction. Joan surmised that they were doing some sort of training to see the effect of their wake on small boats. :roll:
Today, Wild Blue got an all-over scrubbing, even got her windows Rain-Xed. And after, I got in a relaxing nap onboard. It wasn't exotic, we were never more than 10 miles from home; but time onboard always feels like "recess." :lol:
Best wishes,
Jim B.
We got word today that our catboat buddy from Florida didn't make it home in one piece... his boat was rear-ended by a tractor/trailer in Louisiana. He is sore, but OK; can't say the same for his boat and tow vehicle.
A cold front blew in on Monday; the temp dropped 20º and the wind gusted to 40+ mph. We had to put on sweatshirts for the first time since we were in the PNW; that lasted for one afternoon.
Our nights are now cooling down to where we can overnight in the boat again. Tuesday was absolutely spectacular: we woke up to 60º, sunny skies, low humidity, and light breezes. We spent most of the day on Wild Blue, including a dolphin show that lasted over an hour...
We were "tracked" by a couple Coast Guard boats on the way home. We saw them turn around to follow us, and Joan started getting the paperwork out, figuring we were going to boarded. They paced us for a while, then one boat went roaring past us, a half mile or so on up the ship channel... HUGE wake. Then, they sat. As we got close, they went by in the opposite direction. Joan surmised that they were doing some sort of training to see the effect of their wake on small boats. :roll:
Today, Wild Blue got an all-over scrubbing, even got her windows Rain-Xed. And after, I got in a relaxing nap onboard. It wasn't exotic, we were never more than 10 miles from home; but time onboard always feels like "recess." :lol:
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Jim - I know what you mean about a relaxing nap onboard. Occasionally I will sneak up to the shed an lay down in the v-berth of C-Voyager for a short nap. I keep the camperback on whenever the boat is in the shed with a small heater in it. I use to be able to disappear and spend time by myself, now Terri is wise to me and knows where to find me.JamesTXSD":1ewf6o3c said:
________
Dave
oldgrowth":1kybpgq0 said:
Well, there is another option, Dave: invite the lovely Terri to join you. :wink: Yesterday we took Wild Blue out for the afternoon; I grilled burgers, Joan made a salad and some strawberry short cake. Some time in the cockpit soaking up the sun, then we both took a nap. Up anchor and out of the bay and into the Gulf. The water went from murky in the jetties, to deep green, to bright blue. The dolphins in the Gulf are bigger than our regular buddies in the Laguna; we don't see them everytime we go out, but they were playful today. Then back home in time for sundowners on the deck (overlooking the boat).
The boat can be a good hideout... and an even better "playhouse."
Best wishes,
Jim
Sunday, October 28th. A windy day in the Tropical Tip; a steady 18, with gusts into the mid-20s, from the north. Sunny, low humidity, high around 79º. With the wind from the north, it has a fetch that runs for miles in the Laguna Madre, making for some very lumpy conditions in that shallow bay.
After our Sunday morning routine of reading the paper and a big breakfast, Joan asked, "Are you going to take me out on the water?" "I thought you'd never ask." She put together some snacks while I got the boat ready. Our canal is nicely protected, but with the gusty wind and incoming tide, we decided to rotate Wild Blue the opposite of our normal routine. We didn't hardly feel the wind until exiting the canal - and then it hit like a slap upside the head. At 5 knots we had to shut the windows to keep the spray out.
We ran into the ship channel, heading east. There is an island and shallows that run along the north side of the channel, so the water was protected and comfortable. No other boats, but ahead we could see a bevy of dolphins. Apparently they were missing the usual boat traffic and headed towards us. It was the show of the month, with about 25-30 of them swimming all around the boat.
And this little guy, occasionally getting a shove into the air from Momma...
We watched the show until they swam off in groups of 4 or 5. Then, we headed out to the jetties. The waves were coming over the jetties - no way were we going out into the Gulf today. We saw one shrimper coming in, one mostly empty excursion boat, and one small fishing boat with 4 very wet guys on it. All the while we were dry and comfortable in Wild Blue's cabin.
On the way back home, we went past the same area where we saw all the dolphins. Joan looked behind us and said, "Well, I've never seen that before. Slow down to get the most wake you can."
"Huh?" :shock: When I turned to look, there were dolphins surfing in our wake...
We frequently see them "bow surfing", but this is the first we've seen them playing on/in our wake. I slowed down to about 10 knots (there were no other boats around that we would cause a problem) and we watched them play back there for a mile or so. Big fun!
Dolphin photos by Joan, the dry and stable platform to shoot from by C-Dory. :wink
Best wishes,
Jim B.
After our Sunday morning routine of reading the paper and a big breakfast, Joan asked, "Are you going to take me out on the water?" "I thought you'd never ask."
She put together some snacks while I got the boat ready. Our canal is nicely protected, but with the gusty wind and incoming tide, we decided to rotate Wild Blue the opposite of our normal routine. We didn't hardly feel the wind until exiting the canal - and then it hit like a slap upside the head. At 5 knots we had to shut the windows to keep the spray out.We ran into the ship channel, heading east. There is an island and shallows that run along the north side of the channel, so the water was protected and comfortable. No other boats, but ahead we could see a bevy of dolphins. Apparently they were missing the usual boat traffic and headed towards us. It was the show of the month, with about 25-30 of them swimming all around the boat.
And this little guy, occasionally getting a shove into the air from Momma...
We watched the show until they swam off in groups of 4 or 5. Then, we headed out to the jetties. The waves were coming over the jetties - no way were we going out into the Gulf today. We saw one shrimper coming in, one mostly empty excursion boat, and one small fishing boat with 4 very wet guys on it. All the while we were dry and comfortable in Wild Blue's cabin.
On the way back home, we went past the same area where we saw all the dolphins. Joan looked behind us and said, "Well, I've never seen that before. Slow down to get the most wake you can."
"Huh?" :shock: When I turned to look, there were dolphins surfing in our wake...
We frequently see them "bow surfing", but this is the first we've seen them playing on/in our wake. I slowed down to about 10 knots (there were no other boats around that we would cause a problem) and we watched them play back there for a mile or so. Big fun!
Dolphin photos by Joan, the dry and stable platform to shoot from by C-Dory. :wink
Best wishes,
Jim B.
