APRIL MEETING IS CANCELLED - Tiding's Great Adventure Season 2 Part 2, Lake Champlain - Delaware River TSCA
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Delaware River Chapter of the Traditional Small Craft Association April 2020
March 2012
Next Meeting: Topic:
APRIL MEETING IS
CANCELLED
Tiding’s Great Adventure Season 2
Part 2, Lake Champlain
By By Douglass Oeller
Background
This article is the second in a series recounting Leaving New York
Tidings’ 2019 cruise. 2019 was the second
summer of my continuing adventure to Tidings spent the winter of 2018 in Honeyoe
circumnavigate the “lower 48” of the United Falls, New York. My friend Steve Warfle kept an
States in a 19-foot Cornish Shrimper named eye on her, saving me the cost and worry
Tidings. The plan is to do the circumnavigation associated with renting a storage spot far from
over a period of 5 – 6 years, leaving the boat home. She survived the cold and snow looking
where she ends up when the warm weather no worse for the wear. We did a small amount
stops each year. The trip began at Kent Island, of work to get her ready for launch and enjoyed
Maryland in May of 2018 and ended for Season a shake-down cruise on nearby Lake
One in August in Rockland, Maine. Season Two Canandaigua on June 18. Returning from the
began in June of 2019 with a shakedown cruise lake that evening, we stopped to pick up some
in Lake Canandaigua, in upstate New York, and Buffalo Wings (This dish originated in Buffalo
continued with cruises in Lake Champlain, Lake NY.) because I wanted to get the authentic local
Huron, Lake Michigan, and Lake Superior. experience. I sat with Steve, his strong wife
Tidings and I traveled several thousand miles by Suzanne, and their above average children:
road and a few hundred by water. I hope you Helen, Andrew, and Teddy, at the family table
will enjoy the stories. sharing food and stories. I drank Genesee Cream
Ale, ate more than my fill of wings, and savored
the warmth of this wonderful family’s
hospitality. The evening ended with Steve, The forecast for the next day was for heavy rain.
Helen, and me playing music and singing We decided to motor to Burlington Harbor, take
together. Helen is a pianist, but that night she a walk around the city, and spend that night at
played the melodica while we strummed guitars the city dock. Pete had done his medical
until well past my normal bedtime. I feel lucky residency in Burlington and had fond memories
to have befriended such good people. of the area. He was especially keen to see what
had changed in the decades since he left
I would have liked to stay for another couple of Vermont. We arrived at the town marina around
days and go sailing in Buffalo Harbor. But Pete noon time. We called ahead to arrange for a
Peters and I had made plans to meet in slip, but the place seemed to be staffed by
Burlington, Vermont on the 19th. So, I gathered teenagers who did not communicate with each
my gear, did a quick check of boat and trailer, other. When we arrived, the youngster on duty
and headed west early the next morning. The was not expecting us. I stayed with the boat,
drive to Vermont was uneventful until I got to rigging a rain fly over the cockpit, while Pete
the city of Burlington where I encountered an walked up to the office to register us. He came
impressive number of potholes that punished back chuckling about a “senior experience” that
the truck, boat, and trailer. I was surprised at had just occurred in the office. Pete had
the poor quality of the city streets. But as the commented to the young man that the marina
summer progressed, I found the same situation seemed mostly empty of boats. The reply he
in Montreal and Ottawa. I guess if you get heavy thought he heard was: “We get a lot of
snow and heavy traffic, your roads are a mess by comedians later in the season.” Pete said: “Well,
early summer. that must be fun. Do they tell you jokes?” The
young man stood, puzzled, for a minute and
Lake Champlain then replied: “No, I said Canadians.” They both
had a good laugh. For the rest of the trip, when
Pete and I met at a launch ramp on Mallets Bay, we saw a boat with a maple leaf flag, we would
in Colchester, which is just north of Burlington. wonder aloud if maybe they would tell us a few
It was late afternoon and raining when I arrived. jokes. It was funny. But maybe you had to be
We worked in the rain getting Tidings rigged and there.
ready to launch. When all was ready to go, we
enjoyed an early dinner at a nearby pub and By the time we had Tidings secured and the rain
waited for the rain to stop before putting her in fly in place, the rain was a steady downpour. We
the water. I didn’t notice it at the time, but a were already wearing rain suits and Keen
small amount of rainwater made its way into the sandals, so decided to walk to the downtown
bed of my truck as we were loading up the gear area for lunch and some sightseeing. Pete
and provisions. assured me that it was only a couple of blocks
away. It turned out to be more like six blocks,
We launched Tidings about 30 minutes before mostly uphill, but the rain wasn’t cold, and I had
sunset and motored out to anchor in a shallow recovered from the sciatic pain that limited me
spot near Thayer Beach at the mouth of the Bay. so much the previous summer. It was a pleasant
The rain had stopped, and Pete and I enjoyed a walk. We found a local pub that had craft beers
very pleasant sunset playing music and sipping and home-made soup. It was an excellent lunch
favored beverages until the mosquitoes found and a good way to spend a rainy afternoon.
