Sailing Grand Cayman to Chesapeake MD part 1 - Hallberg-Rassy 54 Cloudy Bay -May 2020. Season20 Ep19

Part 1 of our 1,200 miles passage from Grand Cayman to the Chesapeake, on our Hallberg-Rassy 54. A long spinnaker run to Cuba, then lively sailing in the gulf-stream to Florida.
After 2 months of Covid-19 lockdown in Grand Cayman, with the hurricane season approaching, we needed to move. Due to all Caribbean and central American borders still closed to yachts, we reluctantly decided to sail 1,200nm north back to the safety of Herrington Harbour in the Chesapeake, USA.
This video, part 1 of the passage, takes us from Grand Cayman to West Palm in Florida via the Yucatan Channel at the western end of Cuba, then north up the Gulf Stream. We flew the ISTEC Parasailor spinnaker for over 33 hours on the first leg; got hit by thunderstorms close to Florida Keys, and had a wonderful fast run passed Miami and Lauderdale before coming into the tranquil Lake Worth at West Palm, Florida. 15 May - 1 Jun 2020

[@SailCloudyBay]

WARNING: This episode is PURE sailing. If you don’t enjoy the delights of sailing, you WILL likely be bored stiff watching this! NOTE: No humans we hurt (or even seen!) whilst filming this video Enjoy 😊

[@twister2869]

Just what the doctor ordered.

[@mosca3289]

Love the passage films.

[@man-with-handle]

Enjoyed every minute of it ...... thank you 👍🇬🇧

[@frankkreyssig7626]

You could have bored us “me” for another hour or two. 😁🍹🍹😎........... Thank’s.

[@nilsverbeeck732]

We need more sailing! Also include some kittens or so...

[@petertorrey236]

Magnus Rassey must love the free advertising showing your yacht displaying what HR does so well. Excellent, Cloudy Bay !

[@SailCloudyBay]

Yes, I think they do. The HR team deserve it.

[@DDixon3121]

Thank you for the narration and the use of charts to explain your passages. It's very helpful to understand where you are and what your plans are.....it adds to the quality of the video. It's enjoyable watching the sailing and sail trim as well so please keep it up. Again, thank you.

[@SailCloudyBay]

You are very welcome Dick. Glad you enjoy the format and thanks for the positive feedback.

[@DaveSunderland]

Brilliantly narrated. Thank you.

[@akhardee4]

I really enjoy your videos. Please do not stop. It makes things better in life.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks Kirk, will post some more once we get going again.

[@bullhippo9023]

One of the most beautiful sailing videos I have ever seen,

[@SailCloudyBay]

Wow, thank you!

[@cyclomaniac9086]

I love the pure sailing videos.... you guys do a spectacular job.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thank you very much!

[@bobrose7900]

Best sailing video ever....! Great technical prowess, that looked complicated at times, The speed over ground shows your understanding of tides and not just winds. Fantastic and well done to you both. The Para-sailor looked awesome.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks for the nice comment again Bob. Yes, it was very pleasant sailing. Next leg (next video) gives us a few more challenges .....

[@dietmarbecker8297]

Excellent, the ultimate sailing channel.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Wow, thanks!

[@HenrikScheel_]

That's my good half hour blue water sailing today! Thank you for sharing.

[@SailCloudyBay]

1 bluewatersailing a day, keeps the doctor away ... or so they say

[@TheRickpfarr]

Glenn: You are a sailors Yachtsman of the Year. Your sail trim is excellent and for all the landlubbers sailing a spinnaker for two days is a dream come true! Great passage and welcome back to the Chesapeake!

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks Rick.

[@mbohorquez1]

This is without doubt the best sailing channel. This episode of PURE sailing is just a joy to watch. Job well done!

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks Mario, much appreciated.

[@johnrichard6802]

At 31:25 Cloudy was moving very close to hull speed. Marvelous. This episode is what a sailing channel should be about. Delightful. It felt like I was aboard experiencing the sensation of the boat in perfect conditions. Well done.

[@SailCloudyBay]

John, Thanks. Great comment. Our aim with the photography is just that, to give the feeling viewers are sailing along with us. Yes, Cloudy was certainly at hull speed at that point, as we reached along the Florida coast. I kind of know when I'm pushing too hard (trying to force beyond hull speed) when she starts weaving. This can be seen starting to happen at 32:20. Just after taking those shots, I reefed down some more.

