Captain's Log
Captain's Log September 2007Committed to Sailing
Most of us get involved with the cruising life and blue-water sailing because we love boats, the sea and the freedom to travel where and when we want aboard our own floating homes.
The wonderful thing about our sailboats is that they are truly capable of world travel and, if fitted well, can cross oceans that are impassable to most powerboats of the same size and accommodations. Modern cruising boats have really evolved into sophisticated motorsailers that can sail well, and when the wind dies continue at nearly hull speed under power. Our modern cruising boats are a far cry from the heavy displacement, small-engine cruisers of a generation ago. (For a preview of 19 new cruising boats to be introduced this fall, see our Annual Boat Show Preview on page 61).
The life aboard and the travel are fun. But we have also found that another really rewarding aspect of the sailing life and cruising is learning how to sail our boats as well as possible. Knowing how to trim your sails efficiently means you can get an extra knot of speed out of your boat. Or, it means you can balance the helm so the autopilot or wind vane can steer more effectively. Or, it means that when the wind really pipes up you are prepared to sail safely with reduced sail area. There is an old adage that a good cruising boat will have enough windward ability to claw off a lee shore in a gale. That’s not a situation most of ever want to see. But it seems only prudent that we know our boats can beat to windward in a gale and that we know how to configure the sails and trim them correctly for the situation. You can’t always motor your way through a sticky situation.
A huge part of sailing your boat well and safely is having good sails aboard to start with. That's why this month we are launching a three-part series on buying new sails for your boat, beginning with mainsails. We asked four of the country's leading sailmakers to comment on the qualities and technology of cruising sails with the aim of helping you make sound decisions when you are ready to upgrade your sail wardrobe. Although our experts run competing companies and have developed a lot of their own proprietary sail technology, we were surprised and pleased to find that for the most part they agree on the basics. We learned a few new things as we compiled the article and we hope you will, too. You will find their insightful comments starting on page 54.
Whether you like to race or you are a dyed-in-the-wool cruiser, a well made suit of sails is one of the most important upgrades you can make aboard your boat. You will enjoy sailing more. You will sail faster and closer to the wind. You will handle stronger breezes better. And, ultimately, you will be safer out there.
In our view a commitment to sailing well with well made sails is a vital part of the cruising and sailing life.
