Since we are in the depths of winter, some of you may be building your own Goat Island Skiff and dreaming big dreams of open water and fair winds. Of salt on your lips, sun in your eyes, trailing a wake of phosphorescence through the seas of summer. Fear not intrepid reader and intrepid builder-- our rock hurtles forward to the coming warm season. Your sawdust on the floor will tomorrow be the dust of yesterday and you too will be sailing!
In the meantime, I have just realized I have quite a library of pictures that document the building of the Goat Island Skiff and my own subsequent adventures. If you would like to peruse my photobank please see my Goat Island Skiff Amateur Style Gallery hosted on Picasa.
I hope it helps you, intrepid reader, to stave off the dark and the cold, and offers guidance for those first time boatbuilders.
Now that the Honcho is back in the USA weve had time to sit back and review our experience in Mexico and pass along some information that you might find valuable for your own voyage south. In part one, Ill discuss security and health services as we found them on our travels. In later posts Ill review our route in Mexico, marinas and anchorages we visited, food and dining, and Mexican officialdom. Lastly Ill review the Honcho, how it was set up and rigged, what worked and didnt, and what we would do differently with regard to the boat. Bear in mind that this is our personal experience and yours will certainly be different in any number of ways.
Security
There is certainly no shortage of security in Mexico. We spent a lot of time in a number of harbors and marinas, some of which were in urban settings and some in resort settings. We also anchored in remote places where there were few if any people within miles. We also traveled fairly extensively ashore using various modes of transportation: On foot, private car, rental car, taxi, bus, train and commercial airplane. Our shoreside travel took us to resort areas, big cities, towns, villages, and some places that we considered to be Mexicos outback. We traveled in the states of Baja California Norte and Sur, Jalisco, Nayarit, Guerrero, Sinaloa and Chihuahua. We visited exclusive resort destinations as well as grittier destinations where tourists are rare.
In general, security in every marina we visited was pretty good. Electronic gates and watchmen with radios were present at every marina we visited. We never lost anything to theft and usually felt comfortable leaving the boat unlocked during daylight hours. When anchored out we frequently hoisted the dinghy out of the water as a precaution in some areas, but never heard of anyones dinghy getting stolen while we were in Mexico.
One thing I think unfortunate was that a few Americans brought their biases and prejudices with them to Mexico, and were in my opinion overly suspicious of Mexicans. I believe those people missed out on one of the greatest pleasures of cruising in Mexico, which is getting to know and understand the Mexican people, whom we came to regard as the friendliest people weve ever met.
Practically everywhere we went in Mexico there were plenty of heavily armed police and military personnel. It was not unusual to see a truckload of armed and masked police on the roads or parked next to a bank. On the water we had numerous encounters with Mexican Navy personnel. They were always heavily armed, and were also always polite, courteous and professional. For our own part, we were always friendly toward them, and were never treated with anything but respect by them. With that said, I can understand how it can be unnerving to see a boat with a squad of masked men carrying assault rifles bearing down on you at high speed. I should also point out that in the ports of L. A. and Long Beach, its not unusual to have a patrol boat with a .30 cal machine gun mounted on the foredeck bearing down on you if you happen to stray too close to a cruise ship in the harbor.
We did have one negative experience that involved Mexican traffic police in Puerto Vallarta. Four of us were driving a rental car on the highway and were pulled over and shaken down for 500 Pesos by a local cop. Its a fairly common occurrence in that area. Mexicans told me later that the government is working to get rid of corruption in local police forces, but it still happens. 500 Pesos is the equivalent of about $45 USD.
Throughout most of our travels on mainland Mexico we felt quite safe, except when we were in the state of Sinaloa, which is home to one of Mexicos most notorious drug cartels. Mazatlan is Sinaloas largest commercial port and is reputed to be a major shipping point for drugs and as a result there has been some violence there. Enough to cause the cruise lines to stop visiting there until security improves. This is unfortunate because Mazatlan turned out to be a beautiful and charming city, and once we became familiar with it, we were able to relax and enjoy it.
