My M17 did really nice in strong winds today
I'm a pretty new M17 owner and I was very impressed with how the boat did in heavy winds today. On Lake Pleasant, AZ this morning we had winds 10-15mph. I was alone so I had a single reef in and the gene was rolled in to the size of a working jib. I was very happy at that point with how it was so manageable. I later did a heave to in order to have my lunch. That's when the real wind came. My wife said the underground station clocked a 26mph gust at 11:00, when I was eating my lunch and the boat stayed in heave to without issue. I was moving at over 2 knots but very stable. I wonder if I pulled my keel up if it would of slowed down my forward movement. There was no end to the wind with it steady at about 20mph, so I rolled the gene in and sailed under main alone with a single reef still. Again I was so impressed. It handled the wind with no problem and the boat was so balanced I let the tiller go at one point for about 5 minutes. I purchased my new M17 without ever sailing one. I picked the M17 by process of elimination while reading a lot of reviews, stats and stories and fortunately it has been totally meeting my expectations. I'm going to start racing it next month, so we'll see how it does on that front. My last boat, a Columbia 23T, was so bad to windward we didn't stand a chance in the races. They had to keep asking us to motor back to the start line so they could start the next race, LOL. So I'm anxious to see how we will do. Regards, Ron McNeil Jackpot #675
Ron, I had the same experience about six years ago. Bought my M17 mostly for solo sailing based on reputation alone and have never regretted it. Handles like a dream in any wind. I've been racing in a PHRF fleet at a rating of 294 and although we're the smallest boat in the fleet we manage to hang In there, usually finishing in the top half, and even taking a race from time to time. When we don't do well, it's never the boat's fault. Lots of fun. You've made a good choice. Welcome to the club! Rick M17 #633 Lynne L On Sunday, September 22, 2013, Ronald McNeil wrote:
I'm a pretty new M17 owner and I was very impressed with how the boat did in heavy winds today. On Lake Pleasant, AZ this morning we had winds 10-15mph. I was alone so I had a single reef in and the gene was rolled in to the size of a working jib. I was very happy at that point with how it was so manageable. I later did a heave to in order to have my lunch. That's when the real wind came. My wife said the underground station clocked a 26mph gust at 11:00, when I was eating my lunch and the boat stayed in heave to without issue. I was moving at over 2 knots but very stable. I wonder if I pulled my keel up if it would of slowed down my forward movement. There was no end to the wind with it steady at about 20mph, so I rolled the gene in and sailed under main alone with a single reef still. Again I was so impressed. It handled the wind with no problem and the boat was so balanced I let the tiller go at one point for about 5 minutes.
I purchased my new M17 without ever sailing one. I picked the M17 by process of elimination while reading a lot of reviews, stats and stories and fortunately it has been totally meeting my expectations. I'm going to start racing it next month, so we'll see how it does on that front. My last boat, a Columbia 23T, was so bad to windward we didn't stand a chance in the races. They had to keep asking us to motor back to the start line so they could start the next race, LOL. So I'm anxious to see how we will do.
Regards, Ron McNeil Jackpot #675
Ron, glad you were out there and experiencing an M boat in great conditions. Bill Wickett Makin' Time M17 #622 On 2013-09-22, at 6:07 PM, Rick Davies <jdavies104@gmail.com> wrote:
Ron,
I had the same experience about six years ago. Bought my M17 mostly for solo sailing based on reputation alone and have never regretted it. Handles like a dream in any wind. I've been racing in a PHRF fleet at a rating of 294 and although we're the smallest boat in the fleet we manage to hang In there, usually finishing in the top half, and even taking a race from time to time. When we don't do well, it's never the boat's fault. Lots of fun. You've made a good choice. Welcome to the club!
Rick M17 #633 Lynne L
On Sunday, September 22, 2013, Ronald McNeil wrote:
I'm a pretty new M17 owner and I was very impressed with how the boat did in heavy winds today. On Lake Pleasant, AZ this morning we had winds 10-15mph. I was alone so I had a single reef in and the gene was rolled in to the size of a working jib. I was very happy at that point with how it was so manageable. I later did a heave to in order to have my lunch. That's when the real wind came. My wife said the underground station clocked a 26mph gust at 11:00, when I was eating my lunch and the boat stayed in heave to without issue. I was moving at over 2 knots but very stable. I wonder if I pulled my keel up if it would of slowed down my forward movement. There was no end to the wind with it steady at about 20mph, so I rolled the gene in and sailed under main alone with a single reef still. Again I was so impressed. It handled the wind with no problem and the boat was so balanced I let the tiller go at one point for about 5 minutes.
