Ocracoke to Swan Quarter on a San Juan 21 MKII

Paul Van Ness and daughter, Isla, return from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter on a San Juan 21 MKII using Sheet-to-Tiller self-steering across the Pamlico Sound.
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[@sunlovesailing]

Great trip all the way around!!

[@benjaminpaynter7550]

I'm about to pick up a SJ21 that needs a lot of work I'm about to grab from my friend and try to find storage/workspace for it around Jordan Lake. I'm in Raleigh and looking to do the very same thing you did in the video!

[@JesseKlaus]

Still looking for space near JL?

[@ronwright4684]

I am planning this trip in 2025. Wanted to ask how much beating I can expect to do as opposed to reaching and running.

[@adventuresofsailorpauli1543]

We watch the windy app. Usually we pick weather that is favorable on both to and fro trips. Often it is on the beam or behind us. If it’s gonna be a beat, we usually go a day sooner or later and plan on flexibility. Often we cross on different days because of work or school schedules. Tacking all the way across could be 15-20 hours! You can also choose to leave from Cedar Island or Englehard for alternate routes to make the wind work.

[@Jess-bx9jv]

Where is your keel winch located?

[@adventuresofsailorpauli1543]

On the centerboard trunk just inside the companionway.

[@JeffHubble]

Are you going to be at the Eastern Nationals at the Black Beard Sailing club in New Bern this weekend?

[@adventuresofsailorpauli1543]

No. But it sounds cool. I’ll check it out.

[@adventuresofsailorpauli1543]

Were you at the EN at Black Beard sailing club? How was it?

[@johnryan2193]

Thanks for sharing these golden days of drifting about in a boat !wonderful !

[@ericmcwhirter5265]

I'm setting up a Ness Yole for dinghy cruising in the Belhaven area. Looking to speak with someone for guidance. Would you be available?

[@adventuresofsailorpauli1543]

Sure, let’s chat here. I am currently in Croatia. You may have noticed that my friend, Chris sailed his 16’ Wayfarer across the Pamlico to Ocracoke. It’s doable. You need to be brave, choose your weather wisely, know how to heave to and be prepared to reef your sail.

[@ericmcwhirter5265]

@@adventuresofsailorpauli1543 Thanks for the reply: My boat is approx 17' has relatively low freeboard. Great for rowing. single sail balanced lug. I'm practicing reefing solo and modifying it for ease. Not sure how to heave to a balanced lug. Do you think anchoring is an option for sudden squalls if I can't make shore? My first goal is Bath to Belhaven by November. Haven't made it much past the entrance to the creek at River Forest Manor. Checking boat for soundness and making minor mods as I go.

[@gordonipock9385]

How is the security at the parking lots where you put in for these trips? Let's say you wanted to spend a week or two on the water. Can you leave your trailer and vehicle there for that long without having to worry about it? I guess I'm asking if you have ever had any trouble or know anyone who has.

[@adventuresofsailorpauli1543]

Rangers may call your phone and ask if you are still out after a week, but your vehicle will be fine at most places. Cedar Island has a big campground and RV park which wasn’t always there. That may or may not be a problem.

[@gordonipock9385]

Thanks.

[@joefrancis759]

Maybe add a bungee shock absorber to that dinghy tow line. Great SJ21 (and general sailing) content and it isn't 10 years old! I just got an SJ21 last month so I'm a bit of a slut for any videos on these boats right now, I binged right through all yours. Love seeing all the ways you've set up your boat. Mine is really basic except for a furling genoa and nice wood cupholders on the front of the lazarette. If I might be so forward, it would be really cool to see anything on: - mast rasing/lowering, bow pulpit crutch(awesome!), trailering setup - electrical system - outboard (love yours btw) - keel tips (how to tell when it's up all the way) and mods (looks like you moved your winch and cable?) But I'll be back for whatever you put up. Thanks!

[@adventuresofsailorpauli1543]

SJ21 is awesome! Congrats. My boat came with the bow crutch. It’s just a PT deck board and 2x4 painted with marine spar varnish. I love it. I use it to step up onto a high dock. My winch came that way. Water splashes thru the slot they cut for the cable in a heavy sail. Thanks for the ideas on videos. I’ll try to do some of them.

[@sunlovesailing]

Sweet sail!!!

[@adventuresofsailorpauli1543]

Yes it was!