[@regkane-Pluvis]

I have just discovered you guys, absolutely love this video pure sailing . no rubbish sound, just wind and waves. you are definitely my no 1. Reg

[@SailCloudyBay]

Welcome aboard, Reg. Another pure sailing video out this Friday. Plus several others already on our channel. Enjoy

[@rolandkrupitza9746]

oohhhh did I sleep so good with the sound of the water hitting on Cloudy Bay. Relaxing after a hard days work. You can uplaod hours of that. Stay save😉

[@SailCloudyBay]

Roland thanks again for the nice comment again. More like this next week.

[@jwrappuhn71]

Fantastic vid guys, beautiful sail and sails, can't wait for the next episode, thank you.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Our pleasure!

[@dianeswift]

Beautiful photography as usual. Loved the night episode, hypnotic. Such a gorgeous sailboat.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks Diane, Glad you enjoyed it. I wondered what viewers would think of that blacked-out night scene. I must get a camera that is better at capturing these wonderful night images with the stars and dim light in the sails.

[@pierrotgretillat9365]

Salut super vidéo magnifique tank you vidéo magnifique super

[@SailCloudyBay]

Merci Pierrot

[@Yourweakminds]

How wonderful.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Glad you enjoyed watching John

[@Yourweakminds]

Miss you guys. Not the same without the weekly colour. Hope all is well with yous.

[@dennispatti]

Hi Glen. Having a nice cigar and scotch enjoying your excellent video sitting in my yard. Wow, what an amazing tutorial on passage strategy and how to sail an HR in all kinds of wind from Cayman to Florida. Love your videos. Keep them coming. Hope to see you and Oana in the fall.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Hi guys! Nice to hear from you. Next leg throws another, different bag-full of conditions at us. Next week's video. Yes, we are planning to return to the boat in Oct as usual and set off to Panama. All depends on if the Pacific islands are open for business again, or not. Currently its extremely restrictive for cruising, still.

[@ps4peace]

Another lovely video! I was recalling the journal entries & remembered how you weren't sure about bringing on more fuel because of the funky fuel dock, I am so glad you added some especially knowing what you were about to face. Thank you again for this privilege - just adore you two & Cloudy!!

[@SailCloudyBay]

You read the blog :). Yes, in the end, we did actually stop and get 1/2 a tank. And that lasted us all the way to the Chesapeake.

[@Andre-hi9xn]

Well, I think this video gonna play, several times in front of my eyes... Yeah, it's really that good! Kuid regards.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Wow, thanks!

[@Andre-hi9xn]

@@SailCloudyBay It didn't take long for me to watch the video again!!! And, I know I'll see it again. Kind regards.

[@rasheedmasthan6779]

Fantastic 👍

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks for the visit

[@svredrocks1173]

Captain Glen, great video...Cloudy was fairly surfing along and for sure both German Frers & Magnus Rassy will be delighted👍🏽 with this performance👏🏼. By crew decree...you meant "the Commodore's order" for the blind to be raised...Aye Aye Ma'am, To hear is to obey..!!

[@SailCloudyBay]

You got that right! ... all of it :)

[@paratrond]

Great video thanks for sharing 👍

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks for watching

[@Chris.E.]

Wow. Just came across your channel. Great video of the sail. Beautiful boat!

[@SailCloudyBay]

Welcome aboard! Lots of sailing in other videos.

[@chrismcclary108]

What I love about this channel is that it shows so much sailing. Nice video. Cheers from South Lake Tahoe!

[@SailCloudyBay]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@everythingexplained]

Loved this episode! Great sailing, and it is very interesting to observe your sail trimming and your comments regarding trim. Looking forward to the next video.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nordener720]

Thank you for all your wonderful sailing videos

[@SailCloudyBay]

Glad you enjoyed it. We don't do "cold", but your yacht name exudes adventure!

[@M-Swede]

Absolutely brilliant Glen! Thank you.

[@SailCloudyBay]

You are very welcome.

[@MachTuck]

Nice passage Glen!

[@SailCloudyBay]

Yeah, Mach. that was indeed a nice passage. Same as the one a year before when we sailed Antigua to USA. In this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/epPXhXWNZcqFiJo

[@charabanc1418]

Great video. Love it. Spinnaker stability - Great tips, thank you. I’ll try that.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Glad it was helpful Andy.

[@clifflong1203]

Some of the best pure sailing footage on any channel! Very nicely done mate!😏👌

[@SailCloudyBay]

Wow, thanks Cliff.

[@swilliams0079]

Excellent video Cloudy Bay! Learned quite a bit. Thank you for the educational and clean format. You got a new subscriber

[@SailCloudyBay]

Welcome aboard, Sergey.

[@Andre-hi9xn]

This episode is a real antidote to covid! Thanks Glen, Onana and CB!

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks again Andre

[@rogerprout5574]

Magical sailing. A minor point, the spinnaker sheeting angle could be about 2m further forward.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks for the comment. with regards to the spinnaker sheet angle, are you meaning the sheet block position on the aft gunwale should be 2m further forward?