I purchased my new M17 without ever sailing one. I picked the M17 by process of elimination while reading a lot of reviews, stats and stories and fortunately it has been totally meeting my expectations. I'm going to start racing it next month, so we'll see how it does on that front. My last boat, a Columbia 23T, was so bad to windward we didn't stand a chance in the races. They had to keep asking us to motor back to the start line so they could start the next race, LOL. So I'm anxious to see how we will do.
Regards, Ron McNeil Jackpot #675
The M17 is an amazing little bugger. Winds funnel through the entrance to San Francisco Bay at well over 20 knots on a regular basis. The M17 can handle the wind and beat into it with a flat main reefed way down and a small jib. The first time is concerning. The second time is thrilling. By the third time it's just fun . Jim M17 "Spirit" On Sep 22, 2013, at 2:50 PM, Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> wrote:
I'm a pretty new M17 owner and I was very impressed with how the boat did in heavy winds today. On Lake Pleasant, AZ this morning we had winds 10-15mph. I was alone so I had a single reef in and the gene was rolled in to the size of a working jib. I was very happy at that point with how it was so manageable. I later did a heave to in order to have my lunch. That's when the real wind came. My wife said the underground station clocked a 26mph gust at 11:00, when I was eating my lunch and the boat stayed in heave to without issue. I was moving at over 2 knots but very stable. I wonder if I pulled my keel up if it would of slowed down my forward movement. There was no end to the wind with it steady at about 20mph, so I rolled the gene in and sailed under main alone with a single reef still. Again I was so impressed. It handled the wind with no problem and the boat was so balanced I let the tiller go at one point for about 5 minutes.
I purchased my new M17 without ever sailing one. I picked the M17 by process of elimination while reading a lot of reviews, stats and stories and fortunately it has been totally meeting my expectations. I'm going to start racing it next month, so we'll see how it does on that front. My last boat, a Columbia 23T, was so bad to windward we didn't stand a chance in the races. They had to keep asking us to motor back to the start line so they could start the next race, LOL. So I'm anxious to see how we will do.
Regards, Ron McNeil Jackpot #675
I am an M17 owner based in San Luis Obispo and just an observer on the forum. This thread caught my attention, since I am planning on taking my boat out to the Channel Islands in October. I was wondering how the boat handles, not just in heavy wind, but in the ocean. I would never intentionally take the boat out in any forecast, unpleasant conditions and know it is not designed as a blue water boat, but just wondering if anyone has any experience getting caught out with one or even experience in sailing the islands. The Santa Barbara Channel can be a nasty place and the wind can howl, sometimes unpredictably. I plan on spending a few days and would like to be as prepared as possible. I have had the boat out in 20 knots up at Lake Lopez a few times, but the ocean is quite a different and much more challenging environment. As far as my experience level goes, I have sailed off and on all my life, but the ocean sailing I've done has all been aboard larger sail boats. Also, this trip will be solo which can make things more difficult. Would love to hear any advice the group might have... -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 9/23/13, James Poulakis <picfo@comcast.net> wrote: Subject: Re: M_Boats: My M17 did really nice in strong winds today To: "Ronald McNeil" <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com>, "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Monday, September 23, 2013, 10:36 AM The M17 is an amazing little bugger. Winds funnel through the entrance to San Francisco Bay at well over 20 knots on a regular basis. The M17 can handle the wind and beat into it with a flat main reefed way down and a small jib. The first time is concerning. The second time is thrilling. By the third time it's just fun . Jim M17 "Spirit" On Sep 22, 2013, at 2:50 PM, Ronald McNeil <ronaldwmcneil@yahoo.com> wrote:
I'm a pretty new M17 owner and I was very impressed
with how the boat did in heavy winds today. On Lake Pleasant, AZ this morning we had winds 10-15mph. I was alone so I had a single reef in and the gene was rolled in to the size of a working jib. I was very happy at that point with how it was so manageable. I later did a heave to in order to have my lunch. That's when the real wind came. My wife said the underground station clocked a 26mph gust at 11:00, when I was eating my lunch and the boat stayed in heave to without issue. I was moving at over 2 knots but very stable. I wonder if I pulled my keel up if it would of slowed down my forward movement. There was no end to the wind with it steady at about 20mph, so I rolled the gene in and sailed under main alone with a single reef still. Again I was so impressed. It handled the wind with no problem and the boat was so balanced I let the tiller go at one point for about 5 minutes.
