anchoring

The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat – Reviewed

/ Ben Starling / 2 Comments

Book the Captain has snoozed upon:  
The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat, by John Vigor   

Just up – The Can Opener has just finished another great book by John Vigor. Here is my First Mate’s book review which he has just handed in to me (slightly tardily we note) for approval. But… approved!


Topics Covered
  • defining seaworthiness
  • fitting out: spars, rigging, tackle, engine, nav gear etc
  • heavy weather
  • anchoring
  • gastro-navigation and galleys

The Best Part
There were two best parts in this book for us. The number 1 best part was the excellent definition of seaworthiness. 

We have heard the term ‘seaworthy’ used so many times – bandied about really. To have it nailed down and specifically and practically defined was extremely helpful – just what we needed to hone our yacht design research criteria.

The number 2 best part of this book was: its attention to detail. At the end of each section, John Vigor repeatedly asks the question: ‘What would you do if your boat were inverted?’ He exhorts you to plan today for the scenario you hope will never happen. Then he takes you through solutions and explains how solving these problems before they happen is so critical. Brilliant.

Wishes

Okay, for once Captain Cat is stumped. All right. I wish that this book were longer. Or that it had a sequel.

Conclusion
This one’s got pride of place on our book shelf. Loved it. We’ll read any book that this guy has written.

Ever read The Seaworthy Offshore Sailboat, by John Vigor ? How did you find it? Any good recommendations for other books for the sea library?




–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

In the US
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In the UK
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Book Reviews

Previously: RYA VHF Radio text – Reviewed!

Also by the same author: 
20 Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere – Book Review

Coastal Skipper Training

/ Ben Starling / Leave a comment

Captains’ Log
Stardate: 2012224
Gloomy days. Just as we approach the much anticipated acceleration point of our Get Cruising Now Plan… I learn of proof beyond doubt that the First Mate has lost all marbles. 

Turns out this cruising crew the Can Opener has been invited to join – they specifically want to practice Crew Over Board training and anchoring… over and over and over again.. for days! 

The Can Opener is practically skipping with joy – when he should be filleting my Sunday night’s prime haddock!

Granted this will be the perfect chance to prep him for the RYA Coastal Skipper exam that I have decreed he will get this year. 

And also granted that being invited to test on the boat with a familiar crew is a boon. Not only will he be familiar with the boat and crew before the test – but it will be quite cost effective. But honestly – COB drills??  

(That’s not Crew Over Board – that’s Cat Over Board drills, Furrball. We can skip this part if you reeeeeeally want us to…) 

Hmm… But……with all this training going on… how will the Can Opener find time to stand over me waving palm fronds as I snooze? (‘Twas never likely, my friend…) 

How will he eke out sufficient time to dust my orb, polish my feather cap and rinse my frillies? (I’ll do it before we go out.)

Ah. Hmm… okay. If you erect a properly sized yoga platform across the foredeck – it’s a done deal. 

(Right-ho, Captain. I’m on it.)




–Captain Cat 
(transcribed by the Can Opener)
 

More Wise Counsel to Anchor Yourself By

/ Ben Starling / Leave a comment

My choice of anchors and cables is worked out on the premise of stout gear to handle the worst conditions…with a minimum of fuss and wasted energy.

Which (anchor) is best? …we carry three (of the four well-known ones)… because each is good for different conditions. 

You can use duct tape to hold your oilskins together. You can get by with unvarnished oars or a spinnaker with a dozen patches. You skip cockpit cushions entirely. But when it comes to anchors and cables, you want the best.

—Hal Roth, How to Sail Around the World

Can’t argue with that. More good advice for life in general too if you kind of squint your eyes when you look at it. 

–Captain Cat 
(transcribed by the Can Opener) 

Quote of the Day

Anchor Yourself in Wise Counsel

/ Ben Starling / Leave a comment

‘Anchor gear is only as strong as each connecting part.’

‘I sail in cautiously, in daylight, noting the depths with a depth sounder or lead line…’
‘You can learn a lot about anchoring by putting on a face mask and swimming out to inspect your iron hook.’
‘Nothing else can equal the peace of mind a second anchor gives the captain.’

—Hal Roth, How to Sail Around the World

Good solid advice. 
Pretty good advice for life in general too.



–Captain Cat

(transcribed by the Can Opener)

Quote of the Day
Previously: De Re Non Disputandum Est