We traveled by bus through Culiacan and spent a couple of nights in Los Mochis, which are supposedly the nexus of the Sinaloa cartels empire. There we noticed many police checkpoints along the way. The checkpoints were sandbagged and the police were usually helmeted and masked. However, we never felt personally in any danger as we rode through them on a pretty luxurious express bus.
We used the same common sense in Mexico as in the USA: Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your possessions. Leave the diamonds and Rolex at home. Dont flash wads of cash around. Be careful at ATMs, and use only those that are at banks and other reputable institutions. Stay off the streets late at night. Dont do things you wouldnt do in the States. Know where youre going and avoid high crime areas.
Here are some statistics that I took from a cursory internet search: Homicide rate for Mexico (2009): 15 (per 100,000 population) Homicide rate for the USA (2009): 5 (per 100.000 population)
Below is a chart of crime statistics for Mexico and the USA in 2004. In some ways Mexico is safer than the USA, and some ways more dangerous.
First some statistics which I took from the CIA World Factbook: *Infant mortality rate: Mexico 18.42 (112th), USA 6.26 (46th) of . Global average is 42.09 for the 224 countries in the list. *Life expectancy: USA 78.4 years (50th). Mexico 76.06 (71st). Global average 66.57
Based on these statistics, it appears that Americans can expect to live a healthier, and slightly longer life than Mexicans. But the statistics do indicate that both countries could do much better. Sweden, Australia, Canada, Spain and even Britain do better than the USA with regard to infant mortality and life expectancy.
Fortunately we never got sick or suffered any injury that required medical attention. Our experience with routine medical services was that it varied from very good to rather poor. Prescription drugs cost roughly half what they would cost in the USA. We did hear of several other cruisers who did use Mexican medical services for conditions ranging from injuries due to falls to heart attack and were generally pleased with the outcomes, and usually thrilled with the low cost of care in that that country. My impression is that those near the bottom of the socio-economic scale dont dont get much health care in the USA or Mexico, those in the middle classes get fairly good care, and those in higher classes get very good care in both countries.
One of the best things about being in the market for a new boat is checking out the newest designs, going for test sails and pondering cruising to distant places or collecting trophies. When I started looking at the Summit 35, I quickly forgot about the distant coves and palm trees, and instead, thought about racing and collecting pickle dishes.
Mark Mills designed it for Summit Yachts and Edgewater Boats builds it in Florida. The Summit 35 is really a buoy racer with enough accommodations for a couple to spend a week or so cruising, or for longer coastal races. Mills describes the boat as being designed to excel under the IRC. The IRC is a handicapping rule that is in some ways like PHRF and some ways like other measurement rules such as the now defunct IOR rule. I say that because to get a rating you must have your boat measured or have the builder certify the dimensions of the boat. Then you submit all the required information to the Rating Authority, which has a secret formula that they use to calculate the boats handicap rating. The PHRF aspect comes from the fact that the Rating Authority may use subjective judgments as well as the boats measurements to give a boat a final rating. The idea behind the secrecy of the rating formula is that designers and builders arent supposed to know what it is and therefore cant tweak their designs to take advantage of the rule. Some of you may recall the goofy designs that came out of the IOR rule, where speed producing factors were penalized and credit was given for speed reducing factors.
The S-35 has a displacement of 10,930 lb with 5,300 lb of ballast, most of which is in that massive bulb.
Enough of the handicapping jargon Lets just evaluate the Summit 35 based on common sense. I should say out front that I havent had an opportunity to sail one yet and all the information I have on the boat was taken from Summit-yachts.com and yachtworld.com. I like the overall proportions of this boat. The very slightly raked stem and transom make the hull more visually attractive than if they were vertical, as does the slightly sprung sheer. Below the waterline we see a fairly shallow hull with a narrow waterline beam and lots of flare in the topsides. The keel consists of a vertical fin with a slightly raked leading edge coupled to a massive lead bulb. Notice in the photo that the bulb extends a long way forward from the fin. There doesnt appear to be a kelp cutter on the keel so that bulb could be a problem in areas with lots of kelp, like southern California. On the other hand, the bulb will keep the boat on its feet in a breeze.
