We are sitting in West Palm Beach/ Ft. Worth, FL waiting for the latest rain system to move on and the winds to stabilize for tomorrow's departure to Ft. Pierce. Three days of sailing has brought us from Marathon with stops at Rodriguez Key and Marine Stadium/Miami.
We have been traveling outside each leg. Yesterday, we got to experience a 1 knot push from the Gulf Stream. The water was such a deep, rich blue. First time we have seen that. While in such beautiful water, we got our water maker operational and made water for the last three hours of sailing. It only draws 10 amps, so our solar panels easily power it. At 8 gallons per hour, just two hours per day will recoup all the water we need each day.
This is our first time cruising with Yasmine Ann, so it has been a learning experience. Each day has had large beam or quartering seas with winds ranging from 10-40 knots. The first day brought the 40 knot gusts and a close hauled sailing. The last two have been broad reaches to dead down wind. With the shrouds being so far aft, we cannot let the main very far out. That explains why 120 degrees is the fastest point of sail for this boat. Any deeper and the boat slows down. I am able to fly "two by each" or "wing and wing" (picture below). The stable platform helps to hold the head sail out without a pole being needed.
Many people think catamarans are so much faster than monohulls. They are not. Many reviews have been written to tell you this. Ours can point as high as 40 degrees apparent, but it likes it best at 50. She really likes it when the winds get over 20 knots. That is the biggest difference I can see. Since these cats are designed for the trade winds of 15-25 knots, they like it windy. The past two days, Yumsuch would of beat us to port by hours. A Code 0 or spinnaker can help these big cats on light downwind days, but we do not have one yet. In terms of ride, it is nice being flat, but I compare it to riding in a Ford F350 pickup on the highway. It has a bumpy jerking motion. So far, we have found it tiring. We can function throughout the boat, but again, relate it the F350 on a 10 hour drive. We know we will get used to it.
The high wind capability is our favorite aspect right now. When the storms roll in and its blowing 40 knots, once the sail is reefed, its no different than sailing in 10 knots. And reefing takes place with a push of a button on a flat deck.
I recently read a quote by Iain Murray. He is a big name in the America's Cup and is on our team with the new 72' catamarans for this years cup. He said, " “The normal feedback of wind and waves that give you the sense of speed aren’t there on a catamaran,” he said. “It’s a very serene sense of speed. Almost unemotional compared to the fuss you get with a big yacht.” Keep in mind, he is sailing on a 72 footer doing 40 knots. But, I couldn't say it any better. If you pay attention, I can feel our boat accelerate in the gusts, but the only way you know your speed is by looking at your instruments. Max speed to date is 9.2 knots.
We haven't been stagnant for the last month. After Yammy's brother passed, we came back and have had many guests and good times. My father with his new lady friend Nancy, Duane and Lynn, and two of Yammy's sisters, Tamara and Laurie. Many concerts with Steve Hall either with Eric Stone or others. Steve is one of the most talented guitar players I have ever seen and look forward to seeing him play again next winter.
They must be on to us. Gifts from my Father and Nancy.
See. There are real turtles here.
Roy and Yasmine -- Turn around! Go back to Marathon! It's cold everywhere else, still. The Keys are paradise. We're getting back to Carina in Jacksonville this week and hope to connect with you along the way. Fair winds and safe travels.
ReplyDeleteKent and Jane
Hi Kent and Jane, We really enjoyed meeting you. We talk often about the good time we had with you. Frank and Nancy
Delete" For one thing, I was no longer alone, a man is never alone with the wind-and the boat made three". Norbert
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