[@rogerprout5574]

@@SailCloudyBay yes, I see you placed a barber haul later, perfect. It was a cheeky comment in retrospect. Your trim is excellent. Love your videos.

[@SailCloudyBay]

No problem. Always keen to hear other people observations.

[@markp194]

A wonderfully planned and executed crossing on a HR sports cruiser it seemed!

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks Mark. Yes, with Oana easily getting sea sick, I have to be very careful with planning, even though the boat can take far worse conditions than either of us can.

[@sailingsunlinenorth3154]

beautiful..thx for sharing mates and fair winds

[@SailCloudyBay]

Our pleasure!

[@Ahm.nae-fou]

Another lovely episode thank you, but I do wish you would have told us when we could open our eyes again.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Oops, sorry! Didnt think about that!

[@FighterFred]

Thanks for keeping the natural sound and not some stupid music as other sailing channels. My guess is that the Cuban guy was pretty envious, you passing by free as a bird.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Yeah I guess he probably was. Better than it was there, but still a very strangled nation

[@johneubank237]

Great Sailing, Sailing, Sailing video with beautiful camera work.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Glad you enjoyed it, John. Our pleasure.

[@ABeriault]

Wow...wonderful sailing video! Well done!

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thank you very much, Andre. Glad you enjoyed sailing along with us. Another sailing video coming next week.

[@dreadnoughtb3364]

Wow such a beautiful thing 👍

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks for visiting

[@SailingTalisman]

Looking good guys. We know all about spotty winds, but it looks like you did great!

[@SailCloudyBay]

Well, sailing is all about adapting to the conditions. But those first 2 days were incredible how steady the conditions were. All change on that in the next video .... where lots of challenges thrown at us.

[@SailingTalisman]

@@SailCloudyBay Well we can't wait to see. We're hauled out in Antigua at the moment and will be back in mid October to get our hopefully re-coated mast put back together.

[@fxmd932]

Great sailing !!!!! I love your videos .......following him from Barcelona

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks .... spread the word!

[@worldsailingRH]

Great section of an interesting transition from the Cayman Islands to Florida, congratulations and best regards from a Polish sailor from Vienna :)

[@SailCloudyBay]

Many thanks!

[@sreterzot2081]

i love this video. What a difference to my sailing afternoon today. My lake is only 6 km long and today it was very hot and very low wind. ;)

[@SailCloudyBay]

Austria I'm guessing? If yes, I love those lakes. We may even consider living there for retirement .... after our current retirement.

[@sreterzot2081]

@@SailCloudyBay Switzerland close to Zürich :) Greifensee. Yes Austria is lovely and much cheaper than Switzerland :)

[@pierrehenrytrouslard7486]

I have really appreciated your experience about the « management « of this parasailor.the main sail is certainly a security . Congratulation to manage alone ...even to install.?

[@SailCloudyBay]

Pierre, Yes, if I launch the spinnaker sock with the sheets and guys pre-winched to certain marks, and with the boat at the right angle to the wind (160 deg), I can raise the sock alone and the spinnaker automatically fills perfectly every time. I've probably launched and taken down about 5-6 times on my own.

[@captainmike808]

Terrific speeds with the main and Para Sail. I was under the impression that HR's were slow, that theory is gone.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Mike, I think the older, heavier displacement models probably were. But their progressive designs over the last 15 or more years changed that, whilst also retaining their Ocean-going qualities. Frankly, the rig on Cloudy is a little over sized for a cruising yacht, but that means she reaches hull speed in relatively low wind speeds.

[@Mr.Alia63]

Very nice gentle sail, I just love it when the wind push the sail hard. But I wish you went south to Panama and then to the South Pacific, safe journeys

[@SailCloudyBay]

Not a good idea to go that way Ali. Panama has a bad Covid-19 issue and even if we got into the Pacific, all the islands are currently either still closed to yachts or movement severely restricted. We will try again later in the year, if things look like getting back to normal.

[@Mr.Alia63]

Sail Cloudy Bay Sorry I didn't know that all the best!

[@javiercampelo00]

Muy bonita navegación. Enhorabuena. Saludos desde España, Europa.

[@SailCloudyBay]

De Nada, Javier

[@raymartin8644]

yep

[@dilligafwoftam985]

Great log, but you guys are going to have to be careful ... if KZbin sees that you have a sailing video ⛵ with only sailing in it you'll be de-monetised 😱. Luckily we had 10 seconds of Glen swimming and later topless on the foredeck.🧜‍♂️ I love that kite, and the extra sheet and brace on tack and clew are acting like a kind of barber-haul or tweaker to really stabilize it. Nice. Stay safe ... Ron 🇦🇺

[@SailCloudyBay]

Yeah ... sailing on a sailing channel, weird eh? And, trust me, You Tube already have a book full of excuses as to why a video can no longer be monetised .... even though they continue to use their adverts on them.