Big cockpit, square corners and German mainsheet system
I like the deck on this boat. It has a beautiful cabin trunk and a nice big cockpit with seats forward and plenty of room for the crew. The options list includes twin wheels instead of the standard tiller. I would choose that option in spite of the extra weight and cost. The wheels are smallish, but allow the helmsperson to sit well outboard, and leave plenty of room for the crew. Notice that the main traveler is located well aft on the cockpit floor, with the sheet led forward along the boom, then down under the deck and back to a pair of winches just aft of the short cockpit coamings. This arrangement is known as a German or Admirals Cup system. With 2:1 purchase and the ability to trim the main quickly, it can be an excellent arrangement for a racer, and has some benefits for the cruising yachtsman who understands the strengths and weaknesses of this system. On the Summit 35 with tiller steering, the helmsperson sits forward of the main trimmer, on or outboard of the coaming, with the main trimmer sitting aft. It doesnt look too comfortable for the helmsman. With wheel steering, the helmsman will be aft of the main trimmer, but itll be a tight fit for the trimmer. This will be fine on the upwind legs, but could get complicated on the downwind legs jibing in heavy air and at the leeward mark where the main trimmer will be ripping in the mainsheet and the helmsman is busy getting around the mark and avoiding flying elbows and mainsheet tail. Its not a big deal, but will take some practice for the helmsman and trimmer to work out how to do their jobs without getting in each others way.
In studying the cockpit, notice that everything is pretty well squared off and all the edges and corners have roughly the same radius. There is nothing wrong with this and it is quick to tool straight lines and squared edges, but this very nice looking overall deck design could have been more artfully sculpted. Of course boats have a way of getting prettier if they win a lot of races, and I have no doubt that the Summit 35 will do that.
Compact galley is suitable for sandwiches and MREs
Its hard to fault the interior of this boat. The layout is just about perfect, with a good sized galley and nav station as well as a positively luxurious head for a boat this size. The interior drawing shows a big dropleaf table in the main cabin, but Im sure few Summit 35s will sail with it, as it looks heavy and takes up space needed for packing chutes. The galley is fitted with a gimbaled Origo two-burner alcohol stove. This is a very good unit that eliminates the need for a gas bottle and its attendant locker, solenoid, etc. While the galley is too small for cruising, its quite adequate for the racing crew that expects sandwiches and MREs instead of meals.
I was surprised to see that the Summit 35 is equipped with an aluminum mast instead of carbon fiber. This may be due as much to the IRC rule as to economic considerations. The boat carries non-overlapping headsails and can be fitted with symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnakers. There are some advantages to symmetrical spinnakers in tactical situations, especially at the leeward mark, but these are outweighed by the simplicity and efficiency of asymmetrical kites. Unless you plan to race your boat under IRC rules, which apparently favors symmetricals, youll want to set your Summit 35 up with a short bowsprit and asymmetrical kites.
If I were in the market for a racer, Id consider the Summit 35. Its a nice looking and fast boat with reasonable accommodations and, inspired by Barry Carroll, a good pedigree. I like the fact that its built here in America. I think that, regardless of whether the IRC rule really gains much traction in the USA, the S-35 will be a very effective PHRF racer as well. Its interesting to compare this boat to the J-111. Its very close, but I think I like the J just a little bit more. Of course neither is well suited for the kind of cruising were planning, but it would be interesting to see these boats matched against each other in a buoy race and in a long distance race.
Inasmuch as were in the market for a used cruising boat, my next review will be the Beneteau 423. In the meantime I invite you to visit www.summit-yachts.com if youd like to learn more about the S-35.
I built my boom originally as a temporary boom to get me on the water ASAP. How does that old saying go? "There is nothing so permanent as a temporary fix" or something like that.
