"DSK" wrote in message

Another thing to bear in mind, even in calm conditions don't tempt fate by
putting a part of your body between the boat & any solid object.

Agreed... that is why we have crew.

"Reluctant to heed the tiller" is not a good characteristic for a cruising
boat IMHO.

Under power in reverse only... due entirely because I'm swinging an
undersized screw. A three bladed 13" with a #19. This is a restriction
imposed by design of the prop well and overpowered auxilliary. The walk to
starboard is truely awesome to behold. Under sail she heeds the tiller very
well.... even backing under the main... which is why I prefer to sail to
the dock.


I can. Easily. It's happened to us a couple of times. When space is too
tight to get the bow into the wind, and there is no way to safely let the
bow go downwind & back out, your options are to either set up a warp or
wait until conditions change.

In those conditions I utilize my 3 foot bowsprit as a hold. Due to the
momentum of the vessel I can push off and step aboard the bowsprit prior to
making my way back to the cockpit as the vessel begins to swing through the
wind. I can easily catch it as the bow points into the wind and apply
throttle.

Or practice until they can do it well.

Yes.. unfortunatly for most it seems to interfere with the use of the vessel
for pleasure... then they scratch their heads when they find themselves in a
situation requireing precise manuervering.

Nobody was born knowing how to maneuver a heavy boat. We all have to
learn. In fact, I'd go so far as to say we all have more to learn... some
more than others, of course

Everyone should sail a season with no auxiliary..... that's when your
learning curve goes up exponentially.

CM