Contributor John Simpson saw my post on the Cape Cutter 19 and agreed she's a beautiful design. He also sent the following brochure photos of another winner, the Tamarisk 19. Unfortunately for us North Americans the Tamarisk is a bit out of reach. Here's their website.
Issue #56 is coming to a mailbox near you. Look for stories on a 16-footer sailing to Hawaii, a cold-water capsize, two large open-boat cruiser designs, a Wayfarer review, a Matilda 16 Reader Boat, and much more.
There is a world of difference between being a good sailor, and having a good sense of seamanship. Being a good sailor generally means being able to sail a boat to its optimum performance. Having a good sense of seamanship means being aware of the conditions around you at sea (the wind, sea state, and tide), the level of your of sailing ability and experience in dealing with the current (and future) conditions, and ultimately, always having the greatest respect for the power of the sea. This usually involves building up experience over a number of years, and gaining as much knowledge and information as possible from others with sea sailing experience.
It is poor seamanship (no matter what your sailing ability): To set out in a boat with any known weakness with regard to its seaworthiness, or in a boat that has not been thoroughly checked over with regard to its fittings and rigging.
To set out without having the appropriate gear and equipment (e.g. compass, charts, anchors, oars/outboard, tools and spares etc.) that might be needed on any sea cruise.
To set out on any sea cruise in winds at the top end of anyone’s sailing ability or experience, including the crew’s, or without regard to the possibility of the wind strength increasing.
To set out on any sea cruise that is above the crew’s competence to be able to take over the helm at any time.
Not to reef or reduce the sails early in strengthening wind conditions. You should always sail with a safety factor in hand with regard to the wind strength to ensure that any sudden gust or freak wave does not overwhelm the boat.
To set out without regard to the time that might be needed to complete the cruise, either before a change in direction of the tide, or before a certain time or date. Never be too ambitious to achieve a considerable distance in too little time.
To set out without any bolt-holes to run to should the conditions deteriorate that would make it unwise to continue.
To read the rest, click here. (Scan down to 24 November)
Well, after much deliberation we've decided on our photo contest winner. All three judges agreed it was tough to choose a winner from the many excellent entries. Based on photographic quality and how well it represented the small-boat lifestyle, we chose Craig Cavanah's "Small Boat, Big Mountain." Congratulations, Craig. He'll receive a copy of Stan Grayson's book Sailing Small.
Thanks to everyone who participated, and look for more contest here in the future.-Eds
