New to sailing

Submitted by DaveyDog on Tue, 08/27/2013 - 08:02

Forums:

I'm new to sailing and after a weekend completing the RYA level 1 in force 4-6 in an RS vision I have bought a Mirror in which to enjoy all that sailing has to offer. I would be grateful for any answers to the following questions.

1: Is it okay to clamber around inside the boat when it is on a trailer? It's a 1979 wooden boat which seems solid.

2: I will be sailing single handed, would it be sensible to sail under mainsail only until I gain confidence. I will be sailing in sheltered tidal harbour. I'm not afraid of getting wet but don't want to be a nuisance to others. Dave

62816inBerlin's picture

62816inBerlin

Tue, 08/27/2013 - 10:10

1) NO! definitely not. The plywood is so thin that although it may not break, the flexing will probably cause the epoxy coating and paint on the wood to develop microcracks, which in turn will let water into the core plywood, leading to rot on the long term. Once the boat is in the water with the pressure of the water counteracting your weight, this is no problem.
2) YES! Step the mast in the forward mast step and go cat-rigged. Remember to take a pair of oars along in tidal waters!
You'll find a Mirror to be a bit tamer than an RS vision in force 4-6 winds!
Welcome a-online!

Gernot H.

DaveyDog

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 07:32

Thanks Gernot, one more question based in your reply. Can the Mirror be cat rigged with the mast in the standard position as I can't remember seeing any forward shroud attachment points?
Thanks again, Dave.

PuffinInTegel's picture

PuffinInTegel

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 09:59

That's odd: perhaps the former owner/builder never intended to sail without the jib. Of course you can sail any boat without a jib without moving the mast, but the centre of effort (of the action of the wind on the sail) will move further away from the centre of lateral resistance (the force generated by the centreboard to stop you going sideways) and you will find the boat develops a more severe weather helm, slowing the boat down and making it less comfortable to sail in strong winds. The only advantage is that the increased tendency to luff up reduces the risk of being capsized in a squall.
Look at the picture at http://forum.mirrordiscussforum.org/comment/255#comment-255 to see where the forward shroud attachments / "chain plates" are located.
Enjoy your sailing while the season lasts!
Gernot H.

DaveyDog

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 12:41

Thanks again Gernot, this is a useful picture. I collect the boat on Saturday and fully intend to make the most of it. Having been a year round surfer I was hoping to be able to sail throughout the winter as well, wind and chop permitting. Great support, I'm pleased to have joined such a helpful community. Dave

mirrorpete

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 13:23

Hi welcome to the MDDF. Where are you located that permits year-round sailing?

Pete

DaveyDog

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 21:01

Hi Pete, Chichester Harbour and I'm not aware of any seasonal restrictions. If I'm wrong I'm sure I'll find out. Dave

PuffinInTegel's picture

PuffinInTegel

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 22:42

Restriction is basically when the water turns solid. However if you are a surfer, the cold water will not deter you as long as it's liquid.
South Coast of England never freezes up, I assume.
If we have another cold winter and clear ice here, I might even consider using my old mainsail on a makeshift ice sailer.
Cheers,

Gernot H.

DaveyDog

Sun, 09/01/2013 - 15:33

Hi Gernot, I wanted to write and thank you for your advice and let you know I had my first solo sail in my Mirror today. The wind was 3 - 10kt and very shifty which my spot is known for. A club member encouraged me to use the jib as well and I'm glad I did as between the gusts there were some long waits for useful wind and having the jib added drive as well as increased ability to tack when sailing slowly in shifting winds. This has got me past the 'I'll need four hands to do all this' fear.
Most people I have talked to seem dubious about year round sailing despite my club having a winter racing season. I'll update you in the new year and hope I don't have to contact you in the meantime with holes in hull type scenarios. Dave

PuffinInTegel's picture

PuffinInTegel

Mon, 09/02/2013 - 22:54

See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abz0EUYiwhY and note the clothing of the people ashore. Skiffs are definitely not such nice and dry craft as Mirrors are.
I was out on the local lake on 14 January 2012 in a strong wind (4 gusting to 6) in about +4° C and enjoyed it immensely (see https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=360452187314296&l=3062141383465166077) . However getting knocked down by a puff because I was a bit careless gave me a fright and wet shoes (bucketful of water in the cockpit before I had sorted out the situation) so that this year, after falling overboard once and capsizing once, albeit in warmer conditions, I have finally bought a dry suit. I suppose you own neoprenes or something like that which could be worn under warm clothes for winter sailing.
Have fun,
Gernot.