Anyway, that temporary boom has been quite permanent on my Goat Island Skiff for the next two sailing seasons. It has always been a little wobbly, especially since I use my sail loose-footed. The tension along the foot slightly distorts the boom and I do lose some power.
I decided this winter to finally fix this boom. Originally I was going to build a fancy shmancy box boom like many of my Goat Island Skiff compatriots. I went over to Goose Bay Lumber and purchased a bunch of cedar for $63 and cut it into a bunch of strips only to realize it would be way wobbly. So then I got some Doug Fir for $15 and cut it up and put together another box boom, but I still wasnt happy with it.
So screw it! I decided to take my old boom and slap on one of those DF strips to the top of my boom, to compliment the lower horizontal piece. I am proud of my laziness. BEHOLD FRANKENBOOM!
All mocked up!
All glued up!
All sanded up!
So, this boom is definitely stiffer than the old temporary boom. It is also heavier, but not by much. I am happy with the results and will test it out this year on my Adventures-- of which there will be more than last year because there is a modicum amount of income flowing into my coffers.
That being said I have some very nice strips of western red cedar, no knots, 12 long, for sale.
On a side, the inrepid reader may also be interested in following my slow-poke restoration of my Beverly Dinghy.
Boooooooo. I think my sailing for 2011 will be over in my Goat Island Skiff. I definitely did not do many things I wanted to do this year, such as another camping trip in Casco Bay and a little more sailing. Like last year, I did sail significantly more than I blogged about-- Im not going to write about every outing, but there was less total epicness as last year. Lack of work kept me more homebound. I was just trying to save my $$$ the most possible and had a tough time justifying the gasoline expense.
However, I had a great time up at the Small Reach Regatta and my bro and I had a great trip on his Aquarius 23, as described in the two posts below. It was decidedly a non Goat Island Skiff trip, and hence an aberration to this blog, but hopefully something you enjoyed.
Stay tuned, Im really hoping to actually build a permanent boom for her this winter. Really. Honest.
Well intrepid reader, it is time to close out this season. Its getting cold, the days are getting shorter, and the fresh water is about to become hard. I needed to have a definite end date to this sailing season, mostly because if I didnt, Id keep sailing into the early reaches of winter, and Im sure something would happen that I would regret. Additionally, the Goat Island Skiff needs some attention, she deserves a de-salting and a rest while the temperatures are still above freezing.
Saturday was the last day, in Portland, in conjunction with Clint Chase Boatbuilders annual boat-talk and small messabout at the East End. I am relying on others who took pictures and the video. All the pictures below can be seen or accessed through this thread at the Wooden Boat Forum. There are pictures of other boats too, dories, a Pea Pod, and the like. I took several people for rides, all of whom I think enjoyed it. I am always happy to share my boat, sailing is awesome, sailing with others is even better! Many thanks to Jonathan, Gareth, Milo, Dan, Shane, and Clint for cruising with me this afternoon.
Youll notice that I stand a lot sailing this boat. There is a reason for it. First, the boat is very spacious in the cockpit and its large floor is ideal for standing. Second, my ruptured discs in my back dont like it when I sit for long periods of time. With this configuration, I get back relief and get to go sailing! So awesome, and an unintended bonus of the design. The boat is very comfortable for sitting too, so its kind of a shame. But sitting on the floor with legs propped on the opposite side as well as the gunwale is all very comfortable.
To the pictures, and some video:
Goat Island Skiff with a Beach Pea
With GISAmateur fan, Jon! Yes, I have a fan!
Tight Maneuvering around the dock makes for fun sailing!
Heading out with Dan Noyes of Beachcomber-Alpha fame. I am humbled.
Clint Chase Boatbuilder holds court while I demonstrate the impressive stability of his Deblois Street Dory.
VICTORY For I AM ZINEA, PTERODACTYLUS!
So it was quite the season! Some 30+ days of sailing, 8 of those were spent overnight cruising, several day-cruises to islands in Casco Bay and beyond, and lots of lake sailing in beautiful New Hampshire to boot! My back injury hampered certain adventures that were supposed to happen, but I had other adventures instead. It was a good season, and I am a happier man for it!
