Enjoyed the video. I love contessas. I had a Co32 for 16 years. I would recommend a more balanced sailplan - reefed main and partially furled Genoa. Your foot seemed too loose and the leach too tight - I would move the car aft when you have the full genoa out. This will make the sail more efficient and decrease heeling.
Think that all sounds sensible. Think you are right about everything, although on points a little downwind when solo there is I think something to be said for sailing with just the head sail so no concerns over gybing.. and the Contessa 26 tracks dead straight and feels balanced like this apart from when working up wind.. then a little main defo helps balance her out.. I think I always used main going higher that a beam reach??
Agree with you that one sail is easier when alone. However maybe over time riding in waves with only front sail will put stress on your mast that might be bad for it. At least I remember being told something like that, better to have 2 small sails up, then one big, and usually better to have a small/reefed main up than just one genoa.@@NeilWilliamsGallery
As a long distance trucker, and novice sailor, i regularly listen to 'malin head, dogger bank, fairisle... cyclonic.....'. To which, I send you respect and sincere wishes in your adventures. X
Now in my seventies I have owned and sailed many boats. My fondest memories are for my 26 back in the eighties. Wet? Yes. Small? Yes. I even crossed Biscay in her, no GPS, radar or plotter. Would I do it now? Not on your life.
I am downsizng from a shared First 501 and am consisering a Contessa 26 again for mainly day sailing with just the odd overnight. I would like to set one up for single handed use with a black labrador for crew. He just can't master a bowline knot no matter how many biscuits he is offered.@@noasailing27feet
Just an idea , but if you run the shot cord through a fairlead six inches above your cleat. you could use a wedge to increase or decrease the tension. Our old family boat steers herself most of the time certainly long enough to grill a couple of mackerel for lunch make a cuppa check the charts sun yourself on the foredeck with a beer.use the facilities etc etc.not quite as fast as the Contessa but no slouch..
excellent video of the reality of sailing and welcome to Shotley. If i'd seen this video when it aired I would have wandered over to say hi as I've got a boat at Shotley myself. Hope you got home in one piece.
Probably. When I'm arriving late then leaving early the next morning I likely don't do enough planning, if any.. Might be I trust a little too much to Navioincs.. which is a pretty great tool. Thanks for watchinf
Nicely done in the conditions. 👍. I have a dodger on my Swanson 30 (29.4) it makes a huge difference in not getting so wet !! You might want to put one on your boat. Yep, all good to have chartplotter and use weather apps to have some idea of the likely conditions. A neat trick you used as a kind of self steering setup, without a wind vane.
You may be interested to know that there is a fellow contessa 26 sailing around Qweensland, Australia His channel is Keven green. He sails from Sydney and gese up the east coast every so often. Grerard.
I've never understood why yachtsmen sail open cockpit yachts. Just a simple doghouse/shelter to tuck into out of the wind and spray and rain would make sailing so much more enjoyable and a helluva lot safer. Of course a fully fledged wheelhouse even better!
Wondered of you have looked at 'sheet to tiller' self steering? I used it on my old boat, a Mirage 28, and it worked well. My current boat, a Gib'Sea 96, has a wheel, but I often wonder if I should rig up the emergency tiller with sheet to tiller some day.
Hi. Maybe sheet to tiller steering is more appropriate for long trade wind passages? But honestly I don't really know what I'm talking about! Thanks for watching.
have had dozens of boats, one an Invicta was a bit like yours, none of my boats had a spray hood until I bought a sea dog 30 which had a fixed screen, spray hood and full cockpit cover, had that boat the longest (20 years) am retired now and can not afford the harbour dues for it so downsized to the same type of boat I had 40 years ago a Corribee, its brill but the first thing I realised is I need a spray hood. Watching you get a face full makes me think you could do with one as well. Like your video's.
Great video. You’ve given me hope. I’m looking to get back onto the water again soon myself. I am interested in the self steering gear. What make have you gone for? I’ve not had much luck with them in the past. Probably due to the fact I’ve had hand-me-downs that have no instructions.
re water down the neck, when riding my motorbike in the rain I wrap a towel around my neck under the collar of my jacket. It works really well - try it.
What could have been the most interesting part of this video you didn't even bother to post it? entering the lock and the way you tight your boat in the lock to get safe with the changing level of water and how you leaver the lock, this is all these small but technical informations that make sailing videos so interesting. Specially when you have to do all these stuff on your own because you are sailing solo, Maybe if you still have the recording you can post them in another video that could be very cool to watch Cheers !!
It's an idea. But honestly I don't feel qualified to give advice. I'm just learning as I go along. One day at a time. And the videos are fun to do, but the main reason for the trip is to focus on taking still photos of the ocean. That takes much of my thinking time. And of course.. the adventure!
Hi Zach.. Not even as complicated as that. Just set sails best you can for the course.. then a bungee on the tiller. Then you can tweak mainsail for fine adjustments in course. But.... this doesn't work at all on engine ( I just ended up going in big circles!) or if the seas are nasty and you are trying to punch upwind through them it can be tricky..
