I have had an influx of family visiting for the past month and, thankfully, they are happy to come out the boat to sail. Problem is that there has been a whole lot of them (as many as 12) and it is hard to tell people they cannot come along on the boat. Trimming the sails has become stressful as someone is always in the way. While people are willing to help, it never seems to work well to have others trim for me.
It got me thinking - Assuming we'd like to have both sails up, how many people are too many for the C36?
My current thought is 8 (including me). 3 people on the deck that are willing to deal with the genoa on a tack or to sit atop the main cabin, 4 in the body of the cockpit, and me behind the helm (of course there could be more downstairs - but I am not counting that right now). Your thoughts?
Tim Farrell
S.V. Kailua
C36 - 1986
Hull# CTY0678A886
I have raced my boat with 10 crew - it goes upwind like crazy with them all on the rail.
I have also sailed a 34' race boat with 12 crew. I wouldn't worry about taking 15 on the C36 for a daysail.
I think we raced my dad's 40'er in a 24 mile race with about 19 people on board once, including kids.
Jason V
Vancouver, BC, Canada
I am a safety geek by profession, so my two cents reads as follows:
1. Don't take more than the Captain feels comfortable with- the Captain is ultimately responsible for the safety of all passengers and crew.
2. Don't take more folks than you have PFD's for.
3. Weather could impact item 1 even further.
Laura Olsen
Commodore C36/375IA
S/V Miramar
hull 938 (MKI 1989, TR,WK, M25xp)
Edgemere, MD
My yacht club conducts 2, one week summer camps with an emphasis on water saftey for children 7-14 years of age.
The fist thing the campers must show is his or her swimming proficiency in the Club pool. Every camper has passed swimming this year.
No camper is alowed on the docks without a PFD.
We teach sailing in 15 foot small boats, kayaking, fishing and big boat sailing during which all the instructors as well as campers wear PFD's. Remember children learn by example.
Last week I had eight 7-10 year olds on Caprice along with a certified sailing instructor, a second camp counselor, who is also a sailor, and me. We had 15-20 knots of wind that day. Other than one boy getting sea sick we had no problems. The campers had a great time sailing and exploring the boat, especialy after they found the electric head. They learn to hold on when moving about the boat, even when in the head. Remember one hand for me and one hand for the boat.
Thursday I get to take out another group.
__/)__/)__/)__Capt Mike__/)__/)__/)__
Punta Gorda Florida
1990 Std WK M35 Hull #1050