I purchased my new M17 without ever sailing one. I
picked the M17 by process of elimination while reading a lot of reviews, stats and stories and fortunately it has been totally meeting my expectations. I'm going to start racing it next month, so we'll see how it does on that front. My last boat, a Columbia 23T, was so bad to windward we didn't stand a chance in the races. They had to keep asking us to motor back to the start line so they could start the next race, LOL. So I'm anxious to see how we will do.
Regards, Ron McNeil Jackpot #675
I've still yet to own an M boat, but I've taken my 1974 Catalina 22 to Santa Cruz Island, and Catalina several times. What an amazingly beautiful area to sail! Coming back from Santa Cruz Island to Channel Islands Harbor last January, we had ~25 knot winds and ~6 foot seas. The boat was overpowered and had a lot of weather helm under reefed main only. I think this is pretty typical afternoon weather there but an M17 would handle this much better, although I wasn't worried about the C22. Most people in small boats seem to get up before dawn and motor, but I prefer to sail... so I usually leave around noon when both the wind and waves are going strong. Personally, I think if you have deep reef points, and the ability to reef in rough seas you could handle prevailing winds in the Santa Barbara channel... but Santa Anas are a much bigger issue and at 70+ knots could easily be more than anyone could handle in a small boat. Here's some really valuable resources on understanding and preparing for Santa Anas: http://www.sailchannelislands.com/cicruisingguide/sc.php http://www.sailchannelislands.com/california-sailing/ http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Guide-Central-Southern-California/dp/00713746... After discussions with Captain Dan, I decided that in a small boat- rather than head out to sea during a Santa Ana (the normal advice), I would just anchor in the most protected location possible with a massively oversized anchor and tons of chain and then watch the boat weather out the storm from ashore. I slept well in the nightly canyon downdrafts using a 22lb Delta on my Catalina 22, which is advertised as suitable for a 40 footer (yea right). Tyler ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Platt" <davidplatt93405@yahoo.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, September 23, 2013 11:56:06 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: My M17 did really nice in strong winds today I am an M17 owner based in San Luis Obispo and just an observer on the forum. This thread caught my attention, since I am planning on taking my boat out to the Channel Islands in October. I was wondering how the boat handles, not just in heavy wind, but in the ocean. I would never intentionally take the boat out in any forecast, unpleasant conditions and know it is not designed as a blue water boat, but just wondering if anyone has any experience getting caught out with one or even experience in sailing the islands. The Santa Barbara Channel can be a nasty place and the wind can howl, sometimes unpredictably. I plan on spending a few days and would like to be as prepared as possible. I have had the boat out in 20 knots up at Lake Lopez a few times, but the ocean is quite a different and much more challenging environment. As far as my experience level goes, I have sailed off and on all my life, but the ocean sailing I've done has all been aboard larger sail boats. Also, this trip will be solo which can make things more difficult. Would love to hear any advice the group might have...
Thanks Tyler, I have Brian Fagan's guide and have visited Captain Dan's website, but never spoken to him personally. What a great resource! I have also seen the dreaded Santa Anas in the Channel from an airplane several times and would not want to be caught out there. I think this is where my cautiousness comes from. I appreciate the advice on the anchor. I have a 13lb. Rocna with 50' of chain and another 200 feet of rode, but will consider upsizing. The main has two reef points and the boat has a roller furling jib. I am super excited about the trip. Thanks again, Dave -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 9/23/13, casioqv@usermail.com <casioqv@usermail.com> wrote: Subject: Re: M_Boats: My M17 did really nice in strong winds today To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Monday, September 23, 2013, 12:26 PM I've still yet to own an M boat, but I've taken my 1974 Catalina 22 to Santa Cruz Island, and Catalina several times. What an amazingly beautiful area to sail! Coming back from Santa Cruz Island to Channel Islands Harbor last January, we had ~25 knot winds and ~6 foot seas. The boat was overpowered and had a lot of weather helm under reefed main only. I think this is pretty typical afternoon weather there but an M17 would handle this much better, although I wasn't worried about the C22. Most people in small boats seem to get up before dawn and motor, but I prefer to sail... so I usually leave around noon when both the wind and waves are going strong. Personally, I think if you have deep reef points, and the ability to reef in rough seas you could handle prevailing winds in the Santa Barbara channel... but Santa Anas are a much bigger issue and at 70+ knots could easily be more than anyone could handle in a small boat. Here's some really valuable resources on understanding and preparing for Santa Anas: http://www.sailchannelislands.com/cicruisingguide/sc.php http://www.sailchannelislands.com/california-sailing/ http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Guide-Central-Southern-California/dp/00713746... After discussions with Captain Dan, I decided that in a small boat- rather than head out to sea during a Santa Ana (the normal advice), I would just anchor in the most protected location possible with a massively oversized anchor and tons of chain and then watch the boat weather out the storm from ashore. I slept well in the nightly canyon downdrafts using a 22lb Delta on my Catalina 22, which is advertised as suitable for a 40 footer (yea right). Tyler ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Platt" <davidplatt93405@yahoo.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, September 23, 2013 11:56:06 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: My M17 did really nice in strong winds today I am an M17 owner based in San Luis Obispo and just an observer on the forum. This thread caught my attention, since I am planning on taking my boat out to the Channel Islands in October. I was wondering how the boat handles, not just in heavy wind, but in the ocean. I would never intentionally take the boat out in any forecast, unpleasant conditions and know it is not designed as a blue water boat, but just wondering if anyone has any experience getting caught out with one or even experience in sailing the islands. The Santa Barbara Channel can be a nasty place and the wind can howl, sometimes unpredictably. I plan on spending a few days and would like to be as prepared as possible. I have had the boat out in 20 knots up at Lake Lopez a few times, but the ocean is quite a different and much more challenging environment. As far as my experience level goes, I have sailed off and on all my life, but the ocean sailing I've done has all been aboard larger sail boats. Also, this trip will be solo which can make things more difficult. Would love to hear any advice the group might have...