us and it was time to retreat to the cabin for the After the meal we made our way back to the
night. marina. Pete napped while I used the public
2
WIFI to catch up on some work for my clients. (I of the drawbridge, we were able to shake out
am a mostly retired consultant to the veterinary the reefs, shut down the D-sail, and run
pharmaceutical industry.) downwind toward our anchorage. Remarkably,
the wind strength diminished as the afternoon
The next morning, June 21, the rain stopped, progressed. We ended up motoring downwind
and the wind picked up. We had plans to meet to reach the anchorage in Paradise Bay before
Steve Warfle that night near a launch ramp on dusk. Steve contacted us by phone, and we
the east side of South Hero Island. It was about made a successful rendezvous with him and
a 30-mile trip and, of course, the wind was Wildcat shortly after sunset. I had noticed a
blowing from the northwest at 10 – 15 knots. I small amount of water on the cabin floor the
worked out the time and distance and decided previous day. And by the evening of the 21st the
we could make it on time if we motor-sailed. amount seemed to be increasing. I noted in my
Pete had grave doubts but bowed to my logbook that we might have a slow leak,
authority as captain. This was a new situation perhaps the stuffing box again? I resolved to
for both of us. We have sailed in company many inspect it the next morning.
times, each in our own boat. And I had sailed as
crew on Pete’s keel boat a few times. But he had When Pete, Steve, and I get together, there is
never crewed aboard my boat. Both of us made always animated conversation interspersed with
the adjustment without any real tension. songs and sips of distilled or malted beverages.
As the night went on, Pete noticed that I
seemed quiet and asked me if everything was
OK. Everything was actually very good. There
was just no need for me to talk because those
too had a lot of catching up to do. When the
flow of music, liquor, and conversation finally
slowed, we turned in for the night with the two
boats rafted on Tidings anchor.
I have learned through experience that Tidings
goes to windward in these conditions pretty
well with no jib, a double-reefed main, and the
D-sail running at moderate rpms. We did a
series of long tacks up the lake, anchored for
lunch in a cove in the lee of Bluff Point on
Valcour Island, and reached the gut between
North Hero and South Hero in mid-afternoon.
We had to motor through the gut and wait for
the drawbridge to open on schedule. Once clear
3
The next morning, June 23, we made our way
The next morning, as I was getting the milk for back north to the top of South Hero, motored
our coffee out of the cooler, I noticed that water under the drawbridge and through the gut, then
had once again accumulated on the cabin floor. sailed south to an anchorage near Phelps Point
It didn’t require much perspicacity. I was on the south east side of Big Hero. Winds were
wearing wool socks and stepped in the puddle. I moderate and the sun shone bright. There was
had the lid of the cooler open and, standing very little boat traffic apart from a few power
there with one wet sock, it dawned on me that boats and the occasional ferry. We reached the
there was very little melt water inside the cooler anchorage in the mid- afternoon and met up
and a sizable puddle underfoot. I uttered my with two of Steve’s friends who arrived in a
standard mantra for such head slapping small powerboat. The decision was made that
moments: “It’s a good thing I no longer fly the five of us should take the little speedboat
airplanes.” Then I screwed the drain plug tight in across the lake to the Naked Turtle, a waterfront
the Yeti and stopped the mystery leak. restaurant in Plattsburg, NY. The distance was
We cooked breakfast and spent a leisurely about 15 nautical miles. There was a 1-foot chop
morning drinking coffee and drying out Tidings’ in the lake, and we had to go upwind to reach
cabin. In the early afternoon, Pete transferred to the restaurant. The trip only took about 25
Wildcat and set off for a day of sailing with minutes but was a cold and bone-jarring ordeal,
Steve. Our plan was to meet up that evening in with the boat crashing through the waves. The
St. Albans. The wind was gusty at 10-15 knots. I experience reinforced my preference for
decided to tie in a single reef as I would be sailboats or slow cruisers. The meal and
sailing solo. It was a sunny and pleasant day and company were excellent, the discomfort
we all enjoyed the long beat to windward. As assuaged with margaritas, and the trip back to
the afternoon progressed, I removed the reef. the anchorage was much more pleasant with a
We chose an anchorage behind Rock Island and calmer lake and the wind behind us. Our motor
settled in for the night. boating friends delivered us back to Tidings,
bade us farewell, and roared away into the
gathering darkness. We three sat up until late
that night sharing stories and talking about how
lucky we are to be sailors.