[@sandrarenwick1225]

Really enjoying your sailing series heading back to the USA. Can you explain a bit more about your bow sprit pole you made from 50mm shaft and how you have it mounted to your deck at the bow? Great job on your dinghy chaps and shades and how are you liking your solar stall with the keder rope and track? I made new chaps for our 360 as well then our friends 340 and now I have a request to make another set for someone in Annapolis so I will be making another set! Your boat is beautiful and you take meticulous care of her!!

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks Sandra. So far the keder tracks have worked well. It allows me to slide them on and off (if/when we lower the bimini) without being Houdini. If you email me on sailcloudybay@gmail I can send you pics of the bow sprit set up. Yes, we were super pleased at how the chaps came out. But boy oh boy it took alot of time. But like anything, I guess, a 2nd and 3rd time would be much quicker.

[@nicoow99]

Love me some parasailor footage. How are you finding it? Looks pretty easy to fly, AND looks sexy! Awesome vid as usual, cheers.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Amana, I'm in love with it. We couldn't afford a new one, but Oana found this one second hand and very good condition. Having got used to it now, I think the new price tag is worth it. It sets so easily, is very stable, you dont need the pole (at least, not to get it flying), and the snuffler is the best I've ever used. And, small detail, but the storage bag is enormous, but can be strapped down to massively reduce the volume. It therefore takes up 1/2 the space (in the forecabin) compared to our last spinnaker. With just 2 of us running the boat, I previously would never have flown a kite at night. With this one, that has changed. We purchased it primarily to cross the Pacific - where there will be looong legs of light downwind sailing - similar conditions to the first 1/2 of this video. Thanks for viewing and glad you enjoyed it.

[@michaeldouglas6872]

You guys still rule when it comes to just pure sailing videos without the annoying (sometimes) background music selection . Like how you narrate your planned passage with weather wind tides etc before you get in to the practical sailing portion. HR should be sponsoring your channel, as I don't think there is any channel on KZbin right now that showcases HR's as good as you guys do it justice.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Thanks Michael. Yes, HR should sponsor us!! But actually, they are very supportive, and thats all we need from them.

[@landsea3682]

Very nice footage sailing and flying you Parasailor.... Any reason why you didnt stop by in Cuba??

[@SailCloudyBay]

we intended to, but go locked down with Covid in Cayman just before Cuba. When we did pass Cuba on our way back to USA, Cuba was closed due to Covid :(

[@landsea3682]

@@SailCloudyBay Ah, I understand - wht a shame... Hope all is well, take care!

[@perksy67]

Lovely sailing footage as always. Very inspirational. Just one question. Do you furl your genoa to gybe/tack or do you manage to get it between the forestay and the solent/cutter (?) stay? Or does it depend on the conditions?

[@SailCloudyBay]

Hi David, Thanks for the compliment, and good question. Yes, we always have to furl and unfurl again, for both gybing and tacking the genoa. With the 140% cut and that narrow gap to the cutter, its just too tight. But with the hydraulic furling, its really no sweat and is the best controlled way to do it anyway. And there is zero abrasion on the sail (no flapping or being forced against the mast rigging). In our video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epPXhXWNZcqFiJo , at 1:17, we show a complete gybe sequence, when we passaged back to USA in 2018.

[@perksy67]

Thanks for the reply Glen. Much appreciated. And agree, that for cruising it’s not really much of an inconvenience with the benefit being that you have another headsail (100%ish jib?) ready and waiting for when the breeze picks up or if you find yourself having to short tack to windward (although I guess that’s what motors are for!).

[@rodneyogilvie6794]

G'Day Glen, Your videos are among the best sailing videos on KZbin. Can you tell me which video editing software you use? It's a shame your mast is so high, as you can't do the intracoastal. The stretch from Norfolk to Moorehead city is picturesque in places. Maybe find a delivery to do it? After Panama, are you going up to the Canadian Islands, or direct to Galapagos/Marquesas.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Hi Rodney, thanks for the compliments. The editingsoftware is Adobe Premier Pro. Yes, would loved to have tried a section of the ICW, but alas we are far to high and deep. If we even get through Panama this year the plan is direct west. But maybe Oana doesn’t join this year, in which case who knows where I’ll go. Time will tell.