On 23-Sep-13 4:38 PM, David Platt wrote: Hi Dave, You always need at least three anchors on board, for safety, and for wild conditions. On our M15 I carried my normal anchor, a small Danforth, with chain and a 150 foot rode. I then had a second small Bruce with chain and an anchor rode. In the forward storage area, I had the smallest FORTRESS with lots of chain and 300 feet of rode. This was my storm anchor. I never used it in earnest, but it was a great feeling that if the chips are down, I can cope and cope with safety. My $0.02 Connie
Thanks Tyler, I have Brian Fagan's guide and have visited Captain Dan's website, but never spoken to him personally. What a great resource! I have also seen the dreaded Santa Anas in the Channel from an airplane several times and would not want to be caught out there. I think this is where my cautiousness comes from. I appreciate the advice on the anchor. I have a 13lb. Rocna with 50' of chain and another 200 feet of rode, but will consider upsizing. The main has two reef points and the boat has a roller furling jib. I am super excited about the trip. Thanks again, Dave -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 9/23/13, casioqv@usermail.com <casioqv@usermail.com> wrote:
Subject: Re: M_Boats: My M17 did really nice in strong winds today To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Monday, September 23, 2013, 12:26 PM
I've still yet to own an M boat, but I've taken my 1974 Catalina 22 to Santa Cruz Island, and Catalina several times. What an amazingly beautiful area to sail!
Coming back from Santa Cruz Island to Channel Islands Harbor last January, we had ~25 knot winds and ~6 foot seas. The boat was overpowered and had a lot of weather helm under reefed main only. I think this is pretty typical afternoon weather there but an M17 would handle this much better, although I wasn't worried about the C22. Most people in small boats seem to get up before dawn and motor, but I prefer to sail... so I usually leave around noon when both the wind and waves are going strong.
Personally, I think if you have deep reef points, and the ability to reef in rough seas you could handle prevailing winds in the Santa Barbara channel... but Santa Anas are a much bigger issue and at 70+ knots could easily be more than anyone could handle in a small boat.
Here's some really valuable resources on understanding and preparing for Santa Anas: http://www.sailchannelislands.com/cicruisingguide/sc.php http://www.sailchannelislands.com/california-sailing/ http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Guide-Central-Southern-California/dp/00713746...
After discussions with Captain Dan, I decided that in a small boat- rather than head out to sea during a Santa Ana (the normal advice), I would just anchor in the most protected location possible with a massively oversized anchor and tons of chain and then watch the boat weather out the storm from ashore. I slept well in the nightly canyon downdrafts using a 22lb Delta on my Catalina 22, which is advertised as suitable for a 40 footer (yea right).
Tyler
----- Original Message ----- From: "David Platt" <davidplatt93405@yahoo.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, September 23, 2013 11:56:06 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: My M17 did really nice in strong winds today
I am an M17 owner based in San Luis Obispo and just an observer on the forum. This thread caught my attention, since I am planning on taking my boat out to the Channel Islands in October. I was wondering how the boat handles, not just in heavy wind, but in the ocean. I would never intentionally take the boat out in any forecast, unpleasant conditions and know it is not designed as a blue water boat, but just wondering if anyone has any experience getting caught out with one or even experience in sailing the islands. The Santa Barbara Channel can be a nasty place and the wind can howl, sometimes unpredictably. I plan on spending a few days and would like to be as prepared as possible. I have had the boat out in 20 knots up at Lake Lopez a few times, but the ocean is quite a different and much more challenging environment. As far as my experience level goes, I have sailed off and on all my life, but the ocean sailing I've done has all been aboard larger sail boats. Also, this trip will be solo which can make things more difficult. Would love to hear any advice the group might have...