Steve had to head for home on the 24th. We had
breakfast together and then parted company at
1030 with Wildcat headed for a launch ramp
near the bridge to South Hero Island and Tidings
motoring in very light wind back toward Mallets
Bay. The parking for the ramp at Mallets Bay is
free and there is no restriction posted about the
number of days you can stay. But it is an
isolated and unlit gravel lot hidden by trees. We
were pleased, when we reached the ramp that
afternoon, to discover that our vehicles were
still there and unmolested. Having confirmed
that all was well, we sailed back out to spend
another night (Pete’s last aboard) at anchor.
4
The morning of the 25th dawned with light rain, The skies were clear the next morning, but the
moderate wind, and heavy rain forecast for the humidity hovered in the 90% area and the air
afternoon and night. We decided to sail Tidings temperature quickly rose to the 80’s. I was
back to the marina adjacent to the launch ramp. surprised to encounter these conditions
It was pleasant going when at 0900 my phone because my expectation was for cool
rang, and I suddenly remembered that I had a temperatures. Being freshly bathed with clean
teleconference scheduled with a client in laundry and a full diesel tank, there was nothing
England. I turned the boat over to Pete, ducked for it but to go sailing. I decided to explore the
into the cabin, and answered the phone. The parts of Mallets Bay that we had bypassed
client, a Scotswoman who did a lot of sailing in earlier in the week. The bay is roughly circular in
her youth, heard the background noise and shape with a diameter of about 2 miles. The
knew instantly that I was sailing. When I assured entrance to the lake is about ½ mile wide and
her that I had a competent crewman in charge there are hills that provide shelter from the
of the boat, we settled into a productive call. At wind. If you are a powerboater this is a good
one point, she interrupted me to say: “Oh, I can thing. But it creates some challenges for a small
hear that you’re tacking the boat!” I think she sailboat with ever-changing wind speed and
wished our places were reversed and I was the direction. I had no specific destination for the
one sitting in a London office. The call ended night, so just enjoyed messing about and going
and I returned to the cockpit, but asked Pete where the wind favored. It was very relaxing to
keep the helm because it was his last day have no schedule or destination. Late that
aboard. I would be sailing for the rest of the afternoon the skies darkened, and my VHF radio
summer. We reached the marina around 1130 broadcast an alert for strong T-storms with
in heavy rain. We stopped at the fuel dock to dangerous winds approaching from the east. I
register for a slip and fill the diesel tank, then decided the prudent move would be to head for
got Tidings secure in a slip with the rain fly up the eastern part of the bay and seek protection
over her cockpit. Pete took his leave, sloshing in the lee of the trees that line the shore. I
off through the rain to retrieve his car and head dropped sail, fired up the D-sail and slowly
for home. It suddenly seemed quiet and lonely putted in that direction. When I got there, I
in the little boat, so I went ashore, indulged in a discovered that most of the protected areas
luxuriously long and hot shower, and spent the were filled with private mooring buoys and
afternoon doing laundry and reading email. That there was no open space to anchor. I had to go
evening I turned in early to the sound of rain further north along the shore where there was
drumming on the cabin roof. already a group of large cruising sailboats at
anchor. The boats were anchored very close
together and, to my eye, had very little scope on
the anchor lines. All of them were flying the flag
of Quebec. Aha! A bunch of comedians! I picked
a spot distant from the crowd, dropped anchor,
set it with a lot of scope, and settled down to
enjoy the oncoming storm. It was glorious.
