March 29, 2008

Temp: 12 deg C

Wind: 3 – 5m/s from the north

Sea Conditions: flat in the bay, choppy outside with some waves mid afternoon.

Visibility: Clear to Enoshima. Squall over Enoshima in the afternoon

Comments: Had the jib up and got back to the bay as the wind picked up. Reached 9mph.

Sailed thought the beacons at Najima straight into the wind.

Forgot my windproof jacket and paid for it as the wind got stronger - wore a short sleeved wetsuit. Eventually had to come in due to the cold just before 3:30.

Route

Video

March 23, 2008

Temp: 18 deg C

Wind: 5 – 3m/s from the north

Sea Conditions: flat with lots of seaweed at low tide on the north end of the beach. Fishing nets covering about 30% of the bay!

Visibility: Clear to Enoshima


Comments: Managed to squeeze a second day of sailing in this weekend. Richard was out and we went as far as Najima together. Wind dropped off early in the afternoon and moved round to the east.


Route

March 22, 2008

Temp: 15 deg C

Wind: 5 – 3m/s from the north

Sea Conditions: flat with lots of seaweed at low tide on the north end of the beach. Fishing nets made things difficult in about 30% of the bay.

Visibility: Clear to Enoshima with the white peak of Mt Fuji in the background

Thought it was wetsuit weather but temperatures topped out at 15 deg C by mid afternoon, ie. ‘sweat suit’ conditions.

Winds were forecasted to blow between 3 and 5m/s but there was a point where we were becalmed. Nice flat sea conditions with an offshore wind from the NE to begin with, swinging round to the SE later in the afternoon.

Lots of dinghies out and beginner level windsurfers

Video

Route

Feb 9, 2008

Temp: 2 degrees C
Wind: 2 - 4 m/s
Sea Conditions: choppy but no real waves
Companions:

There were some wind surfers about today but I appear to have been the only sailor mad enough to go out in the cold. Stayed in the bay as I was on my own but managed to get about at a fair clip, 7 - 9 mph according to the GPS unit.

The fishermens nets are a lot closer to shore this time of year - forcing me to leave the bay when there are a lot of windsurfers around, or to stay close to the shore where the wind is gusty.

Tacking and gibing definately became more difficult as I got colder - will probably leave the jib behind next time I go out in these condidtions and bring some heat packs. Filming was difficult in the gusty condidtions, so I took some photos of the club afterwards.

Jan 20, 2008

Zushi Wan
Temp: 2 - 8 degrees centigrade
Wind: offshore @2-4 m/s
Sea Conditions: flat with lots of seaweed close to the shore
Companion: Stuart Smyth and 'George', briefly

Wore a full wetsuit, gloves, boots and sailing smock. As the winds were light I didn't need a hat. Made the mistake of getting cold water in my boots while launching and regretted it for the rest of the day.

Rigged the jib and managed to stay ahead of Stuart while the winds were light but as soon as it picked up Stuart raced ahead. Sailed out to Najima - through the channel and out to the point before heading back to Zushi Bay.

Stuart tried out his cut-down mast. Performed without any problems, but he should be careful with it until he's out in stronger winds, and when things warm up, capsize.

First winter sail this year and expected it to be a lot more difficult. If I capsize in these conditions I'll get back in the boat and head home. Will look into getting some warmer footwear or perhaps some waders during the coming week.