@@NeilWilliamsGallery Nice. Have you have tried any of other sheet to tiller options? Just curious how they compare to the bungee, seems like such a simple option compared to others sheet to tiller set ups!
We sail for pleasure , so why do away with any modern aids if you can afford the? Dodger is on my list, when funds allow but auto helm and chart plotter first.
Hi Neil, will follow more of your videos. My last boat was a Contessa 26 (Shamaal) Beautiful boats. Thanks for bringing back memories. Pete C
Enjoyed the video. I love contessas. I had a Co32 for 16 years. I would recommend a more balanced sailplan - reefed main and partially furled Genoa. Your foot seemed too loose and the leach too tight - I would move the car aft when you have the full genoa out. This will make the sail more efficient and decrease heeling.
Think that all sounds sensible. Think you are right about everything, although on points a little downwind when solo there is I think something to be said for sailing with just the head sail so no concerns over gybing.. and the Contessa 26 tracks dead straight and feels balanced like this apart from when working up wind.. then a little main defo helps balance her out.. I think I always used main going higher that a beam reach??
Agree with you that one sail is easier when alone. However maybe over time riding in waves with only front sail will put stress on your mast that might be bad for it. At least I remember being told something like that, better to have 2 small sails up, then one big, and usually better to have a small/reefed main up than just one genoa.@@NeilWilliamsGallery
Gybe preventer, like tiller tamer, v easy to set up, extra reassurance too.
As a long distance trucker, and novice sailor, i regularly listen to 'malin head, dogger bank, fairisle... cyclonic.....'. To which, I send you respect and sincere wishes in your adventures. X
Now in my seventies I have owned and sailed many boats. My fondest memories are for my 26 back in the eighties. Wet? Yes. Small? Yes. I even crossed Biscay in her, no GPS, radar or plotter. Would I do it now? Not on your life.
GPS makes everything sooooo much less scary.. fog, arriving at night etc...
@@NeilWilliamsGallery Apart from pot lines and nets . . .
I am 72 now ,downsized to 22 feet from 35. But i am more careful and checking weather forecast !
I am downsizng from a shared First 501 and am consisering a Contessa 26 again for mainly day sailing with just the odd overnight. I would like to set one up for single handed use with a black labrador for crew. He just can't master a bowline knot no matter how many biscuits he is offered.@@noasailing27feet
Nice mate, just starting my c26 journey. Hope your well. Phil gosport
Great video, I'm local to Felixstowe and new to sailing. Enjoyed it.
That’s a great idea with the bungee/ rubber band. Wish I was there with you!
Thanks Alan. :-)
Great job, Neil! Enjoyed riding along with you ... look forward to more video!
Just an idea , but if you run the shot cord through a fairlead six inches above your cleat. you could use a wedge to increase or decrease the tension. Our old family boat steers herself most of the time certainly long enough to grill a couple of mackerel for lunch make a cuppa check the charts sun yourself on the foredeck with a beer.use the facilities
etc etc.not quite as fast as the Contessa but no slouch..
Excellent - really good to watch! I spent a year solo aboard my little Virgo Voyager back in 2000 and had a great time - hope you are too!
Loving it. Thanks for watching.
Thoroughly enjoying your videos, as a new subscriber I am catching up! Thank you Neil, and I look forward to the next one.
Appreciate that Steve.
Neil, Beautiful British coastline!!! TY
Cheers Chris. The world is beautiful out there... Thanks for watching. :-)
I did enjoy the video. That's my sailing plyaground Felixstowe. Thanks for sharing.
Good trip. First upgrade when you get home; spray hood!
I'm thinking about it... she's pretty without it though..
@@NeilWilliamsGallery you can always fold them down during champagne sailing conditions and regattas. All the best, Alex
excellent video of the reality of sailing and welcome to Shotley. If i'd seen this video when it aired I would have wandered over to say hi as I've got a boat at Shotley myself. Hope you got home in one piece.
Thank you Steven. That would have been nice. Thanks for watching.
Looks like you got caught up in those overfalls off orfordness point. Thanks for sharing. 👌
Probably. When I'm arriving late then leaving early the next morning I likely don't do enough planning, if any.. Might be I trust a little too much to Navioincs.. which is a pretty great tool. Thanks for watchinf
Very cool. Love the 26!
Top class. Great boat to boot.
Cheers :-)
Nicely done in the conditions. 👍. I have a dodger on my Swanson 30 (29.4) it makes a huge difference in not getting so wet !! You might want to put one on your boat. Yep, all good to have chartplotter and use weather apps to have some idea of the likely conditions. A neat trick you used as a kind of self steering setup, without a wind vane.
Thanks 👍
Nice video 👍👏 I stopped sailing a good few years ago for different reasons, but I do still miss it a lot now 😢
I hope you get to sail again Richard. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for your videos. learned to use bungees and sheet to tiller for steering. No autopilot or engine that works, so things can get quite exciting!
