I've learned a lot here on the C-Brat site, even though I am usually a quiet observer. Many C-Brats have sailed before owning a CDory and it caught my attention. I did the process in the reverse direction
I thought Sunfish [CD-22] [photos in Endurance album] would be my last boat but I discovered sailing last year. I discovered the Flicka 20 w more interior room than a CD22, and was attracted to the look and its origin in New England where the hull design came from the lobster boats used in 1850's. These work boats were known for returning their hard working crews safely, in the worst [best] weather. The brass ports, oil lamp, alcohol stove, stout salty look and reputation took me back to my childhood reading adventures about explorers from the 1800's. I soon discovered Joshua Slocum, and the Pardey's -then I called El and Bill and they told me they had spent two years and sailed 10,000+ miles in a Flicka.[Inland waterway - great lakes] . Well if it worked for El and Bill there was no better recommendation. [They are my marine counselors]
In July of 2011, I sailed 800 Nautical Miles solo to North Desolation Sound and Princes Louisa Falls in a Flicka sailboat. It was my first prolonged sailing experience and it captivated my energy. Having only sailed once before, to get the FLicka home from Port Townsend, there was the expected steep learning curve. Using principles from climbing -like not falling off the mountain, I decided to just tie into the jack lines at all times, keep the boat in the water and the water out of the boat - and away I went. On the way home just outside of Roche Harbor there were gale warnings, it was white everywhere, but I was to meet El and BIll and their incredible son and grandkids at Jones Island. I couldn't just motor into Jones Island in front of such expert sailors. So my first for real double reef and a little less jib and the Flicka just became alive, cruising at hull speed 5.7 wow - that did it. The storm, the wind, the stability of a blue water cruiser, and the next days w friends, incredible.
When I wanted to go somewhere fast and in comfort the C-Dory-22 was king - now at a different stage in life, I want to try a different pace and dial in to the wind and waves. A Flicka is the CDory of sailing, small blue water boat "a pocket cruiser" built to big boat standards by Pacific Sea Craft. I look forward now to 20 + knot winds and a double reef in the main.
I hope to sail to one of the C-Brat get togethers and plan to continue to be a C-Brat w sails. [group permitting] - I might be changing boats, but don't plan to change the friends.
Thanks for everything and getting me started.
Jim
I thought Sunfish [CD-22] [photos in Endurance album] would be my last boat but I discovered sailing last year. I discovered the Flicka 20 w more interior room than a CD22, and was attracted to the look and its origin in New England where the hull design came from the lobster boats used in 1850's. These work boats were known for returning their hard working crews safely, in the worst [best] weather. The brass ports, oil lamp, alcohol stove, stout salty look and reputation took me back to my childhood reading adventures about explorers from the 1800's. I soon discovered Joshua Slocum, and the Pardey's -then I called El and Bill and they told me they had spent two years and sailed 10,000+ miles in a Flicka.[Inland waterway - great lakes] . Well if it worked for El and Bill there was no better recommendation. [They are my marine counselors]
In July of 2011, I sailed 800 Nautical Miles solo to North Desolation Sound and Princes Louisa Falls in a Flicka sailboat. It was my first prolonged sailing experience and it captivated my energy. Having only sailed once before, to get the FLicka home from Port Townsend, there was the expected steep learning curve. Using principles from climbing -like not falling off the mountain, I decided to just tie into the jack lines at all times, keep the boat in the water and the water out of the boat - and away I went. On the way home just outside of Roche Harbor there were gale warnings, it was white everywhere, but I was to meet El and BIll and their incredible son and grandkids at Jones Island. I couldn't just motor into Jones Island in front of such expert sailors. So my first for real double reef and a little less jib and the Flicka just became alive, cruising at hull speed 5.7 wow - that did it. The storm, the wind, the stability of a blue water cruiser, and the next days w friends, incredible.
When I wanted to go somewhere fast and in comfort the C-Dory-22 was king - now at a different stage in life, I want to try a different pace and dial in to the wind and waves. A Flicka is the CDory of sailing, small blue water boat "a pocket cruiser" built to big boat standards by Pacific Sea Craft. I look forward now to 20 + knot winds and a double reef in the main.
I hope to sail to one of the C-Brat get togethers and plan to continue to be a C-Brat w sails. [group permitting] - I might be changing boats, but don't plan to change the friends.
Thanks for everything and getting me started.
Jim