There was wind, rain, and lightning. I figured
that the larger boats with tall masts would
attract the lightning, so just sat in the cockpit
letting the cool rain wash away the sweat of the
day. The storm blew through in about an hour. I
5
dried off, put on fresh clothes, fixed dinner and The device is a plastic bag with attached air
went to bed early. pump and shower hose. You fill the bag with
water, pressurize the water using a foot pedal
The next morning (June 28) was completely pump, and shower using a hose much like the
calm. I pulled anchor and motored back to the one on a kitchen faucet. The hose is long
Colchester launch ramp to pull Tidings and do enough to allow the bag to remain on the
some work that is easier done ashore. As I cockpit floor while bathing. The technical
motored past the Quebecois cruising boats, I aspects of the Helio worked fine. But I had
noticed that every one of them was using an all- forgotten to use the Helio (sun) part, which is to
chain anchor rode. That explained their comfort fill the black bag early in the day and let the sun
with close proximity and little scope. I did not warm the water. Instead, I filled it with cold lake
notice anyone laughing or telling jokes. All of the water for this experiment. I learned that using
boats listed Montreal as their home port. cold water is a good way to conserve water. It
I arrived at the ramp mid-morning, put Tidings was so cold that I could only tolerate short
back on her trailer, and spent the rest of the day bursts. So, I focused on the sweatiest body
working the rigging, trimming, sanding and parts, yelled out a time or two when the water
varnishing the frames for my new bug screen struck particularly sensitive areas, and toweled
cabin washboards, and installing supports to off quickly.
hold my new chart/cocktail table in place over
the motor box. It was miserable hot work I fell asleep shortly after sunset. The wind and
without a trace of a breeze. I took frequent the motion of the boat woke me at 0130 as
breaks to sit in the shade. another T-storm blew through. Tidings was
straining at her anchor, the wind was blowing
My original plan was to sleep aboard Tidings on parallel to the shore, and now I had no
the trailer, but it was too hot there in the protection. I put on my rain gear and moved to
sheltered parking lot. I launched her, parked my the cockpit to be ready to start the engine if we
truck, and motored toward the north west part began to drag. The problem was, it is very
of the bay hoping to find a secluded anchorage. difficult to judge distance in the dark at 0130
I discovered that the shoreline there drops off with the wind howling and adrenaline pumping
very sharply to more than 50 ft. In order to though your body. I shined a strong flashlight
anchor in 10 ft of water, I had to be closer to toward the nearby dock and watched to see if
shore than felt comfortable. But, with night we were moving relative to that fixed point. It
falling, I had little choice. I anchored in the lee of seemed we were not, so I turned out the light,
a tall hill near a private dock where there stayed in the cockpit, and checked repeatedly
seemed to be no one at home. My plan was to for the next hour as the wind howled. I was not
tie up to the dock if the wind picked up and we enjoying this. Finally, the storm passed, the
started to drag anchor. I fixed a simple dinner of wind eased, and I could shed the rain gear and
rice and pre-cooked chicken and then decided crawl back into my bunk. Snuggling under the
to try out my new Helio shower device. heavy wool blanket was pure luxury. I have read
many stories of adventure at sea with boats
riding through big storms that last for days.
Experiencing a very small adventure within easy
swimming distance from land is enough of a
challenge for me.
6
The morning of the 28th came clear and sunny When I awoke on the 29th, there was still no
with light wind. Most of the humidity was now wind, so I decided to tackle the job of re-wiring
gone, and I left the anchorage ready to enjoy a my anchor light and trouble-shooting my depth
pleasant day of sailing. Since my arrival, Tidings finder. The anchor light was simple. The wire
had not ventured south of Burlington, so I runs out the side of the base of the wooden
decided to go and see Port Douglass, NY, which mast. There is a connector plug on the deck to
has a public launch ramp. Douglass is my attach this wire to the boat’s electrical system. I
mother’s family name and I was naturally had forgotten to unplug this connection when
curious to see the town. The wind remained lowering the mast, and the cable pulled free
light, but it was a pleasant trip. When I arrived from the connector. I had the proper tools and a
there at 1630, I took a short walk around and new connector aboard. Fixing this was a
was disappointed that there seemed to be little pleasant job that took about an hour.
of interest within easy walking distance. After a
short stroll, I climbed back aboard and set a Trying to get the depth finder to work was not
course back across the lake toward Shelburne so easy. The unit was working intermittently. I
Bay, VT. The wind died completely, so I dropped deduced that there must be a short somewhere
sail and motored for several hours and reached in the wiring and the easiest way to fix that
the anchorage late in the afternoon. would be to run a new wire. Easier said than
done. I will spare you the details but point out
There were a few other boats in the anchorage, that the work involved sitting in the cabin,
and I noticed that some people were swimming. tracing wires, removing, revising, and replacing
This struck me as odd given the frigid water the circuit breaker panel, and dealing with
temperature I had experienced the previous battery connections in the bilge. Not pleasant,
evening in Mallets Bay. Then I realized that we not fun. By afternoon I had the unit re-wired
were now in a large shallow area. What a and working again – intermittently. This was an
difference! I lowered the boarding ladder, eased obvious disappointment that just seems to be
gratefully into the pleasantly cool water, and the nature of the product. In very deep or very
enjoyed a water-level view of Tidings and her cloudy water conditions, the sensor cannot get a
dinghy (P.S.) as I swam circles around the two good signal from the transducer. I wish that I
boats. After the swim came dinner and a show. had done more research before buying this
The show was a formal dinner party taking place device.
about 50 yards away at a lakeside mansion. The
guests were in fine attire. Music was playing.