[@MrR6pilot]

I think it would be a good video topic to explain the parasail -v- spinnaker etc. The parasail seems a bit illogical with the wind spilling out of the middle vents.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Yes, maybe I should do a video on that subject. Trouble is, we don't have a conventional spinnaker to compare it too. I agree the big hole in the middle does beg a few questions. The hole, along with the wing, serves 2 purposes that make it a superb cruising spinnaker: 1) in gusty conditions, it relieves the pressure in the center of the sail making it tolerate much higher wind strength changes than an normal kite. 2) The wing holds up the weight of the spinnaker, so that it still flies with full shape even in the lightest of condition. It finally collapses at about 1.5kts true wind. This wing also makes the spinnaker very stable. I can set it and even if it occasionally partially collapses, it always recovers by itself without any need of intervention on the sheet.

[@MrR6pilot]

@@SailCloudyBay Thanks, that makes sense. This is one of the great aspects your videos - you have a very good way of explaining the technicalities with just the right balance of information. I imagine there must be a lot of people like me who watch with a genuine interest, but not much knowledge or experience - it's very interesting and helpful to get a good understanding of the basic principles in a straightforward and well explained way 😊

[@TheKandyGuy]

wow wonderful clip...thanks for shearing the experience at sea..be safe and see you on the next one..!!

[@SailCloudyBay]

Anura, thanks for the compliment again. I'm trying to place your name vs nationality/origin .... ?

[@TheKandyGuy]

@@SailCloudyBay Please do Sir, just a hint now I'm an Asian American, but I was born somewhere in Asia, with my last name very few in the world, I think only 3 people in US. Lets see if you can pin point.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Ski Lanka?

[@TheKandyGuy]

@@SailCloudyBay Sri Lanka, known to England as Ceylon. Best tea come from there.

[@SailingEastoftheSun]

When I watch your videos, I always imagine you are a couple of gentleman bankrobers, who made millions doing a very cleaver, oceans 11 worthy, stylish as hell bankrobbery, and are now enjoying the good life in the carabean. Secretly still futatives from the law🤣

[@SailCloudyBay]

Please be careful who you say that to, so far we have managed to avoid Interpol in the Caribbean :)

[@harrymurphey2634]

... I grew up fishing in NJ using "Penn Reels" ... I have a collection of "Senators (1/0 ==> 4/0's) and Long Beaches" ... here is the interesting thing ... all mine are "Right-handed" ... and yours is mounted on the rod as a "left-hander" ... Hhhmmmm??? Question ... did you find an actual "left-hander" ??? ... or did you just mount it backwards ??? ... really like that spinnacker !!!! ... the double sheet-lines "locks" it in place I think ...

[@SailCloudyBay]

Harry, I would be lying if I claimed to be even a beginner at fishing (I could really do with a lesson or 3). When we bought the boat, we inherited 2 pretty nice looking rods, reels and lots of lures. I've not done anything to them, like attach them differently or anything. If they are set up for left handed people thats perfect, cos thats what I am ... a lefty :) Now spinnakers, I'm pretty good at those!

[@harrymurphey2634]

... I wonder if you can reconfigure a right-handed Penn Senator and rebuild it as a "left-handed" reel ...??? I have never seen a left-handed reel ... but ... ??? Do you know fish can "smell" ??? be careful about what you wash the reel w/ ... fresh water only ... they can smell soap and and petro-chemical lubricants (WD 40) you would use. then no bites !!!

[@harrymurphey2634]

... I did a little research on the internet ... appearently "Penn Reels" made several models in "Left-Hand" configuration ... there is even a special "conversion" kit. Surprised me ... as I have never seen a Penn Senator in left -hand. ... What do you think about "Maryland Crab Cakes ??? The real ones made in Maryland ... not the fake ones w/ too much breading ... take some time exploring the Chesapeake Bay/Eastern Shore ... the fall is best. Oh you got me on the "multi-hulls" ... but ... look up Chesapeake Log Canoes/Flying Cloud ... Yep that is what I've been sailing on for the last (12) years ...

[@barkinshark1]

Are you stopping in port norfolk by the naval base? I look for your boat every day I go over that bridge tunnel.

[@SailCloudyBay]

We did stop there back in Nov-Dec 2018 and we have videos of us in Norfolk and passing the Naval base then. But this time we went directly up the Chesapeake towards Annapolis.

