Messenger Sails

Frequently Asked Questions

What are safety considerations?
What should I bring for a daysail?
What should I pack for Bonneville?
What should I pack for Sea Trials?
What should I pack for Off Shore?
What kind of foul-weather gear should I use?
What kind of living conditions can I expect on a multi-day cruise?
What about food for extended cruises?
How do I prepare for an extended cruise?
What if there is no wind?
I need lots of parking practice!
What kind of boat is Messenger?
Smoking and alcohol policy
Cell phone policy
Prerequistites
ASA Certification
Sailing with complete strangers
The high cost of sailing
Do you take kids?

Safety

Your safety is our first concern. Sailing is inherently risky. It is our intention to show you how to do it as safely as possible. We are not interested in hot-dogging or extreme activities that add senseless risk to anything we do. Personal flotation devices are readily accessible. Their use is always recommended, and often required by the captain. Also provided are jack lines and harnesses (for attaching oneself to the vessel). Sailors are encouraged to think about safety in everything they do, and to voice suggestions and concerns if needed.

About Messenger

Messenger, our primary vessel, is a fine blend of comfort, performance, and good looks. She is a 1987 Pearson 39-2, hull #15: masthead sloop rig, 39'3” length overall; 31'3” length at waterline; 12'5” beam, 6'10” draft; 16,800 lbs. displacement including 6,800 lbs. lead keel. Her basic sail area is 742 sq. ft.; with her new (June 2008) 130% genoa unfurled she presents about 840 square feet of dacron to the wind. Auxiliary power comes from a fresh (new in 2006) Yanmar 40 horsepower diesel engine. She carries 48 gallons of fuel and 100 gallons of fresh water, is equipped with refrigeration and a propane stove and oven. Messenger is roomy for a yacht of her size, and has two heads, one of which is always offered for ladies only.

What to Bring for Daysailing (Not Overnight)

Dress as you would for a long walk in the predicted local conditions. Add:

Non-marking shoes.
Sailing gloves or other snug-fitting, light-weight leather or leather-like gloves. Rubberized gloves should be avoided--too grippy.
Light-weight rain jacket and pants for splash and spray (or rain!). This is not required, but can be handy on windy days.
Sun defense… hat, shades, whatever.
Signed waiver.
Eating and drinking on an active sailboat is quite awkward. Please keep snacks and drinks (no alcohol) to a minimum.
Camera.

What to Pack for Sea Trials

No hard luggage, only soft, collapasible bags.
Non-marking deck shoes.
Sailing gloves or similar snug leather or leather-like gloves. Rubberized gloves should be avoided--too grippy.
Dress as you would for a very long walk in the predicted local conditions, and add pieces assuming that things will change for the worse.
Add pieces for warmth including hand, neck, and ear covers. Despite summer temperatures, driving a boat for several hours in the dark can be very cold business.
Rain pants and jacket are required, though they need not be high quality. Sea boots are not needed.
A small folding umbrella makes a fair sun shade.
If you are a sight-seer, bring your personal binoculars (low power is best on boats).
Small personal flashlight. No big bright things, please.
Denim is about the worst for getting wet and making you miserable.
Odd colors and patterns help distinguish your stuff from others'.
Bright colors are easier to find in a dark cabin.
Light sleeping bag
Bring the smallest towel you can manage, because once it's wet it is not your friend. It is best to dry yourself with a damp-wrung washcloth. Then let remaining dampness air dry or use a small dry towel to finish.
Shower shoes. Cheap, light, wetable flip-flops or the like make using a coin-op shower worry-free.
Messenger has compass, charts, Loran, two hard-wired GPSs, radar, VHF and SSB radios. If you bring your own gadget it will likely not be used by the vessel.
Messenger has Type I PFDs and harnesses. Bring your own if you like.
Please review Cell Phone Policy.
Signed waiver.

What to Pack for Off Shore

Having completed Sea Trials you know what to expect. Just add a little more of the same. Your rain gear should be of higher quality.

Foul Weather Gear — One Sailor's View

An old daysailing friend of mine sailed quite happily for several years in a disposable rain suit for which she paid five dollars. My own gear at the time was army surplus. For short periods of exposure to flying water, light-weight low-cost gear is just fine. Time is the essential variable: longer periods of exposure to foul weather require better quality gear to stay dry, warm, and safe.

Thin shells will keep a little water out for a short period of time, less than one hour. Heavier shells come in wide ranges of time/dry equations, but as water repellence increases so does the problem of trapping body moisture inside your rain suit. Perspiration condenses on the inner surfaces of your outer layer — then you have water in your suit. In a few hours this can become a serious problem, especially if you are active and perspiring a lot. Linings and loose-fitting layers aid ventilation and reduce condensation. Most gear claims to "breathe," (supposedly lets vapor out while preventing liquid entering) but most people perspire more quickly than most fabrics can breathe. True Gortex seems to be the best at exhaling vapor while shedding water, though it is not real durable, and salt accumulation reduces performance.