Portable tables set with linen and silver graced
the grassy back yard. Uniformed waiters carried
silver trays of drinks and canapes. It wasn’t
exactly Great Gatsby, but it was at least Pretty
Good Gatsby. I couldn’t live like that.
7
In the early afternoon I took another refreshing The morning of June 30, I rose early, enjoyed
swim, fired up the D-sail, and motored out into the hot shower at the marina, had a wonderful
the windless lake toward the Community breakfast at the Market & Café, and then hailed
Boathouse Marina in Burlington. I arrived hot a Lyft driver for a ride to Colchester to get my
and tired in the early evening, found my truck. I needed to meet Meg at the airport in
reserved slip in the now-crowded marina, and the early afternoon. I had booked a hotel room
again deployed the rain fly over the cockpit. This for Meg’s first night in town, so I brought my
time it was for privacy from the crowds. For the overnight bag with me. When I got to the truck
last hour of the trip I had entertained myself and opened the cargo area, I immediately knew
dreaming about women and glasses of beer. My there was a problem. The inside of the camper
wife, Meg, was to arrive at the Burlington shell was steamy with a faint odor of mildew. I
Airport the following morning. I figured that the had parked the truck facing slightly downhill.
beer would be ready and waiting at the marina The water that leaked in while we were rigging
restaurant. The dock area of the restaurant was Tidings the first day had pooled at the front of
so crowded on this Saturday night that I could the truck bed, right where I had stowed Meg’s
not even get a seat at the bar. So, I walked up suitcase with all her vacation clothing. The
the hill to the Burlington Bay Market & Café. suitcase was soaking wet with visible mold
This place is a treasure! It has cooked to order growing on the maroon-colored fabric. When I
food, a selection of local beers, and an ice cream removed the contents, I discovered that the dye
counter. What more does a boater need? How from the suitcase fabric had leached into Meg’s
about a deck overlooking the lake where you clothing leaving a mildewed, tie-dyed, mess.
can enjoy your meal while watching the sunset This was not optimal. I left the suitcase unzipped
in non-pretentious atmosphere? Got that too! and open, cleaned and aired out the bed of the
The crowds thinned after sunset when I truck, then drove to airport to meet my luggage-
returned to the marina. I spent the evening free spouse.
relaxing in the cockpit and chatting with a few
curious passersby. Tidings always attracts Meg was disappointed about her clothing but
attention because of her small size and wooden took the loss philosophically. At least we were in
spars. I enjoy meeting strangers and hearing a place that offered plenty of shopping choices
their stories. Some had boats of their own. where she could replace the essentials. We
Others were just curious. When the visitors spent the next two days being tourists in
finally left for the night, I was ready to climb into Burlington and environs. The food was good.
my bunk and enjoy a night without anchor The scenery was wonderful. And it was pleasant
watch. to relax without a schedule. Meg is a federal
government executive. Most of her days are
over-scheduled from morning until night. So,
she needs a day or two to de-compress at the
start of any vacation. One of the highlights of
the sight-seeing was our visit to the Shelburne
Museum, where we toured the steamboat
Ticonderoga and learned how she was moved
inland over an ice-road on a sledge towed by a
pickup truck to her current location.
8
By July 2nd, we’d seen the major tourist sights, When Meg and I arrived on a sunny afternoon
done some necessary shopping, and Meg was all was peaceful. There were a couple of boats
ready to go sailing. She had a 2-week vacation anchored, and people were swimming. The only
and we planned to spend most of it sailing in the fly in the ointment was … the flies. They were
North Channel of Lake Huron. But, before that, I numerous and pestilent. I assume that they
wanted her to have at least one overnight cruise came from the nearby woods. We deployed a
in Lake Champlain. We chose Bluff Point, near mosquito net that covers the entire cockpit. This
Valcour Island as our destination. Pete and I had gave us a bit of sun protection and refuge from
stopped there early in the trip. I like the the flies. Safe and secure we enjoyed an
anchorage and its proximity to Mallets Bay. Pete afternoon of leisure napping, snacking, and
explained to me the historical significance of the birdwatching. The following morning, we sailed
place. During the American Revolution, Benedict back to the launch ramp at Mallets Bay, got
Arnold anchored his fleet there to wait, in Tidings secured on her trailer, and started the
hiding, for the arrival of a large British force drive to Canada.
coming down from Canada. The Battle of
Valcour ensued. Look it up.
