The question of whether it is possible for a solo sailor to comply with COLREGS rule 5 on a long voyage has been argued extensively on cruising sites for years. The argument always hinges on the question of whether or not using an external alarm (AIS, RADAR, or even a timer) to wake a dozing solo sa...

So let me get this straight... Someone posted a video on Youtube that was obviously narrated by an AI and based on the repetitive content probably created with AI assistance (possibly ChatGPT). RSVPASAP asked another AI (ChatGPT) to fact check the first AI's accuracy. According to ChatGPT, the other...

I think in that much wind you would have to be heeling quite a bit.

... I've done this once when my furler was "stuck" and it wouldn't furl in. Winds were howling and seas bouncing so I didn't want to walk up on deck. Which is why it wouldn't furl in. The wind was too strong. I crawled out of the forward hatch to get to it. I still needed to sit on the de...

I was wondering, given we mainly motor and have a roller furler, if it is possible to use a Hank-on jib via standing in the forward hatch of a Mac26X or Mac26M in stead of climbing on deck? With some pre-planning you can use a hank-on jib without going on-deck. Obviously, the first requirement is t...

100% agree. Motoring at speed with the board down is a very, very bad idea. When the board has any significant vertical component the shape of the board will cause it to act as a foil. As it generates lift it will make handling dangerously difficult with sudden, unexpected heeling likely. In an M th...

From what I see from the comments the water ballast tank is drained while motoring. At slow speeds this make the boat lighter and more susceptible to the effects of cross winds and current. Wouldn't it then be better to leave tank full for low speed manuvering? Lee Yes, slow speed and sailing I kee...

lelandmorris wrote: ↑Wed Feb 18, 2026 12:35 pm Do you have the center board and rudders down to help maintain direction in cross winds and current?

Lee

I drop the centerboard just enough to have it act like a skeg but I put both rudders down fully. It makes a world of difference in the low speed control.

Thanks for the report. It sure beat high wind and tornado warnings up my way. You made my day!

That is some fine work. When are you going to try it out?

I only raise on the water. I live near a concrete ramp, and my friend is on the way. I have everything set ready to raise before I leave home, pick him up on the way, he backs down the ramp and slams on the brakes. I slide off, wave goodbye, motor out, anchor, water ballast, raise mast. Retrieving ...

NiceAft wrote: ↑Fri Jan 23, 2026 8:57 am By now he is at, or near the Keys; waiting for his report.

Is Steinhatchee northern enough in Florida to catch any of the snow coming on Sunday

Yes. It is snowing in Steinhatchee today.

The only way you will lose the boat off the back of the trailer is if you accelerate hard enough to pull the trailer out from under the boat (like in the video). That boat was not attached to the trailer at all; not at the winch or with a tie-down strap over the gunwales. It also looked like it was ...

3" strap across the cockpit just forward of the wheel pedestal is working out great. We also use a backup method to secure the bow against a winch failure. I have a vinyl coated steel security cable looped through the pulpit and now clearance to the trailer ladder and frame. Hoping that is nev...

JotaErre wrote: ↑Fri Jan 23, 2026 4:03 pm ¿What's your opinion about this one?

It looks like it would do quite well running but I have doubts about it's ability to sail close hauled.