So choose your gear according to the potential duration of your exposure to foul weather. For Sea Trials light gear will likely suffice. For Off Shore you might be in the rain for several hours, then sleeping for several hours, then exposed again, so you might need some mid-range gear, what some sellers call "coastal," or decent quality ski wear.

Calf-high sea boots are nice, but loose fitting boat shoes with plenty of extra wool socks can be very satisfactory.

Study for Sea Trials and Off Shore

Non ASA: You can study as much or as little as you like for Sea Trials. Familiarity with the stuff of basic sailing is useful, but you can do well and have fun with no sailing knowledge or background. For Off Shore you must be a competent basic sailor, able to do basic sail trim and steer to keep the boat powered up under sail.

For ASA 104 or 106 certification: Refer to your ASA log book for detailed outlines of what you should study. Please be prepared to discuss any of the "Sailing Knowledge" items with precision. Advanced Coastal Cruising (ASA 106) requires a lot of study and experience outside of the ASA program.

Living Aboard

Bunks: Messenger has a cabin with double bunk forward, a cabin with double bunk astern, and a double bunk and single bunk in the main salon, amidships. There is plenty of room, as sailboats go. We guarantee that you will not have to share a small berth with a stranger. The closest you might be is sharing the broad double in the main salon, a large airy space. The boat is unheated but will stay generally well above 50 degrees in the cabin. For Off Shore you may be on call even while off watch, so you might sleep in your clothing. Heavy sleeping bags are therefore not recommended, but long underwear is.

Heads: Messenger has two heads, one of which is always offered for ladies only. These are manual pump toilets, fairly easy to operate, instructions are posted. Separate bags are provided for non-flushables. Both heads have showers, but the coin-op showers at our ports of call are usually more convenient, and they have tons of hot water.

General

Not to worry! Sailing yachts are similar to motor homes in their accomodations.
The water in Messenger's tanks is charcoal filtered, and drained and refreshed prior to every trip.
The galley has a double sink, and each head has its own sink. Please use head sinks, not galley sink, for personal hygiene.
Practice water and power conservation--these are basic sailing skills.
Personal space is limited, so good manners are useful, as is cleaning up after oneself and keeping one's personal gear under control.
General housekeeping and cooking is shared without comment--it just works.
Please wash hands before preparing food for others.
We ask that the crew leave the boat as tidy, or nearly so as it was when we departed, and please remove any leftover food.
We try to bring the boat to you clean enough for your mother's eye. Please tell the captain of any housekeeping issues we missed or anything that needs attention. Thank you!
No Captain Blys. Our captains are quite concerned with safe operation of the boats, but have found that everything works better if sharp words are stowed.

Food for Sea Trials and Off Shore

Egad! They want me to feed everyone! A frightening prospect for some of us. Each participant in Sea Trials and Off Shore will be asked to provide a share of meals for the entire group. Sea Trials, for example, requires one or two complete meals from each participant. Messenger has a full galley (double sink, typical utensils, refrigerator, gas range and oven that measures 14 1/2 " wide by 14 1/2" deep, 7") so you can "go to town" or keep it as simple as you like. Keep in mind that most meals will be taken while under way, so they should not include many courses or require complex preparation. You will not be keel-hauled for serving some quick item from Trader Joe's or the like. Please leave the bacon at home--frying is messy and greases up the cabin of the boat. Because of the pace of activity we will eat less than you expect: cut your volume estimates by about one third. Messenger is stocked with typical kitchen utensils including a drip coffee maker, so bring your favorite grind. All liquids should be in resealable containers. Items that require refrigeration should be chilled before loading into the boat's refrigerator, if possible.

Fickle Winds and Weather

A fellow once said "There's sailin' and there's gettin' there!" Contrary to our best sailing dreams, motoring is a major part of sailing. This is especially true when getting there is important, such as when we are transiting the river, bound for Bonneville or the ocean. The best sailing usually happens after we get there. On the way a favorable wind is a treat which we will exploit! But after all, favorable winds cannot be guaranteed.

Day sailing requires wind. Now. No wind, no go, no cost.

Both Sea Trials and Off Shore are subject to cancellation or abbreviation, or even extension due to foul weather and sea conditions. In such cases we will adjust rates according to the captain's judgment.

I need lots of parking practice!

We all need lots of practice maneuvering large boats in small places. Unfortunately the larger the boat the greater the consequences of errors, so people are less likely to let you practice on their boats. Our boats are no exception. However, docking is a complex job and there is ample opportunity to learn and be useful. A well-done docking requires mulitiple talents and is fun to watch or be a part of.

Smoking Policy

For daysailing, Sea Trials, and Off Shore smoking is allowed on the lee deck (never in the cabin) when activity is light. If you are planning to stop smoking soon, please wait until the end of our cruise to commence a-quitting.