To be continued ……
2020
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Send to:
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9
When a Squall Comes Calling By BoatU.S. Online Let's take the experience of a squall coming your way, which could happen to anyone, and look at ways to handle it. Fortunately, most afternoon thunderstorms last less than half an hour. But even a "routine" squall can turn threatening and scary when combined with mechanical failure. You might be able to make it to a protected anchorage before the squall arrives and then be on your way afterward with no drama. Or, you can employ several effective techniques to deal with oncoming threatening weather. First, check your weather before going boating, even for a day. If you're heading out on a longer trip, especially on a boat you're not very familiar with, be extremely conservative weather-wise. If a front is predicted, or thunderstorms, assume there will be squalls parading around and wreaking havoc. Wait it out and take a lay day. If you do set out, have a backup plan for seeking shelter quickly along your route,
vigilantly check the weather. Squall lines can often be seen on the horizon, giving you time to take
evasive action. If everyone is wearing life jackets, that's one less thing to worry about when the weather
pipes up. Once facing deteriorating weather, you've got three tried-and-true options, depending on how
far offshore you are and what kind of boat you have.
First Option: Tuck and Hide
If it's clear you can make landfall before heavy weather hits, do it. Don't wait to see if things get better.
They rarely do, especially if gear starts to break. Find a harbor of refuge, cove, marina, or at least a
protective shoreline with good holding for anchoring. The best choice is one that limits the fetch of
storm-driven waves and blocks the worst of the wind. Put out enough line to create a scope of at least
3:1, make sure your anchor has dug in, then let out additional line to create scope of at least 7:1 — more
if you're on a rode that's mostly rope and have swinging room. Secure the wheel or tiller in the center of
the boat to increase stability; don't let it spin around. If you hear thunder or see lightning, go below if
possible and avoid touching metal. Put on your shoes, stay low but never lie down, unplug electronics, if
possible. Lower antennas. Stay out of the water. Touching two metals at the same time completes the
circuit, one way people are killed by lightning.
If there's no lightning but strong winds, and your engine is in good working order, the most experienced
person can stay at the helm and motor forward into the wind just enough to take the pressure off the
anchor; this helps you avoid dragging, until the squall passes. In a driving rain, the helmsman may want
to don swim goggles to take the sting out and wear rubber gloves when touching the wheel. Remember,
lightning is still a danger for at least half an hour after a squall passes.
Second Option: Hold Station
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If anchoring isn't possible, motoring slowly into the wind and waves permits most boats (power and sail)
to make a bit of headway, maintain control, and take waves over the bow, minimizing the chance of
swamping. The size and design of a boat, the propulsion power available, the experience level of the
crew, and the severity of the squall all have their part to play in how a squall is best handled.
Powerboats with open bows, such as bowriders and center-consoles, are vulnerable to swamping, so
11take the waves at a 20- to 30-degree angle; make sure to keep the boat moving fast enough so that the
bow lifts over the waves, but not so fast that it buries on the other side. To maintain control, you may
need to throttle up on the wave face, then throttle back as the wave passes under you. In this way, you
can jog slowly to windward, making minimal headway, until the squall has passed.
Many sailboat mainsails have only two reef points and, in many cases, even pulling down to the second
reef still may prove too much sail in a strong squall. In this case, it may be best to take all the sail down
and motor slowly to windward. If you're confident in the boat, then leaving a patch of sail up on a larger,
well-ballasted sailboat and motorsailing at a 20- to 30-degree angle to the wind can steady the boat and
minimize the amount of water coming aboard. In smaller, lighter sailboats, it's often best to drop all sail
before the squall hits and motor slowly to windward; if the boat gets even a little sideways to the wind,
you risk loss of control or even capsize.
Third Option: Heave To
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Sailboats can heave to, which will all but stop the boat in a controlled way, an invaluable technique —
like engaging a handbrake on a car — that can be used in a short squall so long as you have room around
you. Reef and sheet in the mainsail and partially furl the headsail. Then tack the boat without releasing
the jib sheet (which backwinds the jib), and secure the helm; this holds the boat with the bow 20 or 30
degrees off the wind. With the sails and rudder balanced against one another, the boat will steady itself
and drift slowly downwind, usually at no more than 1 knot. Heaving to takes practice, and its
effectiveness and the precise tactics depend upon your boat's design. To make sure you're ready to
employ it when you need it, head out on a day with strong but steady winds and practice. Your
maneuverability will be limited when hove to, so don't try it in a ship channel in poor visibility.
