Well Greg I reviewed our "inauspicious" little trip to Parrot's Island from Cabo Frio on a 85 Kg DINGUE and would like to remark some details:
-As I heard after you left, that monday had the strongest winds on the carnival's week in Cabo Frio area; lesson learned: Check the wind (wether prediction) before sailing.
-The four knockdowns we had two were caused by a crewmember falling (or jumping) from the boat and unbalancing the boat that was already hard to control due to the strong and unstable wind; lesson learned: Crew should have minimum clue (get trained) on what are they doing on the boat and the effects on it and on what they are going to encounter and how they should react.
-The first knockdown has no explanation other than pure inexperience; Lesson learned: practice more and more.
-The last knockdown happened because the rudder fell off due to a loose screw as you pointed and the explanation for that is simple, the boat is brand new. That was the second time I sailed on it, and as all new things it needed adjustments, because the hull was to tight I tried to fix that loosening the bolt on that screw and tightening it back without proper tools; lesson learned do a check list on all bolts and fixtures on the boat and if service is needed, do it with the confidence it is done properly or leave the service to more skilled people. Test also should be done until confidence in the equipment is acquired.
-We both got our hands cut (no gloves) and if something worst happened we had no life vests to aid us; lesson learned: we all need proper safety equipment.
A little Dingue except for the sail and hull that resembles a miniature yacht is totally different from any big boat and much more aggressive and sensitive to mistakes than one.
Of course I am preparing myself, took a course on big sailing boats, studying lots of books (not just a quick read) either technical and not, went sailing on rented sailing boats in the attempt to get experience, talking to more experienced sailors about the subject.
The main reason I got the little Dingue is to start getting experience and to feel a glimpse of what is expecting all of us that are going on this trip. I fell that I am achieving this goal and all the mistakes serves as lessons to learn and try not to repeat.
But make no mistake this is a dangerous trip in many aspects and will have proper preparation. I take it very seriously and got surprised that you may think we may take it lightly, please do not confuse a learning experience in a close to shore sail with powerboat backup to an Atlantic cruise in a large boat.
Postagens
Very good Lucio, the lessons you point out are very good ones. I hadn´t thought about the two occasions when people jumped out of the boat; you´re right. We also had some strange crosswinds near the shore that did not help. You know my post was not meant as an affront, just dialogue. Good to have some back and forth, no? By the way, your English is excellent. Nice going. Thanks again for a great weekend, and some exciting memories on the dingy.
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