10/08/2026
Topic:
sail cloth choice
Dick
|
Hi Alan,
Would you agree, as a sailmaker, with my observations that for a performance-oriented cruising skipper (but far from a racer) that HydraNet Radial sails will have up-front expense, but that initial expense may even out over the length of life one achieves with HN over Dacron sails?
Thanks for your thoughts, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy |
07/09/2026
Topic:
Gibralter Straights from Gib to Morocco.
Dick
|
Hi Chippykevb,
No advice and just glad our time on that gauntlet is behind us. I assume you are collecting suggestions from other sources. If you find suggestions that feel solid, I am sure others would like to hear from you. And, do let us know how you fair.
Good luck, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy |
06/10/2026
Topic:
Windvane vs. 2nd Below deck autopilot
Dick
|
Hi Rob,
We have a Monitor windvane on the stern and an Alpha 3000 below decks autopilot.
Our last Atlantic crossing was all electric autopilot (Alpha 3000, no longer being manufactured). Ours was 20 yo with a fair number of miles on it, but still going strong. Anticipating a higher lat Atlantic crossing, I bought a whole new Alpha 3000, swapped out the old parts and put them into spares on the boat.
I consider the Monitor as a lightning strike back-up, but, thinking about it, I might wrap the spare Alpha command module in a couple of layers of aluminum foil and put it in the oven (with our computers and phone) in a lightning storm.
I have not worried about the need for an instant change-over: if swapping is needed, I will just heave-to and do the job.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy |
22 days ago
Topic:
essential books
Dick
|
Hi OCC members
I have noticed, in my casual talking and consulting with young and newbie cruisers, how few of them read books. Many refer to u-tube articles as a source of their information. What little I know scares me as I get asked about stuff gleaned from the internet that is clearly inaccurate and sometimes dangerous. An example I do have first-hand was when Practical Sailor (an American well-thought-of print publication where I was 30+ years a subscriber and learned a great deal) went digital and had a “talking head” give lectures in lieu of articles. An early “article” was on the setting up of a preventer and his advice was sometimes just wrong and overall was dangerous. And completely delivered sounding like he had been-there-done-that and really knew what he was talking about. Scary.
I hung on for a few months and then terminated my subscription.
I envy those who grew up with “salt water coursing through their veins”: but I was not one of them. I am self-taught, but I did not feel alone. I devoured books on the subject and considered many authors my mentors. I learned a great deal from the books I read.
25 years ago, we sold the house and cars and moved aboard: pretty much a “burned bridge” approach. Once the house was sold, we gave an agent the keys and she took care of selling the insides. It was harsh (my tools went into storage, but little else), but there are only 2 items I occasionally miss: my cruising/sailing books (maybe close to 100 books or more) and my vinyl record collection (including 14 inches of Grateful Dead albums)
I am interested in developing a suggested reading list of books that are considered essential reading. I tend to think in categories such as: inspirational, practical, destination/voyages, humor, history, safety, survival, design, sails, scantlings, etc.
I would clearly also appreciate everyone’s suggestions. If this ends up with a list, I will of course post it on the Forum.
Thanks, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy |
11 days ago
Topic:
essential books
Dick
|
Romy.McIntosh wrote:
Hi Dick,
I personally think no boat is complete without a good ship's library!
Here are three to start you off:
Heavy weather sailing by Martin Thomas (former Commodore of the OCC) and Peter Bruce (also a member, I believe)
Passage to Juneau by Jonathan Raban
Sailing alone around the world by Joshua Slocum
There is also a page on the OCC website which lists books published by members, and the Flying Fish is full of book reviews :)
Thanks,
Romy
SV Valkyrie of Orwell
Hi Romy, I agree completely. There are those books you carry inside you that have been instrumental in your development as a cruiser. And there are those books that are on board at all times for reference, inspiration, etc. Different lists for sure. Perhaps another initiative could be to develop a list of "essential" books for the ship's library.
Thanks for your thoughts. Dick s/v Alchemy |