12More Smart Tips for When the Weather Turns Bad
Know your boat's cruising speed in different conditions, especially in an active seaway.
Combining that with the approximate distance to the nearest harbor means you can quickly weigh
your options at a moment's notice.
Good onboard weather information is second only to good navigation equipment. Check with
NOAA weather radio periodically when you see unsettled weather in the forecast. Know your locale,
and make sure you understand the locations and local landmarks used in the forecast. Be sure you
have a DSC-enabled, VHF on your boat. A backup handheld waterproof VHF is also a smart idea.
When you're in cellphone range, a weather app that shows weather radar is helpful. If you're
often out of cell range, consider adding satellite weather service to your boat. Cellphone apps that
show the location and frequency of lightning strikes can give you additional useful information.
While it's not mandatory, it's an excellent idea to have radar on your boat if you operate in
the dark or in areas prone to fog. Be sure you have a working bilge pump, as well as a manual
backup pump.
Before a squall is upon you, if you're towing a dinghy, remove the outboard, secure it on its
mount on the main boat, and, if possible, bring your dinghy aboard and tie it securely it on
deck. Towed dinghies easily flip in heavy weather.
If you can't make it to port before heavy weather hits, heading into deeper water may be a
safer option than trying to run for shelter at the last minute, which can put you in shallow,
choppy water, or exposed to a dangerous lee shore. Trying to dock in a squall can be more
dangerous than simply riding it out in deep water.
If you feel at risk, put out a call on the VHF so that the U.S. Coast Guard can capture your
position. Once everything is well again, notify that agency that you're fine. On VHF Channel 16,
call "Pan-pan, pan-pan, pan-pan. This is the XX-foot (sailing/motor/fishing) vessel (your boat name).
Our position is (lat/long). Our engine is not working. We're anchored in 25 knots (describe whatever
is happening)."
If you end up in a jam — without an engine, say, or aground, call TowBoatUS for assistance.
13NAUTICAL TRIVIA CHALLENGE
1. What is another name for the Aurora Australis?
2. Captain James Cook first made landfall on which Hawaiian Island?
3. Name the postmortem humiliation of pirates that displayed their executed bodies in
iron cages.
4. What are the cardinal points of the compass?
5. What is the international scale of wind strengths, used by the U.S. Navy, called?
6. A very light puff of wind that just disturbs the surface of the water is called a ________.
7. What does L.O.A. mean is describing a vessel?
8. What is a marlinspike?
9. Describe a jib that is “flying”.
14Thoughts from Our President
By Carol Jones
To our good friends: Bill and I have ended up maintaining social distance here on Big Pine Key in Florida.
We left NJ before the spread of the Plague and have been living here since, with Bill’s brother. Our skiff
is here, so we’re fishing and exploring almost daily; Bill caught a 15-pound Mutton Snapper this morning.
We were anchored not far from a mega-yacht, maybe 100-footer, registered in Bikini, Marshall Islands.
The ensign was proudly hoisted at sunrise, and we waited for a rousing rendition of the Bikini National
Anthem (“the rockets’ red glare? “), but it was not forthcoming. Several local craft approached them
occasionally; I assume they were attempting to sell the Bikinians local products, like Key Lime Pie, or
Keys Salt Scrub, although I don’t know the exchange rate between Bikini bucks and Florida Florins.
Apparently, Bikini has a branch office in Fort Lauderdale so your presence is not required all the way
over there in the Marshall Islands to fly this prestigious (or did I mean “pretentious”?) ensign. We also
have our paddle boards here, so we’ve been doing some exploring in the mangroves. We met an
interesting fellow, John Duke, who was associated with “Row the Apple” and has built or restored
several rowing and sailing boats. I’m attaching some pictures: one is a replica of an Azores whaleboat.
He was quite a raconteur. I’ll end this with a social distancing tip. Most of us have craft longer than 6
feet so we can go out with a companion. Lucky 18footers can take 2 friends. If your craft is 17-feet (or
11-feet, or 23), now’s the time to add that 12” bowsprit you’ve been thinking about. I miss you all and
hope I haven’t offended anyone with this attempt at humor; resuming our meetings and get-togethers
when this virus is gone is at the top of the list of things I look forward to. Stay safe!
1516
TSCA Meeting Notes
By Carl Weissinger Secretary
Mark Showers presided as Carol Jones was in Florida. A number of us including Frank,
Paul, Mark and myself were able to get up to Mystic to see the JMW Turner watercolor
exhibit. My succinct review....Fantastic! Our March meeting as is traditional was our
annual bid and buy hosted by the inimitable Frank Stauss and it was very well attended.