Thanks Connie, Those sound like words of wisdom. Redundancy is always a good idea. I will start shopping accordingly. Appreciate your advice both past and present. All the best, Dave -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 9/23/13, Conbert Benneck <chbenneck@sbcglobal.net> wrote: Subject: Re: M_Boats: My M17 did really nice in strong winds today To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Monday, September 23, 2013, 2:01 PM On 23-Sep-13 4:38 PM, David Platt wrote: Hi Dave, You always need at least three anchors on board, for safety, and for wild conditions. On our M15 I carried my normal anchor, a small Danforth, with chain and a 150 foot rode. I then had a second small Bruce with chain and an anchor rode. In the forward storage area, I had the smallest FORTRESS with lots of chain and 300 feet of rode. This was my storm anchor. I never used it in earnest, but it was a great feeling that if the chips are down, I can cope and cope with safety. My $0.02 Connie
Thanks Tyler, I have Brian Fagan's guide and have visited Captain Dan's website, but never spoken to him personally. What a great resource! I have also seen the dreaded Santa Anas in the Channel from an airplane several times and would not want to be caught out there. I think this is where my cautiousness comes from. I appreciate the advice on the anchor. I have a 13lb. Rocna with 50' of chain and another 200 feet of rode, but will consider upsizing. The main has two reef points and the boat has a roller furling jib. I am super excited about the trip. Thanks again, Dave -------------------------------------------- On Mon, 9/23/13, casioqv@usermail.com <casioqv@usermail.com> wrote:
Subject: Re: M_Boats: My M17 did really nice in strong winds today To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Date: Monday, September 23, 2013, 12:26 PM I've still yet to own an M boat, but I've taken my 1974 Catalina 22 to Santa Cruz Island, and Catalina several times. What an amazingly beautiful area to sail! Coming back from Santa Cruz Island to Channel Islands Harbor last January, we had ~25 knot winds and ~6 foot seas. The boat was overpowered and had a lot of weather helm under reefed main only. I think this is pretty typical afternoon weather there but an M17 would handle this much better, although I wasn't worried about the C22. Most people in small boats seem to get up before dawn and motor, but I prefer to sail... so I usually leave around noon when both the wind and waves are going strong. Personally, I think if you have deep reef points, and the ability to reef in rough seas you could handle prevailing winds in the Santa Barbara channel... but Santa Anas are a much bigger issue and at 70+ knots could easily be more than anyone could handle in a small boat. Here's some really valuable resources on understanding and preparing for Santa Anas: http://www.sailchannelislands.com/cicruisingguide/sc.php http://www.sailchannelislands.com/california-sailing/ http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Guide-Central-Southern-California/dp/00713746... After discussions with Captain Dan, I decided that in a small boat- rather than head out to sea during a Santa Ana (the normal advice), I would just anchor in the most protected location possible with a massively oversized anchor and tons of chain and then watch the boat weather out the storm from ashore. I slept well in the nightly canyon downdrafts using a 22lb Delta on my Catalina 22, which is advertised as suitable for a 40 footer (yea right). Tyler ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Platt" <davidplatt93405@yahoo.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Monday, September 23, 2013 11:56:06 AM Subject: Re: M_Boats: My M17 did really nice in strong winds today I am an M17 owner based in San Luis Obispo and just an observer on the forum. This thread caught my attention, since I am planning on taking my boat out to the Channel Islands in October. I was wondering how the boat handles, not just in heavy wind, but in the ocean. I would never intentionally take the boat out in any forecast, unpleasant conditions and know it is not designed as a blue water boat, but just wondering if anyone has any experience getting caught out with one or even experience in sailing the islands. The Santa Barbara Channel can be a nasty place and the wind can howl, sometimes unpredictably. I plan on spending a few days and would like to be as prepared as possible. I have had the boat out in 20 knots up at Lake Lopez a few times, but the ocean is quite a different and much more challenging environment. As far as my experience level goes, I have sailed off and on all my life, but the ocean sailing I've done has all been aboard larger sail boats. Also, this trip will be solo which can make things more difficult. Would love to hear any advice the group might have...
participants (7)
-
Bill Wickett -
casioqv＠usermail.com -
Conbert Benneck -
David Platt -
James Poulakis -
Rick Davies -
Ronald McNeil