Autumn Sailing With Friends
Fall sailing can be some of the best sailing for many reasons. Mainly, it is the end of the light summer air that the Hudson Valley can experience with hot and muggy weather. Not exactly ideal weather for sailing. The fall can pick up giving dramatic windy days on the river - a true treat to those trying to get in the final sailing outings before season end. The added bonus - the fall view is truly unique from the river!
My Fall sailing day with Rebracas
Fall landscape, solid 20 to 25 knots of wind, and a ready and able full keel Hunter sailboat primed for such conditions. Nick, Patricia, and Sergio hoisted the sails for one last time this fall and it was quite the escapade, calling for both enterprise and enthusiasm. I tagged along to partly record the event and to partly learn the ropes. I knew these guys liked to sail but I was unaware of their expertise and mastery of the craft until this outing. One hour with them felt like an entire season of learning. Serge trimmed the sails as Nick sailed their majestic Hunter on the edge. I was amazed about how a few minor changes could make a world of difference in how the boat handled in the wind.
The wind blasted over us in waves on this chilly day, the Hunter held her ground as we ripped across the river with near ease. The fall leaves were putting on a colorful show and mother nature didn’t let us forget that it was chilly. The cutter rig made the sailing simple. So what do you mean “no work”? Though, since this wasn’t “exciting enough” we decided to roll out the jib to allow things to get really “stimulating”.
At times it felt like the boat was healing over at 25+ degrees especially when a gust hit us giving the feeling as if were weren’t going to stop leaning over, this was definitely not for a beginner. Nick and Serge thought the conditions were perfect for their 37’ ship as she was settling in with this kind of wind. When I took the wheel, I was surprised how “effortless” it was to steer her upwind. It seemed like I could handle it with just a couple of fingers —until a 25+ mph gust rolled over us. While chatting casually, they lamented about some of their 10,000+ miles of sailing including being stuck without wind for days 1,000 miles off shore, fishing for so many Mahi-Mahi Nick recoils at the thought of ordering it at a restaurant, to the time they were stuck in massive waves and wind in the pitch black of the night. Not only was the ocean turned up, the hard rain was sand blasting their faces for over 12 hours straight! Some of these stories made our river day seem like child’s play. It was certainly mighty good times on the river that day in October, thanks again guys.
Boating Experiences
Sailing can be a hard item to pick up if you are new to boating but the most rewarding in many ways. The joining a club such as the Poughkeepsie Yacht Club will give the opportunity to meet people and see if boating or sailing is right for you. Some clubs such as the PYC allow members to join socially and then later take the leap into boating after going out with members. The river can really inspire great adventure, see you on the water!
- Michael Quick