You gave an excellent answer to the question and correct (in my
humble opinion). Among the variables of course is the waterway
involved (lake, sea or open ocean). Given that a properly equipped
M-15 sailed to Hawaii several years ago and others have taken similar
open Ocean voyages it really comes down to the proper equipment and
sailing experience. . I don't know what conditions the M-15 (LITTLE
BREEZE) experienced on it's Hawaii crossing but I know from personal
experience in a 24ft Frisco Flyer and a 31ft Ketch that Trade Wind
sailing regularly encounters force 4-5 conditions and often encounters
winds up to almost 30 knots (Beaufort scale conditions 5-6 ) . While
the ocean can look pretty scary and forbidding from the deck of a small
sailboat in force 5 (average 19 knots) conditions, few experiences
in life (again in my opinion) can rival running off the wind in 20+
knots of warm trades under a brilliant sun in crystal blue water.
This contrasts dramatically however with the exact same wind and sea
conditions while hove to or running from a blow in cold rainy northern
climes....one of the many variables to the question.
If an M-15 is built anything like my M-17 (and I believe it is) I
would think it could handle force 4-6 conditions but again if properly
handled and equiped. In 20 knots , Beaufort 4-5, I believe an M-15
would be running off the wind with perhaps a small jib only and would
taking a bit of water over the stern at times and would need an
experienced and alert helmsman to avoid a broach. Much more wind and
she would be running under bare poles and perhaps dragging some warps
to keep her stern in the wind. The truth is, the boat can take a whole
lot more than the crew.
Get a copy of Bowditch and look at the pictures of sea state
conditions....don't look at anything above force 7 to avoid a pit in
your stomach.
Kind regards and good sailing...Arnold
On Aug 27, 2007, at 7:33 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
That my friend, is an impossible question to answer.Thee single most
important safety item aboard during rough weather sailing is a
knowledgable experienced captain.Battened down and with properly
shortened sails, these 15's will take more than most of us EVER want to
be out in.There can be no definative answer as there are simply too
many
variables...namely 'who's at the helm'
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