Dinghy Cruising Basics Ep. 6 S.O.G. Heaving To and how to take a comfort break while underway.

In this episode of Dinghy Cruising Basics, I take a look at making speed over ground vs. speed through the water despite currents and wind. Staying in the deep stuff and a light-hearted look at taking a leak without falling overboard.
When nature calls and you are underway, it is not always convenient to go ashore.
You need to devise a way of taking a leak safely, without risking falling overboard. Peeing over the side can be risky. Heaving Too helps make it a bit safer for sure.
But I copied an idea from a friend and created the “Universal pee bucket” by cutting down an empty “Weed and Feed” container. A very simple and safe solution.
It pays to rinse the bucket thoroughly in freshwater before using the convenient shower facility which is built into the handle.
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[@davidrichardson7051]

Pee bucket is a great safety feature Chris, I read this quote when reading about Plastiki "Most sailors who are lost at sea are found with their tackle out"

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Oh so true. LOL

[@leadsocks]

Appteciate that only the heaving to instruction came with a visual demonstration, I think we can figure the pee bucket and thank you for realising that! Lovely boat, lovely video, thanks for sharing.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Thanks. Glad you appreciated the discrete approach. The system does help older guys to stay afloat for longer.

[@pmenchions]

Very glad to have come across your channel. Happy sailing!

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Thanks

[@mikefule330]

Lovely boat and a very pleasant video. For a pee bucket, I use my baler, which is an old plastic 5L petrol canister with the front cut off at an angle. The angle is shallow enough that, lined with a plastic bag, I can also use it, er... seated. As I sail on lakes and rivers, I carry a large golf umbrella which can be deployed as a modesty screen to prevent complaints from members of the public who might be looking. My own boat has no jib so a classic heave-to is not possible. However, with the mainsail swinging loose, the centreboard down, and a little bit of weather helm, she will sit "parked" for a reasonable time in most reasonable sailing conditions. A point worth mentioning, particularly with a smallish boat is that where you sit (weight distribution) makes an enormous difference to whether the boat wants to turn into the wind or bear away when parked/heaved to. If you sit at the stern, the stern goes down, the bow rises slightly, and the boat will tend to weathercock down wind. Sit forward, and the bow goes down a bit, the stern rises, and the boat weathercocks into the wind.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

I use a very similar bucket. Works very nicely.

[@pottery1950]

Enjoyed the video, especially the heaving-to demo. I would like to see it in brisker conditions. I’m new to the dinghy world with an older Wayfarer under reconditioning. New subscriber with a lot to learn, thanks!

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

I’m glad you enjoyed it David. Every boat is unique. You should try it in your Wayfarer. It’s good to explore your limits in a safe scenario

[@Antipodean33]

I wanted to build a boat but as I'm a bricklayer and a wood butcher I didn't think I could. So I got some kayak plans, lofted the lines on ply and stitched it together. I'll never forget the sense of accomplishment I got when all 4 panels met perfectly at the bow. I've still got the pictures of that to this day. Now I'm building my boat that I've always dreamed of doing. Although it's not a piece of beauty as your boat I still feel great satisfaction and joy from the process, with the end result being I'll spend time on my favourite place on earth, the rivers and sea in my own boat which I built. Love this channel mate

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

I started out making canvas sea kayaks when I was about 15. I get what you are saying about the pure joy of floating on a river in something you made. You can tell us your story on sailing beat on Facebook. The link is in the description

[@davelawrence6777]

From Florida greeting found your channel and although my sailing days are behind me I'm always happy to watch someone doing it and helping others improve their skills thank you

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Hi Dave thanks for commenting. I hope life is treating you well.

[@infomax2008]

Thank you very much for shareing

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it

[@josephlai9759]

Thank you for an interesting demonstration of heaving-to.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

The conditions were not ideal for a proper demonstration, but I'm glad it helped you. This is a good demonstration kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4K3gJmkqJuCoLc

[@josephlai9759]

@@SmallSailboatCruising Thank you. Only recently have I gotten a deeper appreciation of heaving to as an essential skill set for riding out a storm. I am still learning and any insight gained is gratefully received. Thank you.

[@raydavies2545]

That leak bucket idea was worth the video… thanks for sharing!

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Basic stuff that makes a big difference for some older guys.

[@scottastell9415]

I enjoy your boating videos. Inspiring me to get out there on the water too. Cheers

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Always good to hear.

[@davebull]

Hi from the UK! Really enjoying these videos Chris - your tips and tricks are really great!

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Thanks Dave. If you get a moment to share one of your favourites on a Facebook group it will help me keep them coming. All the best.

[@lukethompson8942]

Great video. Sad to hear you sold Mozart, I had been looking forward to seeing more. Of all of the sailing channels, it's surprising how little there is that feature the typical size trailer sailor that most of us have. Love the dinghy as well but as for me, I need somewhere to get out of the elements, especially the brutal sun. A bimini is essential equipment. Thankyou for your videos, what you do is incredible.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Great feedback Luke. It has helped me to better understand what people are looking for. I have plans for the future. I’m keeping an eye out for a good project boat. Currently thinking something like a court 750, but there are many options and it comes down to jumping in the right opportunity. I’m right there with you on the bimini. I’d love to get more of the trailer sailer conversation going in our sailing beat group. The link is in the description below the video. Hope to see you there. Cheers Chris

[@stevewolf7205]

Moonlight is a beautiful boat Chris it makes the channel i have a investigator but just love traditional wooden boats been watching your channel since the start cheers steve 👍

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

I’m with you on the comfort factor. A Bimini on something around 22-25 ft is on the horizon. With moonlight in tow perhaps. 🤔

[@mikeu5380]

Really enjoyed every minute, but in particular, your informative discussion with John the Kayaker. Cheers and fair winds!

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

You meet some very interesting people on the water. John is a lifelong sailed he knew all the right questions to ask.

[@cooperhunsberger8141]

loved it.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Thanks Cooper

[@andrewwilson4528]

Thanks for the tips. Just getting back into sailing after a long break, nice to reinforce old knowledge and learn some new things.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

You won’t regret it. For me getting back into sailing was a pathway to personal revival

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

Nice video

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Thanks.

[@Helliconia54]

My wife and I bought a "pee bottle" from the chemist suitable for male and female. As used in hospitals.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

That’s a relatively high tech solution. I’m sure plenty of people use this method but not often talked about.

[@RustyKnorr]

Looks like your main has a reef in, but the nettles are tied around the boom. That is a really bad idea, the nettles should be tied around the sail bundle but not around the boom. That’s a great way to tear your main. As to a pee bucket, I use a yellow Nalgene bottle. If I’m going out for a day sail I take it ashore and dump it in the loo and wash it out, rather than dumping urine into the ecosystem.

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Thanks. I will try that next time.

[@zooman8711]

When are you coming north to give me a sailing lesson in mozart

[@SmallSailboatCruising]

Sounds like an idea. Would be something to think about over the coming winter.