Herb (and others):
when i think back to my 'learning to sail days" i find the issue of greatest
challenge was understanding how a sailboat will not 'tip over' easily. at the
time learning was a family project (i about 10, sister 8, and my folks). we
took a couple of months course with a 'club' that sold 'time' on boats (company
no longer exists). many a trip to tacoma, washington's Commencement Bay later
we 'knew how to sail.' my sister and i were nervous for years that the boats
would 'tip over' and the 'mast would fall down'. as one ages, reads, and gains
experience one learns how on a sailboat both are VERY unlikely.
i believe the #1 thing that made me feel comfortable on the water was
understanding the importance of having a balanced sail plan for the current
wind & weather condition. i find most folks overpower their boat for the
thrill of the boat leaning hard over and crashing through the waves. THIS IS
NOT the fastest nor most comfortable way to sail.
a M15 tells you when you are setting a balanced sail plan. the helm/tiller
will have weather helm when overpowered. letting out the main or reducing sail
area with a reef will quickly make the boat faster and more comfortable. the
M15 has a large main and a small jib. reduce you mainsail size first.
i think back to my 'graduation' for piloting my own boat. my folks collected
a sailing dingy when they purchased the family sailboat - a 1979 cheoy lee 32'.
first was a nelson (a sailing slug) and then my favorite: a kent ranger minto.
when the family grew too large we than had a kent ranger 12'. if anyone knows
the minto it is a lot like the monty 'dinks' - lapstrake hull and a great
sailer!
when i was 17 my folks said i could take the family 32' out on my own. over
a series of months i became 'captain' when the family sailed. i then did a
series of 'solo' sails from dock to sail to dock with my dad present only as
'backup'. i graduated this and sailed my folk's boat for many years alone. i
must say that first trip really alone was more exciting and nerve raking than
my first solo drive in the family car.
when you have the chance to 'play' on a M15 i suggest you 'walk the boat'.
see how she leans when you stand at the bow, walk along the side-deck. stand
on the toe rail and see how she leans and rocks (she will --- i weight 220lbs
and i can really get my M15 to lean ... but _not_ tip over with my own body
weight). then do the same when motoring and see how she reacts. then move to
sailing. take you time and get comfortable with each stage. (this 'stepping
up' process can really be done during a day-trip).
when i first sailed an M15 i was amazed how much like a minto she sailed. a
bit tender at first and then quickly firms up. always have your hand on the
main sheet to 'release wind'. the M15 is a lot like a daysailer ... but MUCH
more. she is not a keelboat, though with good sea skills one feels that she is.
my limits on taking Skred out in weather is i don't have the right collection
of sails. the main is only single reef (you need to have a double reef) and i
have no 'storm' jib. like others have stated a M15 with a double reef and the
'stock' jib can really sail well in 20kts of wind. with a double reef and
'storm jib' 20 to 25 knots is a safe range (with experience and carefull
watching of the seaway -- 25 kts wind brings 4'-ish+ seas and some 'breaking
seas'). i re-state what others say: when the wind is up put in the hatchboards
and confirm the cockpit lockers are 'locked' closed.
what would be nice is a series of videos of M15s and M17s in 'a blow' to
share. thanks to sean there are some good vids of M23's and some picts of M17s
going to weather in good sized seas. who out there wants to help me invest in
a new set of sails for Skred and then act as 'chase boat' for video and
pictures? ;-)
dave scobie
M15 #288 - Skred (yes, i finally named the boat)
Herb Stokes <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Hello all,
I'm very close to ordering an M15 and thought I'd try to get some reassurance
before I jump.
I have very little sailing experience (maybe 10 or 12 trips) but have 30-35
years boating
experience, so I feel I have a good handle on the basic seamanship aspect of
things.
Here on the South Carolina coast we get an "afternoon seabreeze" of about 12-15
mph
almost everyday throughout the summer. I've been looking at alot of different
boats for a long
time and I keep coming back to the Montgomerys. I'll be sailing the rivers and
harbors, not
out front. It is reasonable to think an M15 is a good choice for this. And, at
56, is this to lively a boat
to manage, while leaning to sail?
>From all the reading I've done, I know there are a lot of seasoned veterans
>out there, so I'd appreciate
any input you guys might have.
Herb Stokes
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