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Texas 200 and reefing

PostPosted: Mon Jun 19, 2017 4:10 pm
by John in CC
Just got back from the 2017 Texas 200. Two hundred miles up the Texas coast with lots of wind, heat and shallow water!

I would wake up in the mornings with the wind aready blowing 10-12 knots and in Texas it usually builds from there. Although it really didn't get too bad I started the day with the second reef in the sail. I was sailing solo and its a real pain to put in a reef in you need to solo. Easier to take one out not only because the mechanics of the process but conditions that require such a move. I left the extra reef in the last four days. It seems to be not only easy on me but does not stress the rigging either. I also left the jib up. Only the second to last day did I feel like I was playing it too chicken but it was relaxing and was not a race anyway. I was able to sail between 4.5 and 6 knots 95% of the time anyway. It one point going down wind in the surf I did hit 7 knots. (this is all according to the Garmin GPS)

The Pocketship performed beautifully ! The more I sail this boat the better I like it. This being my third attempt to do the 200 I was able to not only finish it, unlike the first two attempts, but finish it very comfortably and ready for more.

Video coming soon!

Image

Re: Texas 200 and reefing

PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 11:05 am
by riverron
Sounds like you had fun! I think it is always better to play it safe rather than sorry! I am sure I will be reefing a lot when I get on the water. How did the anchoring go this year? Did you use 2 anchors?

Looking forward to watching the video!

Re: Texas 200 and reefing

PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 2:01 pm
by ddemasie
I would love to do the Texas 200 in my Pocketship, but would also relish the chance to crew for a seasoned veteran before I take that on solo like you have.

Are you willing to take on a crew member next year?

Re: Texas 200 and reefing

PostPosted: Tue Jun 20, 2017 5:28 pm
by Bflat
Seems like quite a test of both boat and skipper. Am so glad to hear this ringing endorsement of the Pocketship. I'm anxiously waiting to see the video.
Bob

Re: Texas 200 and reefing

PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2017 7:33 pm
by John in CC
ddemasie wrote:I would love to do the Texas 200 in my Pocketship, but would also relish the chance to crew for a seasoned veteran before I take that on solo like you have.

Are you willing to take on a crew member next year?

I have crew that has volunteered for next year. If you are looking to crew, the best place to go is the Texas 200 Facebook page and put the word out. There seems to always be guys looking. Facebook pretty much is the go to for their communication.

Re: Texas 200 and reefing

PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2017 7:36 pm
by John in CC
Bflat wrote:Seems like quite a test of both boat and skipper. Am so glad to hear this ringing endorsement of the Pocketship. I'm anxiously waiting to see the video.
Bob


I think the key to solidifying the rigging is getting your guy wires tight. Now that I believe the adjustment is correct I never see slack on the weather side wire when reaching.

Re: Texas 200 and reefing

PostPosted: Wed Jun 21, 2017 10:22 pm
by Bflat
John in CC wrote:
Bflat wrote:Seems like quite a test of both boat and skipper. Am so glad to hear this ringing endorsement of the Pocketship. I'm anxiously waiting to see the video.
Bob


I think the key to solidifying the rigging is getting your guy wires tight. Now that I believe the adjustment is correct I never see slack on the weather side wire when reaching.


I said "ringing" not "rigging" but thanks. :D
Bob

Re: Texas 200 and reefing

PostPosted: Thu Jun 22, 2017 3:24 pm
by Shudoman
Congrats on finishing. I've been following your blog for a long time now. I'm glad that your frustration is finally over!

Great picture, can't wait for the video.

Bill