The intrepid reader will be advised to keep an eye on this blog, as I will soon be unveiling another Storer design, as well as addressing end-of-season mechanical issues with the Goat Island Skiff. There is a laundry list of repairs, cosmetics, and maybe even wholesale additions to the boat. The season is over, but the passion of boating is not!
When young Dawn with her rose-red fingers shone once more,
they set sail for the main encampment of Achaea.
The Archer sent them a bracing following wind,
they stepped the mast, spread the white sails wide,
the wind hit full and the canvas bellied out
and a dark blue wave, foaming up at the bow,
sang out loud and strong as the ship made way,
skimming the whitecaps, cutting toward her goal. (Illiad I:569-576, Fagles)
Intrepid readers, welcome. This is the Small Reach Regatta 2012
It has been a year since the last Small Reach, and again we met this year at Lamoine State Park in Maine for several days of sailing, rowing, camaraderie, and all out awesome.
Day 1
This Small Reach was a momentous meet-up for Goat Island Skiffs with a total of three (3) boats sailing together simultaneously. This is the first time this has happened, ever! I am proud that I Am Zinea, Pterodactylus was part of this historic moment. It was a damn cool feeling to be sailing with other boats of the same pedigree.
Moments before launch on Day 1 THREE GOATS From left to right: Bleat, IAZP, Kathleen Marie
Happiness is Goat on water (Courtesy of Capn Jon)
The first day of the SRR was a sail out to Thomas Island, as shown below and marked by an "A". Since this was launching day we spent some time milling around Lamoine (northeast of Thomas, marked in green) until most boats were launched. Then we set off Armada style for Thomas. I ended up leisurely cruising behind Capn Jon in his Pheonix III Two Hearted-- official IAZ,P Partner in Adventure.
This was Capn Jons first SRR and he decided to approach the east beach on Thomas by wrapping around the backside of the island. I thought this was a fine idea since I had never been back there and there appeared to be obstacle strewn shallow waters on the south end. Just as expected we had to beat upwind to the beach in shallow seaweed and rock festooned waters! Several other hapless skippers followed us. Im pretty sure they all had a good time, right? It was a great technical sail complete with the usual rowboat spectators waiting for us on the beach.
Me and my Goat. (Courtesy of Capn Jon)
I got there early and was able to take some pictures of others arriving.
Paul driving Kathleen Marie to Thomas
Kathleen Marie and a Penobscot 14
Bleats first sail! WOOT WOOT
Sea Pearl 21 Velella Velella
Loon, a Devlin Egret This guy isnt afraid to run her right up onto whatever rocks are in the way. Bulletproof.
First boats are pulling up with most of the fleet downwind of the island. Note Bleat
Andrews Ian Oughtred J2
Bleat
Clint Chase gets to put his cool logo on his sail
Kathleen Marie nestled in for lunch
Brand new Core Sound 17 after first sail EVAR
After lunch the wind had picked up considerably and it was time to sail back to Lamoine. At this point I picked up a crewmember (moveable ballast!) and so I decided to forego reefing and see how fast we could get IAZ,P. We made it back to Lamoine and had no one to greet us as everyone was still behind us. So we turned around and beat back to the fleet. Landing on the shore at Lamoine turned exciting since it was a lee shore at that point.
Clint coming in under mizzen alone and Capn Jon in Two Hearted
Scooting along
Clint posing, Ellie shipshaping, and Capn Jon struggling. Its more fun to watch from a distance.
I ended up going back out again with another crewmember. This time we were reefed to the second point. This was a great idea, and the boat performed awesome. Sailing is fun, the wind was up, I couldnt justify not sailing again.
Me storming back to the beach under 2 reefs. Full speed ahead. (Courtesy Capn Jon)
Hand carry parking area. Lots of coolness.
YAY friends!
