Well, got my boat in the water, the mast up, and to its slip on the lake. We raised the mast while the boat was on the water, which definitely made it more difficult and time consuming. But it was a choice we made given other circumstances and challenges. And we have actually sailed it. The first day we went out the wind was probably around 15 kts, perhaps a bit more. It was a difficult situation at first. I've done a lot of sailing, most of it on the ocean, in many places; but it's been about 8 years since I've been on a sailboat. A little rusty. But in the wind and white caps, I was surprised at how much the boat pitched and bobbed--I thought it would be steadier given its displacement--and I certainly didn't have my sea legs under me. The jib wasn't secure enough and started raising itself. With my inexperienced crew (wife, who knows how to sail, but it's been awhile and she has forgotten much, and 15 year-old step daughter who has never sailed), we returned to marina, stowed the jib and went out with main only. Turned into a nice sail.
Our second sail was great, in probably about 6-9 kts, with main and standard jib. I am starting to get to know the boat . It felt good and moved well on mostly close and beam reaches. But I got to play with close-hauled a bit, too.
Third sail, once the wind came up, was very enjoyable. Wind probably around 5-7 kts. Even with such a light wind the boat moved well. Lots of close-hauled sailing.
We went out 2 other times, but it was dead calm, and so we swam instead.
Impressions: the boat moves well and is more nimble than I had imagined.
It points surprising well, able to take it quite close to the wind--I mean it begins to lose power but most boats don't seem to do that well, able to keep decent headway even when pinching.
The deck is difficult and awkward for me and my crew--lack of convenient handholds, the life lines seem low, awkward getting back to the cockpit. Maybe as I regain my balance that will improve.
Yesterday, when the wind was still very light, it managed to move. But after it came up to maybe 5 knots, the boat came alive.
Overall, it seems a good boat. I think I will have many good sails.
Questions:
- That tiller is really, really long, almost the length of the cockpit. It's difficult to move around the cockpit because of it, and my crew is constantly getting probed by it. I'm assuming it's original equipment or original specs. Is that much leverage really necessary? Can I shorten it?
The boat lists to starboard when at rest in its slip. I saw on a post from years ago that this is normal. Is it? Why? Should I be worried?
The Genoa: I've only used the standard (100%) jib so far, as I haven't wanted to be overpowered and have to make a jib change so early on with still getting to know the boat. At around 8 knots the boat seems to be powered up quite well, and heeling at a good angle with the standard jib. In other (heavier) boats I would still be using the genoa at this point. My initial impression on the C-22 is that it's probably too much above 8 knots, certainly above 10 kts. True? What is your experience?
The song of the keel cable!! The hum actually seems to show up when the sails are trimmed well. Is there anyway to eliminate it (though it's sort of strangely comforting)?
How deep do you lower your keel? I've got 2 rounds remaining on the crank drum, as the previous owner instructed me. Should I let it down all the way? Is there an advantage to doing so?
The keel sometimes knocks against the hull when waves or wakes rock the boat--is this all right?
Has anybody led their halyards back? Was this an improvement?
We still have the hank-on jib (I have little experience with hanked-on jibs). I'm experimenting with different ways of securing it as we leave the marina. Any suggestions? Has anybody installed a roller-furler and was it worth it?
Thanks for any all all comments and for tolerating my questions.