Frogwatch wrote
While I was at the coast working on my 28' S2, I was suddenly invited
to go sailing on an F31 tri. We had about 12 kts wind and it was a
blast. 15 kts on a sailboat, waaaaaaay cool. I havent had such a
good time sailing in a long time and this puzzled me for nearly 48
hours till I realized why.

Well, a multihuller would say that it was because cats & tris are just
more fun, period.


I almost never go out on other peoples boats meaning I am always the
captain so i have to know what I am doing, where i am going, where the
shoals are, what my sails are doing, what my guests are doing, what my
kids are doing, etc. In this case, I knew I was clueless about
handling the tri so I just did as I was told and tried to be helpful.

Hmmm.....
sailing a tri is pretty much like sailing any other boat. There are a
few minor differences, the major difference is the greater apparent
wind and the lack of good steering characteristics. But only the
skipper has to worry about that.


I didnt worry about anything but enjoyed the trip. I did know the
captain was very knowledgeable so I could relax and talk to others.
So, I suddenly understand why I like to sail by myself too, no
responsibility for other people on the boat. Anybody else feel this
way?


I just like to get out on the water, period. For example, right now we
are cruising in a motorboat; I have gotten in a few pretty good sails
the past year on OPBs; also I really enjoy rowing our dinghy around
the creeks & coves we anchor in.

Sailing on OPBs is a lot of fun; and I appreciate not having to do the
work on the boat.... OTOH I also rarely see a boat that couldn't use
improvements in rig or maintainence.

This summer in Canada, I stopped in at a youth sailing center to chat
with some people, turned out I had met some of them before and got an
invitation to join in. I gave a roll-tacking seminar and got in some
races. I don't know if it was more relaxing but it was a lot of fun.


"Capt. JG" wrote:
Definitely. I get a bit nervous on other people's boats unless I have an
idea about their abilities or I've sailed with them previously. I've been in
a couple of situations where the owner or charterer didn't have a clew or
was dangerous.


That's when you take command.

Subtly, of course

Fresh Breezes- Doug King