Frank sent the TSCA off into quarantine with many a laugh. The club added $410 to its
coffers. This may have his best auctioneering ever! Fair winds and stay safe my finest of
friends.
Nautical Trivia Challenge Answers
1. The Southern Lights.
2. Kauai.
3. Hanging in chains.
4. North, South, East, West.
5. The Beaufort Scale.
6. Catspaw or zephyr.
7. The length overall of a vessel.
8. A pointed metal pin that is used to separate strands of rope or wire for splicing.
9. A jib that is set without being attached to the forestay.2020 Meeting Calendar
January
Monday Jan. 13, 2020 July
Independence Seaport Museum 7:00 pm Monday July 13, 2020
Feature: Round Table Discussion Union Lake Sailing and Tennis Club
By: Membership
February Open boating 2 pm picnic 5:30pm
Monday Feb 10, 2020
Independence Seaport Museum, 7:00 pm
Feature: Annual Chapter Picnic o
Feature: Coal Schooners
By: Ted Kilsdonk
August
Monday Aug.10, 2020
m
Union Lake Sailing and Tennis Club, 7:00pm i
March Open boating starts at 2pm
Monday Mar 9, 2020 Feature: New Boat Discussion n
Independence Seaport Museum, 6:30pm By: Harold Bernard
Show up early to help get set up g
Feature: Annual Bid and Buy! September
Saturday Sep 12, 2020
April Union Lake Sailing and Tennis Club, 9:00 am
Monday April 13, 2020 Annual Messabout E
Independence Seaport Museum, 7:00pm
Feature: MEETING CANCELLED October v
By: Monday October 12, 2020
Independence Seaport Museum, 7:00pm e
May Feature: Hog Island Shipyard
Monday May 11, 2020 By: Jim Rubillo n
Independence Seaport Museum, 7:00pm
Feature: Sinking of the Bounty or Camp Sailing November t
By: Josh Scornavacchi or Paul Skalka and Pete Monday November 9, 2020
Peters Independence Seaport Museum, 7:00pm s
Feature: Stories from Days of Sail
June By: Duncan Wright
Monday June 8, 2020
Union Lake Sailing and Tennis Club, 7:00 pm December
Meeting: Open boating starts at 2 pm. Sunday Dec 13, 2020
Feature: Marion Night. Getting Familiar with King George II Inn
Marion Annual Holiday Party. Brunch 1 pm
By: Pete Peters Feature: Food, fun, friendship, prizes!
18Delaware River Chapter From the Snuggery
TSCA By Frank Stauss
Chapter President: No matter what you call it, Wuhan Flu, China Virus,
Carol Jones Coronavirus or COVIID-19, it has scuttled many club
cjones08250@comcast.net meetings and gatherings, including our April chapter
meeting. The BOD of our chapter has switched the
Chapter Vice President: April meeting topic (Sinking of the Bounty) to the
Mark Showers May meeting date. Hopefully things will have eased
wskylvr07@gmail.com off by then. It is VERY possible however that the
situation will remain the same so stay tuned.
Secretary:
Carl Weissinger No one reading this post have ever experienced what
carlweissinger@yahoo.com we are going through at this time. New terms such as
self-isolating, social distancing, hot spots, N-95 masks
Treasurer: and hydroxychloroquine are in the news and our
Paul Skalka minds every day. Mary and I had to go food shopping
skalkasailor@gmail.com last week. We handled that chore as if it was a
military campaign. We each had specific items to
Newsletter Editor: obtain, went early to avoid crowds and were
Frank Stauss equipped with the most up to date masks and gloves.
fstauss@verizon.net We were both very glad to arrive home and once
again hunker down. Life as we know it has been
Website: upended with no close end in sight. The sun itself
www.delrivertsca.net seems to be self-isolating as of late. Which makes
Michael Fishkow things seem all the worse. All we can do is stay calm
mighty.content@gmail.com and carry on to the best of our abilities. Follow the
guidelines as given us by the doctors and say a prayer
for ourselves, family, friends, the sick and all who are
going through this very difficult time. Stay well.
The Delaware River Chapter of the Traditional Small
Craft Association works to preserve and continue the
living traditions, skills, lore and legends surrounding
working and pleasure craft whose origins predate the
maritime gasoline engine. It encourages the design,
construction and use of these boats. Whether you
have an interest in traditional boat building, messing
about in small boats, or helping preserve our
maritime heritage come join us and share the
camaraderie of kindred spirits.
19You can also read