[@wegobugs]

Do you have any issues with your dingy dragging in rough seas? Planning to put an arch on my boat. I’ve been told to make it as tall as possible so when the davits are mounted the dingy will be as high as possible.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Hi Jeff, There is not really much chance of the dinghy "dragging" in most rough seas. Cloudy's stern is just to fat and buoyant for that to happen .... I believe. But getting a big wave breaking into the dinghy, or a large splash, does worry me. Because it could potentially put over a ton of water in there which would certainly break the davits (rated at 175Kg each). So far, we only got mild spray in there. But in storm conditions, with a following sea and a drogue deployed, its clear the dinghy would get pooped by waves breaking over the stern. So, for that reason, on longer ocean passages beyond what I call "reliable forecast time window" (generally more than 4 days planned at sea), I will always remove the dinghy and lash it down on the foredeck, upside down. Then my mind is at peace. So yes, in your case, I would get as high as possible on your arch, but also be aware the higher you go the more strain you are putting on the arch base, when the boat is rolling and pitching ... and of course more effort to get it up there each time. Hope that helps.

[@stevegarneau61]

Was the decision to sail north just to avoid the hurricane season or part of your itinerary?

[@SailCloudyBay]

our Itinerary was to get to Panama. But Covid stopped us and we didnt/couldnt stay in the hurricane zone where our insurance does not cover us. So headed north for peace of mind till Covid blew over

[@johnwarren7155]

it would be nice to see who's doing the talk and some of the time

[@SailCloudyBay]

John, Yeah, sorry about that. Sadly, my crew were not in the best of moods by the end of the season.

[@lindaaustin-morin7781]

Just love the sailing! Do you normally do passages without jack lines and clipping in?

[@SailCloudyBay]

linda austin-morin. Yes, jack lines are permanently installed the length of each side deck. And yes, we wear harnesses, clipped on, when weather and/or sea state is bad.

[@johnnyhunter4345]

We call those Doves in the US...which way did it go...Keys or Cuba? Welcome back....

[@SailCloudyBay]

Actually, I think it was a dove, now that I come to think about its features. It was Spanish speaking .... so could have flown off to either FL or Cuba! We did manage to give it some water and bread crumbs - then it was going on its way and we didn't see which direction.

[@chriswilliams3146]

Some fabulous shots to end the season, but eleven ad breaks in 36 minutes does ruin the enjoyment.

[@SailCloudyBay]

OMG .... 11 ad breaks?? seriously?? I'll go check that anonymously to see. Thats totally unacceptable. I'll go see if I can un-tick something somewhere. I tell you, You Tube is getting greedier and greedier I feel :( They need a competition platform.

[@chriswilliams3146]

@@SailCloudyBay Hi.Thanks for the response. I only started counting as the first was after 1:08 which seemed odd.

[@rayrussell2735]

I’m guilty like others, played 4 times now. Got to stop and get down to the boat to remove gin n tonic seats and outboard motor bracket for varnish. Time is running out quickly.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Indeed ... get going!! No real hurry though Ray, its not looking good for the next season unfortunately. But whatever happens, I'll be out in the fall assuming USA will let me in.

[@bowlinggreenoil]

How much wind before the snuffer gets to be too much to handle when snuffing? Thanks

[@SailCloudyBay]

Good question. I cannot physically start the initial snuffler movement in anything more than 10 kts of apparent wind. This is primarily because the top of the spinnaker is pretty much horizontal compared to me pulling vertically down (same problem with any snuffler). So our trick is to collapse or de-power the spinnaker then immediately pull down the snuffler before there is any chance of the collapsed sail wrapping itself around the forestay. If we have the mainsail out, this is easy. We go off the wind (more off the wind), Oana simply eases the sheet, the spinnaker quickly collapses behind the mainsail and I get the snuffler down. Without the mainsail out we can still de-power but a lot more sheet needs to be released to do it. So far, we have snuffled the spinnaker in maximum of 19kts true wind. I think we could do it in more (my guess, max 25kts). After that it would have to be bought down conventionally. But we have to be very careful. Its an enormous sail (2300 ft2, 238m2) so bringing down the sail conventionally by hand (without snuffler) with just 2 of us, could create a very dangerous situation. Even with it de-powered, flapping cloth would still put huge forces on the sheets and guys. So I think if the wind ever squalled above 25kts, I would rather just hold on (leave it up) and do our best to control the boat while praying the gust will quickly pass. One good feature about the Parasailor is that hole: in gusts, it is the perfect way to de-pressure the sail, which should help prevent the usual spinnaker blow-out in a squall.

[@bowlinggreenoil]

​@@SailCloudyBay I do not have your sailing experience but I did a transatlantic some years ago on a Bowman 47 with two aboard. I have an immense respect for someone that sails a large yacht ,with sails as big as an average house ,across oceans short handed. Perhaps, your greatest virtue is your attention to maintenance. Mechanical advantage always fails at the worse times and thus have provided me with my most memorable recollections. I look forward to your postings and thanks for responding.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Bowman 47 .. a very good Ocean going yacht indeed. Nice experience.