Yeah - old school. Not sure I'd be brave enough to sail without nan engine...Good luck to you! Ans thanks for watching
Good effort. Keep it up. Enjoying the videos.
Thanks Eddie
You may be interested to know that there is a fellow contessa 26 sailing around Qweensland, Australia
His channel is Keven green.
He sails from Sydney and gese up the east coast every so often.
Grerard.
Shotley is a friendly marina, a regular stop for me too.
I had the same rubber- band set up on my Ohlson 38.It worked better than the pilot beating.Well done mate.
Thank you Simon. Appreciate it. N.
Cool project, great boat! Fun vids too. hope you're going to keep making vids.
Thanks for watching. I'd like another adventure... we will see....
Hello, just bought a c26 (big project) all so just found your channel. Subbed. Phil gosport UK 🇬🇧
Enjoy the boat! Good luck - maybe bump into you in Cowes on day. I have the gallery there....
Nice. What's that c26's name?
"NO Doubt"
I've never understood why yachtsmen sail open cockpit yachts.
Just a simple doghouse/shelter to tuck into out of the wind and spray and rain would make sailing so much more enjoyable and a helluva lot safer. Of course a fully fledged wheelhouse even better!
Mostly I sail to be out in the weather Richard. A wheelhouse wouldn't be for me.....Thanks for watching.
Love it mate
Cheers BigBloke!
Wondered of you have looked at 'sheet to tiller' self steering? I used it on my old boat, a Mirage 28, and it worked well. My current boat, a Gib'Sea 96, has a wheel, but I often wonder if I should rig up the emergency tiller with sheet to tiller some day.
Hi. Maybe sheet to tiller steering is more appropriate for long trade wind passages? But honestly I don't really know what I'm talking about! Thanks for watching.
have had dozens of boats, one an Invicta was a bit like yours, none of my boats had a spray hood until I bought a sea dog 30 which had a fixed screen, spray hood and full cockpit cover, had that boat the longest (20 years) am retired now and can not afford the harbour dues for it so downsized to the same type of boat I had 40 years ago a Corribee, its brill but the first thing I realised is I need a spray hood. Watching you get a face full makes me think you could do with one as well. Like your video's.
You're probably right.. not sure why I keep resisting the idea... some dumb sense of aesthetics I think..
Great video. You’ve given me hope. I’m looking to get back onto the water again soon myself. I am interested in the self steering gear. What make have you gone for? I’ve not had much luck with them in the past. Probably due to the fact I’ve had hand-me-downs that have no instructions.
Thanks. Much better people than me to advise you on self steering. Lots of opinions out there. Good luck. 😊
use the mainsail as a counterbalance to the headsail. just a little of Reefed Main will do it. Admire your courage
A little foolhardy maybe. thanks for watching.
re water down the neck, when riding my motorbike in the rain I wrap a towel around my neck under the collar of my jacket. It works really well - try it.
The motorbike or the towel?
That looked pretty uncomfortable! I only go out in nice conditions as i eish to enjoy, not endure!
What could have been the most interesting part of this video you didn't even bother to post it? entering the lock and the way you tight your boat in the lock to get safe with the changing level of water and how you leaver the lock, this is all these small but technical informations that make sailing videos so interesting. Specially when you have to do all these stuff on your own because you are sailing solo, Maybe if you still have the recording you can post them in another video that could be very cool to watch
Cheers !!
It's an idea. But honestly I don't feel qualified to give advice. I'm just learning as I go along. One day at a time. And the videos are fun to do, but the main reason for the trip is to focus on taking still photos of the ocean. That takes much of my thinking time. And of course.. the adventure!
That's the calmest sea that I have ever seen with 30 knots of headwind. Or did he say 13 knots?
honking along 👍😘
ahhh.. "It is what it is"
👏👏👏
Wow. So just sheet to tiller type operations? No tiller pilot? Very impressed.
Full keel boats track extremely well
Hi Zach.. Not even as complicated as that. Just set sails best you can for the course.. then a bungee on the tiller. Then you can tweak mainsail for fine adjustments in course. But.... this doesn't work at all on engine ( I just ended up going in big circles!) or if the seas are nasty and you are trying to punch upwind through them it can be tricky..
@@NeilWilliamsGallery Nice. Have you have tried any of other sheet to tiller options? Just curious how they compare to the bungee, seems like such a simple option compared to others sheet to tiller set ups!
👍
It is what it is buh , jobs a good un 👍
ha! It is what it is... I think I say that when I don't know what else to say... That and "Erm....". Doh
Shotley is not Felixstowe, it’s like saying Southend is Sheerness
Ooops... maybe tell the Almanac people.. my bad.
👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
The boat name….
"No Doubt"..
There is not so much to steering as I thought.
You need a 'dodger'…😀
Think you’re right. But she’s prettier without one… 😏
We sail for pleasure , so why do away with any modern aids if you can afford the? Dodger is on my list, when funds allow but auto helm and chart plotter first.
Thanks Alan. A good chart plotter and navionics on your phone saves soooo much worry .. especially arriving in strange ports after dark..