The first few months I had my last boat I could not keep the engine
running reliably. Turned out to be a carb problem but in the time I
spent figuring it out my sailing skills improved immensely. I learned
to tack up an extremely narrow channel, and dock under sail in a slip
with a finger pier on one side and a neighboring boat on the other,
both fore and aft first.

You want to become a better sailor, disable your engine. However, it
will make your neighbor nervous at first.




On Wed, 16 Jul 2003 11:11:27 -0400, "Simple Simon"
wrote:



What every, single,, solitary so-called sailor
does to ruin their docking under sail efforts
is to do it with the engine running, 'just in case'.

Nothing spoils a seamanlike job of sailing a
vessel into her berth while having that exhaust
outlet spurting water and smelly diesel fumes.

Real sailors don't need a motor running and at
the ready. There is only ONE reason for a motor
on a sailboat and that is when there is no wind.


"Capt. Mooron" wrote in message ...
I understand that the abundance of photos you post of sailing is for our
enjoyment and not to validate your abilities Bob...... BUT........ Mr.
Murphy will insist that each time you dock under sail flawlessly there will
be none to witness the event... but should you screw up a dozen will be on
hand to share the joy. I just happened to be quite proud of the fact that I
not only docked a charter boat on which I had no previous experience in
close maneuvering... but I actually had the good fortune to do it while a
large group of people watched.

I merely commented because I know your past opinion on docking under sail
as being considered a dangerous and risky affair and not to be undertaken by
anyone. I'm glad experience has taught you different. Like MOB drills...
docking under sail drills are required to compliment a well rounded set of
sailing skills.


CM

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
| several 90 degree turns and a
| tight area with over a dozen eye witnesses.
|
| I'm afraid I don't require eyewitnesses to know that my boat handling is
| superb.
|
| RB