Alcohol, Drugs, Weapons Policies

Illegal drugs are not permitted aboard any of our boats, nor are passengers under the influence of same. Weapons, licensed or otherwise, are not permitted aboard any of our boats. Drinking is not permitted on our boats, nor are passengers who have been drinking. (By prior special arrangement an exception could be granted for some special moment.). Persons who violate any of the preceding rules may be put ashore at the nearest port of call, with their gear, less their money which will be wholly forfeited.

Exception: We have secured an indulgence from our insurers to allow beer and wine consumption in the evening while Messenger is secured to the dock at Cascade Locks. We're talking one or two per person. Loud or don't-know-when-to-stop drinkers will be put ashore...

Cell Phone Policy

Cell Phone Policy for Sea Trials and Off Shore: Cell phones must be turned off while you are on the boat. Sorry, no exceptions, off (but once on '06, a fellow was tending an ill parent). In any port you can step off the boat, switch on and chat away. On the boat, cell phone off, not just mute, or at rest, or standby. Off. Off… Off.

Cell phone Policy for Daysailing: We understand that some daysailors are still on the clock and must answer their phones.

Prerequisties

It is true, you need not be a sailor to enjoy our Bonneville excursion, but you really ought to be interested in this adventure as something you might do for yourself. You will be encouraged to participate in the operation of the boat, so you should come with an open mind and willing and curious spirit.

The same could be said for Sea Trials, but mulitply the intensity by ten. You really must be ready for something new for this trip. We are tempted to insist on a Basic Sailing class as a prerequisite for Sea Trials, but have found many fit and adventuresome mates who have no prior sailing experience.

If you prefer a more casual tour of the Columbia River check into the sternwheeler Columbia Gorge at Cascade Locks, or Portland Spirit and Majestic America. They offer conventional tours, dinner cruises and the like.

What should I pack for Bonneville?

Peruse the suggestions for daysailing. Dress for the weather and bring your overnight kit, including a sleeping bag. Bring your own food, hot or cold. There will probably be time for you to walk into town (Cascade Locks) for a late supper, but breakfast and lunch will be taken while under way. Don't over-worry about this trip. You won't need a lot of stuff.

ASA Certification

Through our association with Portland Sailing Center and American Sailing Association we offer Bareboat Charter and Advanced Coastal Cruising certification to qualified sailors. The Official ASA Logbook describes these as "advanced cruising standards," and advises that "Sailing is a performance oriented activity. Each certification level should be augmented with at least 25 to 50 hours of practice...Education alone will not create proficient sailing skills."

We encourage sailors to focus more on experience than diplomas. For ASA Certification candidates we may ask to see your logbook (your record of sailing time and experience need not be an official ASA book) and take a written exam to demonstrate your readiness. Please do not ask us to "fastrack" you to a certification level that you are not really ready for. We encourage you instead to join us for the experience and adventure. You will learn a lot, have fun, and build your sailing resume'.

Bareboat Certification with Sea Trials includes a follow-up day on the river in Portland to fulfill the ASA Sailing Skills requirements. We usually do this on a convenient Saturday. Any time after that you can take the written exam at Portland Sailing Center.

Sailing with Strangers

You might be surprised to find more comfort than discomfort in sailing with strangers for two, three, as much as seven days on a forty-foot boat. People tend to bring their best, and truly contrary mates are rare indeed. Messenger adventures are particularly busy, so time passes quickly, and working together as we must naturally greases the ways of getting along. Lastly, Messenger is a large boat, and we limit participation to avoid uncomfortable closeness.

The high cost of sailing

If you're new to sailing you might think Sea Trials or Off Shore or even Bonneville is too expensive. Well, if you can't afford it, you're right. But if you think we overcharge, well...if you only knew. Operating sailboats for the kind of trips we do is very expensive (insurance alone is about six times that of comparable recreational boats) and labor intensive. Big sailboats are complex machines: start with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, self-contained electrical, plumbing and sewer systems. Add a diesel engine, fuel and drive systems, rigging, electronics and safety gear that makes them sailboats and you have quite a project, and it all has to work right and be ready and clean for every trip. And contrary to a common misconception, these boats are not personal recreational boats that take passengers to cover costs of ownership. Our two boats have no other purposes than those described on this web site.

Our primary measure of success can be found on the Sailor's Reviews page. We endeavor to show you a great time: adventure, education, scenery. Our two captains' combined sailing experience approaches forty years, US Coast Guard licensed for nearly thirty years. The more you learn about sailing the less likely you are to think any trip we do is too expensive. And if you come with us, you'll step off the boat at the end of the trip with no doubts.

Do you take kids?

Kids have to be at least thirteen years old for sailing with us. For day sailing or Bonneville, no more than two children per vessel. For Sea Trials, no more than one child, and the child and parent(s) must be experienced sailors.

We've taken kids of different ages on a variety of sailing excursions and had some problems. The recurring issue is that little ones need tending for their safety, and this leaves us one crew short.