SINGLEHANDED GEORGIA STRAIGHT CROSSING, MAY 2024

In the first week of May 2024 I made a crossing of Georgia Straight between Nanaimo and Gibsons, about 22 miles. The forecast was for 5 to 15 knots from the Northwest, however, right out of the gates, I was dramatically overpowered by a sustained gust, the boat went over on the rails, hull speed was eclipsed and I quickly double-reefed the jib, and took the main right down and continued on double reefed jib. Even on double reefed jib only, boat speeds stayed in the six knot range. Eventuallly, conditions stabilized and I let out the reefs on the jib.

[@steveburke7675]

My kind of channel. Solo sailor...no drama, just sailing. Subbed.

[@respecttherisk2022]

Thanks mate. Appreciate the comment.

[@IvanTheTerribleSailor]

What model boat do you have? She’s beautiful! Great sailing!

[@respecttherisk2022]

It is a 1984 Contessa 38 manufactured in Britain to Lloyds of London Spec. You can watch a brief introduction to the boat here. czcams.com/video/pLDEcN04_Vc/video.html I do love her. Thank you. I agree. She is very sea kindly.

[@j.h.oreganus1685]

Wouldn't a double-reefed main and furled jib have been safer and more efficient?

[@respecttherisk2022]

Thanks for the comment. It is definitely a judgment call and depends on the boat, the running rigging, sails on hand and personal preference. In my case, I can set, adjust, and furl the jib from the cockpit so I don't have to go forward onto the bucking and bouncing deck to furl. To raise and reef the main, I have to go forward to the mast for the halyard and the reefing lines. The boat handles itself quite well on jib-only. I can even make way upwind with jib alone on this boat without a ton of lee-helm. I can also heave-to quite well as required on jib alone. Raising the main alone requires me to use the motor to head into the wind to raise it. (otherwise, I lose the bow down wind and have to scurry back and forth a bit like a trapped squirrel....)This can be challenging in big chop and the boat really bounces around a lot. I have found it expedient to crank the jib in close hauled and set the boat on that tack and I can raise, lower, and reef the main. In this case, I was way overpowered -- so double reefed the jib, cranked it in close hauled, and then took the main right down without using the motor. I have also found that if I need to jibe for any reason, it is easier to jibe the jib than the main and there are lower consequences to an accidental jibe in rough water. So for me, I felt it was easier and safer to go jib-only, while still having the flexibility to double or triple reef the main if I felt the boat was not balanced enough. That said, I would love to hear what other folks are doing on their boats in these situations. I have learned a lot from other sailor's comments :) All the best mate.