[@fredericmezange2293]

Very good.....no stop in Cuba ? Los views are interesting ......

[@SailCloudyBay]

Frederic ... haha, I caught you not watching the full video! :) Take a look at the video at minute 27:44, all is explained with regards to Cuba. All borders were closed to foreign yachts, except USA.

[@fredericmezange2293]

Sail Cloudy Bay. Sorry ,excuse me , I don’t inderstood totally.....my English os not perfect .....🤪🤪

[@SailCloudyBay]

Frederic, Mes excuses également. Peut-être que mon sens de l'humour n'était pas approprié.

[@fredericmezange2293]

Sail Cloudy Bay Non non pas d’inquiétude 😉 ton sens de l’humour est adapté , ne t’inquiètes pas ....

[@fredericmezange2293]

Sail Cloudy Bay Vivement la deuxième partie .... Vous êtes aux USA ? Et le bateau ?

[@dreadnoughtb3364]

⛵👍

that kite looks like a serious bit of kit. how much did it set you back, if it is not a secret :)

[@SailCloudyBay]

Andrej, Yes, its quite technical. The wing (like that of a paraglider) lifts the kite so that it flies in even the lightest of apparent winds (2-3kts). And, in gusty conditions, that "hole" relieves pressure on the sail. They are damned expensive though. I think we were quoted over 15,000 Euros for our size, which was way beyond our budget. Luckily, Oana found one for sale for 1/4 that price, barely used.

@@SailCloudyBay 15k? one could buy a (fixer upper) daysailer for that kind of money. nevertheless, I'm sure it is worth the money, especially at 1/4 of the price.

[@markintheadirondacks9838]

Your spinnaker is not the right size for the boat, is built to a standard design and is unstable and inefficient. Retired Professional Sailmaker here, Webb Institute of Naval Architecture graduate.

[@SailCloudyBay]

What did you observe that makes you say that, please? Always interested to hear expert advice, especially from highly qualified people.

[@markintheadirondacks9838]

The spinnaker luffs are too short for the foretriangle and are the wrong size. This causes the center of aerodynamic effort to move higher on the rig and adds to yaw moment. Yaw moment is the force that causes a sailboat to broach and pinwheel to weather. You should not have any wobble in the sail if it is designed correctly. The sail should stand up in the air like an iron cup, especially when using a spinnaker pole, which has the design objective of creating a stable platform. What you might enjoy a great deal more is a full sized no pole cruising spinnaker. A full sized sail will have the effect of lowering the center of aerodynamic effort (geometry) on the rig and will reduce drag and weather helm on the rudder, as well as reducing heeling moment. This, in turn, will reduce the pressure on the rig, which adds to the rig's lifespan. It also has the effect of balancing the entire sail plan so that all of the forces are pulling in the desired forward direction, adding to forward thrust and not sideways drag. There should be no weather helm on the tiller and little heeling of the yacht This adds to both speed and balance if done correctly. Because the sail that you're flying is shorter and of a standard design and cut, the front of the sail will load, while the back of the sail will stall and collapse. This is why the sail is jiggling in the air and the leeward clew patch is inverting with a crease down the center of the patch. The entry angles into the sail are also incorrect at each point in the height of the rig. Remember, the wind blows harder the higher you go above the deck and this requires different angles of entry for the sail. Mark Washeim, the owner of OneSails Northeast in Huntington, NY, knows how to design and build these sails professionally. He apprenticed at Hard Sails on Long Island in 1978. For further research, you can look up "Sail Power", written by Wally Ross, the former owner of Hard Sails in Islip, LI and the inventor of the Star Cut Spinnaker. These are truly computer and aerodynamically designed sails and have been since 1964. The original sail designer at Hard Sails was Dr. Jerome Milgram, the Dean of Naval Architecture at MIT. Dr. Milgram's last design project was Stars and Stripes, the Charles Koch America's Cup project that was the last US entry to win the America's Cup for America. I worked at Hard Sails too in 1978 and we invented America's first hydrofoil sailboat while winning our second world sailing speed record in the C Class Catamaran. That boat was named NF2. You can reach Mark at the loft at +01 631 673 5055. He's a pleasure to deal with and a wonderful human being.