It was windy enough that Jasmine, a Caledonia Yawl (of which we will see much more of later) ended up blowing out its mast step. At the SRR this is not a problem, because we can wander over to Allens mobile woodshop and fabricate a new one.
Making that new mast step. It doesnt have to be nice, just functional.
Hand carry at dusk
Day 2
On Friday it was off to gorgeous Stave Island, far on the eastern side of Frenchmans Bay. I was able to scoot out relatively quickly in some light air. It was beautiful sailing, though interrupted by some calm. I had some moments of absolute golden sailing in flat glass scooting right along. All in all, a little bit of everything. I was the first sailboat to reach Stave, with the rowboats waiting for me (again... those rowboats).
Three Goats and the Pheonix III
One Goat. Two Goat. Three Goat.
Caledonia Yawl Jasmine on the way to Stave Island with Cadillac Mountain
Beautiful sailing...
...The fleet behind me...
...A nice sail shape...
...BAM! Into a WALL OF CALM. Out came the oars. Row, row, row your boat, fool.
Breeze back up and some nice Maine islands.
The fleet starts to show up. Note Far and Away, a completely unique Nomans Land boatto port of IAZ,P
Nap in the grass
Capn Jon decides to finally show up along with a Bolger Sweet Pea, Better Than Chocolate. This Pea never gave up and always made it.
On the way out of Stave Island, wind is coming back up and Clint and I start to get into it.
Video from Steve B of Clint and I battling it out
Clint and I fighting to windward. This is happiness.
A very cool Washington County Peapod with a Block Island (RI) rig. Out of Chapelles American Small Sailing Craft Nicknamed "stiletto"-- good looking but a pain to use
After a spirited sail out of Stave Island, we ran smack right back into the WALL OF CALM and sat floating in the middle of Frenchman Bay. What to do but rehydrate and while away the hours? And then....
Jasmine gives IAZ,P a tow. This is a GISAmateur first!
Three little ducks all in a row. Look at that sky!
Sam and his CLC Northeaster Dory power-sailing like a champ.
Day 3 and the EPICNESS OF THREE (3) GOATS
The itinerary on the third day was Lamoine to Bean Island, but we did a circumnavigation of Dram Island first off of Sorento since the wind was so so sweet and we were making such great time.
Bean Island lunchtime:
Goats getting cozy
Intrepid reader, I am not going to write much here. I just want you to enjoy what it is like when three Goats get together to terrorize the neighborhood for a bit. All of the below pictures of three Goats are courtesy of Capn Jon. Thank you Capn Jon for turning around and taking notice of this momentous event!
I present to you Goat Island Skiff history:
Clint and myself working west.
Catching up to Paul who slowed up a bit so we could sail together
Terrorizing the Maine coast with smelly Goats! Fast as stink!
Braying loud-mouthed Goats!
Pillaging Goats!
Full on Goat fury!
Capn Jon wisely stayed behind and out of the way of angry Goats!
Well that was fun. I dont think I was able to wipe the smile off my face that day.
Into Lamoine the wind slacked off and I doubled back to do some sailing with Two Hearted.
Shortly after this the wind died off and Capn Jon and I decided to go for a swim. Then Capn Jon got the brilliant idea to pull the boats by ourselves, so we self towed. Jasmine came swinging by like the predator she is and figured she might be able to get salvage rights and gave us yet another tow. Skipper Chris has no fear, and this is why I like him. He sail towed us right into the mooring field. Go Chris, Go!
Swimming. Notice Capn Jon in distance also swimming. We are heroes to the people.
On board and ready to rock! Chris rocked us back and Mary fed us.
Then, it was time to pull the boats. Sadness.
Herreshoff Carpenter
again
Tom Jackons Nomans Land boat, Far and Away
Interior detail of Far and Away
Kathleen Marie at rest with Acadia National Park
Before we knew it, Small Reach Regatta 2012 was over. A giant lobster dinner followed (and I do mean giant-- clams, mussels, sausages, corn, lobsters and more lobsters, etc) along with appropriate after-SRR campfires, story telling, and reminiscing.