Successfully back from the 2011 Texas 200

[jeadstx]

I have successfully sailed the Texas 200 in my Daysailer II. Winds were 20 knts plus every day. The boat handled well and survived the six days of sailing with a few minor mishaps. I'll be writing up a report of the trip in the next few days. Of the 35 boats that started, less than half finished. Day 2 we had a jammed centerboard due to mud and oyster shell fragments, sailed with the board up all day until we could careen the boat at camp and fix the board. Third day we started the day by cracking the rudder head. Someone had a drill. We drilled a new hole for the tiller below the crack and continued on to the end that way. The boat handled well in 6-foot chop in the open bays that we had to cross.

John

[GreenLake]

Congrats! Looking forward to your report.

[jeadstx]

Just as a note, the speeds posted above were using a double reefed mainsail most of the time. The lightest winds (12-15 knots) were on the first day only. The winds got heavier every day. After day two it was too windy to use the jib.

John

[jeadstx]

There is a video of my DS2 on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php ... 6820013471 sailing on the 3rd day after the rudder was broken. Notice that the tiller is at an angle. A new hole for the tiller bolt was drilled below the crack causing the tiller to sit at an angle.

John

[talbot]

Great video!

Have you ever tried using a smaller (say 75%) jib? Maybe a headsail from a smaller boat. We've discussed this briefly on the forum, but I've never found anyone who's tried it.

[jeadstx]

I have thought about a reduced size jib, but haven't got one yet to try out. The video was from the 3rd day of the sail. That was the last day we used the jib. After that the winds were getting very strong. Those with wind meters (I didn't have one) were recording wind speeds at 20 to 25 knots and gusts between 30 to 35 knots. Each day the wind got a little stronger. For anyone that doesn't get on facebook, the video is on youtube now also at http://www.youtube.com/user/daddio1233# ... i49N95XKWY

The boat is very heavily loaded. We started the trip with a little over 14 gal. of water on board and all our camping gear, food, and other drinks. We found the my cousin at the helm and me forward (I weigh twicw what my cousin weighs) we got better speed out of the boat. In the video we are going 6 to 7 mph as I recall.

John

[Bob Hunkins]

If you are a class association member, ( and you ought to be) please consider submitting an article to the next edition of the Day Sailer Quarterly. You'll be considered for the cruising award at Next Year's North Americans.

[Alan]

Wow, love the video. It looks like you're flying - big bow wave and even a hint of a rooster tail.

As a wannabe cruiser, I'm very encouraged to see what a heavily loaded Daysailer will do. I see lots of freeboard and no water coming in over the rail. These translate into happy wife/crew, at least for me.

It was a great idea to have the video taken from another boat. Those taken from on board are often fun to watch, but the perspective of this one gives a lot more information.

[jeadstx]

Bob,

I was writing something up to post on the forum about my DS2's performance during the Texas 200. I'll consider expanding it to include more detail and submitting it to the Daysailer Quaterly.

I am not currently a member of the association, but have been planning to get a membership as I was wanting to participate with Kerry Klingbore to get a DS Fleet on Canyon Lake.

John

[Bob Hunkins]

$35 a year is not much, less than a tank if gas for many vehicles these days.
I hope you guys do get a fleet up there on Canyon Lake, I love that venue! can you get a fleet up there in time for Wurstfest? Regardless, I'm pushing the guys here and in Arlington to go. We missed last year, unfortunately.