[@markintheadirondacks9838]

One last piece that I noticed that will be useful to you is about the sheet and pole trim on the spinnaker. You'll want to be careful not to let the spinnaker pole rest against the headstay. When you trim the windward sheet, you'll want to pull the sheet back until the sheet stopper at the end of the sheet fits against the end of the pole and then you'll want to trim the sheet back a little bit more so that the spinnaker pole isn't resting on the headstay. 2-3 inches to windward of the headstay is ideal and will keep the pole from slatting against the headstay and harming your headstay. Setting the pole at this location will not only protect your rig and headstay from harm, but is the correct setting for the proper transfer of aerodynamic pressure from the spinnaker to what then becomes static and dynamic forces on both the windward and leeward sheets that then drive the yacht. This setting will also prevent the possibility of losing your headstay and suffering a rig collapse or dismasting should you get hit with an unexpected wind gust. Lastly, your current windward sheet that runs through the bowsprit is designed for a no pole cruising spinnaker and not a tri-radial spinnaker. It would be interesting to see how the chute flys when set correctly using the spinnaker pole instead of running it off of the bowsprit.

[@SailCloudyBay]

Mark, Some good insight there. And I'll let you into a little secret. This Parasailor is one size smaller than ISTEC recommends for our rig. This is because we could not afford to buy the correct size new, but did manage to get this one-size-smaller on the second hand market (this is 228m2 the correct is 232m2 ... and yes, with a slightly longer luff). The other factor is that this is not a standard spinnaker. Please take a look at the ISTEC website. This is a symmetric spinnaker that is uniquely designed not to require a pole. It has 2 sheets and 2 tack lines. It is to be flown like an asymmetric, not the standard guy-sheet set up. Both the tack lines are designed to go to a bow sprit. (so whilst it is flown like an asymmetric, it is gybed like a symmetric). You are quite correct that with a normal spinnaker you should never have the pole touching the forestay. But if you take a look at how I'm flying it (when reaching) all the force is on the tack line as per the design (like an asymmetric spinnaker). We only need the pole when dead down wind. But when reaching in those light winds, I kept the pole up (resting on forestay) with the port sheet (guy) just loosely through the pole. I did this because the wind was alternating between on the beam and dead astern. When it swung dead astern I would simply pull the guy and pull the pole back. (There is a shot in the 2nd evening how I was flying it dead down wind). Previously we did have an asymmetric spinnaker (standard design: tackline and sheet) but it was totally useless dead down wind. And with a non-planing hull, downwind tacking is slow for VMG. And, the wind angle that our asymmetric did work (80-160) was also an OK angle for our 140% genoa. So basically our asymmetric never got used and we still didn't have a light-wind dead-downwind sail, other that goose winged main/genoa .... This Parasailor fits the gap yet is less aggressive for the 2 of us to handle compared to a standard symmetric spinnaker. So thanks for your insight. I appreciate it. You are right to spot it is not quite the right size. But it is also not flown like a standard spinnaker. And ... we are still learning. thanks again for your time to write the above.

[@markintheadirondacks9838]

@@SailCloudyBay I think you'll find that the sailing community, of all stripes, is always very happy to share their knowledge and experiences with others. All of us know how daunting it can be when we're faced with a repair or a situation that is above our pay grade. Don't ask me anything about diesel engines. It is one of the great joys of sailing, as I'm sure you have already discovered. I was amused to discover after reading your tracking app that you had been in Huntington Bay on Sept. 27th, 2018, less than a block away from the OneSails loft. All things come full circle, but not always at the right time. What I would recommend since you're out in bluewater is that you consider sailing at a 140 degree true wind angle when sailing downwind. One of the dynamics that occurs when sailing at this angle is that as the boat picks up speed the apparent wind angle shifts forward and you will be pushed to a lower sailing angle, say 150 degrees to true wind. You'll have to make one jibe to do it and will sail a slightly longer course, but you'll always get there faster and with less risk to the rig and the vessel as well as a more comfortable ride. Sailing dead downwind and by the lee are dangerous angles of sail. In a steep following sea, you don't want the water coming over the stern and burying the stern. Sailing by the lee can become a disaster should you get that one unexpected gust that throws the rig over into an unexpected jibe. You don't want either one of these things to happen when you're sailing bluewater. The Code One asymmetrical no pole spinnaker can sail at the 140 degree angle, is a lot faster, is full sized and will be much easier to deal with. I think we've thought about everything that will come into play from a design and safety standpoint over the years, so I'm just passing these thoughts along to you for your consideration. For a giggle, our stiffest competition in the hydrofoil NF2 was another hydrofoil named Icarus from Great Britain. We hopscotched past each other twice in the late seventies each winning the sailing speed record twice. We said at the time that Icarus flew too close to the sun! :) I saw your Union Jack and had to say "hi".

[@mosca3289]

TGIF

[@SailCloudyBay]

TGIFoSCB

[@georgejackson7501]

Cloudy knows who her Daddy is...

[@SailCloudyBay]

Haha .... love that comment :) I'll have to try using that line on her: " .... hey, whos your Daddy then, eh? eh?" while tickling her under her bow :)