Rogue Wave hits cargo ship

Rogue Wave video... https://youtube.com/shorts/ndp3nRMIgT4

I thought this video showed the out-of-nowhere danger and the power of a Rogue Wave. I have always loved coastal and inland waters sailing but have no desire to cross an ocean, due in part to this type of an event. Some might say, "well Miles if people had your attitude no one would explore the oceans." Well, I would say I am one that explores coastal and inland waters. There is room for my type of exploration and room for those who do want to cross oceans. Not saying someone should not cross an ocean because of my view.

This video really shows what a Rogue Wave looks like and the power it generates, along with of course the dangers of one. Imagine if you were on a small 30-to-40-foot sailboat at night and then this wave shows up. We wonder why boats disappear without a trace even in our day, this is one of those reasons.

Let's start a conversation below... Also click here to see the video of a Rogue Wave.

Rogue Waves are far more common than previously thought and occur globally across all oceans many times every day.

How Often Do They Happen?

• Global Frequency: Scientists estimate that roughly 10 rogue waves exist in the world's oceans at any given moment.

• Statistical Rate: Roughly 3 of every 10,000 waves in the open ocean achieve rogue status (defined as being more than twice the height of surrounding waves).

• High-Risk Zones: In specific areas—such as coastal inlets, river mouths, or where storm-generated waves clash with fast ocean currents like South Africa's Agulhas Current or the Gulf Stream—the frequency can jump to 3 out of every 1,000 waves.

• Young Seas: Recent studies show that rogue waves happen even more frequently during early wave growth (every six hours in certain stormy conditions), though mature seas see far fewer.

What Defines a Rogue Wave?

• Height: They are commonly between 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 feet) tall, though some have reached up to 100 feet and more.

• Unpredictability: Unlike tsunamis (which are caused by earthquakes), rogue waves are surface-driven by weather, constructive interference, and ocean current interactions. They appear suddenly and often from directions different from the prevailing wind.

Make a comment...

November Weather

If you have heard a lot of weather predictions about El Nino and the Polar Vortex, they might seem confusing, you're not alone. Also, predictions are nothing more than predictions. However, I thought this recent weather report seemed valid.

Josh Severe Weather channel I think is pretty much the best weather reports you can get online.

https://youtu.be/GXZ9-8I2kp8

Columbus Day

Columbus Day is October 12th and also on this day I call it Discovery Day as there were the Vikings and others who also landed in North American (Columbus actually landed in Cuba and the Bahamas). Some indigenous people who are my ancestors crossed the land bridge into North America but who knows maybe some actually traveled on boats as some archologists are suggesting this. There are also some stories of religious groups landing in North, Central, and South America. So, there are a lot of possible landings that took place in discovering of North America, and all of the Americas.

My thought is to celebrate the brave skippers, crew, and passengers that were willing to go out on the unknown seas to discover lands that they had no idea where there was land but with great faith and spirit of adventure were willing to do what others of their day would not do.

Christopher Columbus should be celebrated for his bravery to cross the unknown seas (4 times) with his entrepreneur spirit to open a shipping route for spices, etc. to and from Asia, but ended up instead creating paths to the Americas. Some did think the world was flat so then there was that attitude he had to deal with. He did not believe the world was flat. He also felt he was bringing the good news of the Gospel of Christ to the world via his voyages. He also had to convince royalty to finance his trip and keep the sailors aboard his ships from killing him. He was a brave man that took many risks to open the oceans to trade and exploration. See the video below...

Columbus in particular was the sailor who started the process that one day would end up creating the freest and prospers nation on earth, the United States of America.

So let us celebrate the spirit of Columbus and all brave sailors who did what seemed impossible.

At FunToSAIL we will start producing Adventure Sailors Series to discuss various ancient voyages that happened all over the world and related topics. Stay tuned!

  

Lights on at the Dock

I recently was at the dock at the Honeysuckle Boat Luanch on Hayden Lake Idaho USA and found that many boaters turn their lights off or never had their lights on at the dock. It's particularly an issue at busy launches when boats, even late in the evening are coming and going from the launch. With your lights off its easy to not be seen and be run into. Dark moonless nights make it worse. With your lights off you are liable for damages. Simply turn your lights on and all is good.

 

Last sailing class and 2027 classes

Hello fellow sailors. It was a sad day on September 12 when I taught my last group sailing class of 2026 (private lessons still available). Like each year it always comes to an end. I do get a break and get to enjoy the holidays with my family and friends, so there is that.

I do keep sailing in the winter, mostly on my little Hobie Wave catamaran sailboat. I have even sailed on snowy days. I have sailed on Lake Coeur d'Alene and Hayden Lake (Idaho USA) when most of the lake was frozen (see vid below). I will be posting some winter sailing videos so stay tuned by visiting this site regularly. Sailing in the winter is also my training for the 2028 Race 2 Alaska.

The good news is our 2027 sailing class dates for the Complete Sailor 101 have been posted. Will soon have our 2027 Small Boat 100 classes dates posted.

If you have taken a class in the past and would like to take the classroom portion again as a refresher, we offer the indoor class in-person or via video.

We will likely be adding "Spinnaker sail class" for 2027. If you do not know what a spinnaker sail is, it's a sail that looks like a big balloon forward of the mast off the bow.

We will also be offering small boat trapezing class as well.

In 2027 for the Small Boat 100 classes, we will be adding an end of the season regatta and potluck. So past students can come to the regatta and race fellow students. And students who did not take the Small Boat 100 class can come and watch, east food. It's actually nothing serious, just a fun get-together, with some not serious racing.

And finally, Mindy our Small Boat 100 instructor is planning a Halloween class in October 2027. Come dressed up in your favorite scarry costume, etc. More info coming soon.

Winter sailing...

 

Navigation lights

We are now offering portable navigation lights for the Malbec18 that can be used on other sailboats. We offer...

1. Bow Green/Red Navigation Light.

2. Stern White Light

3. All-Around Anchor White Light

4. White/Red Cabin Light.

All these lights have emergency flashing and flashlight modes. And has three brightness modes. Low setting is still bright and great way to save on battery life.

Prices will be posted shortly in our online store shortly.

Hayden Lake, Kootenai County, Idaho

Hayden Lake (3,880 acres), with its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches and picturesque timber shores... is one of the most beautiful and popular lakes of Northern Idaho. Its irregular shape gives it about 40 miles of shoreline with the main portion of the lake being seven miles long and one to two miles wide. Normal lake elevation is 2,239 ft. above sea level, and portions of it reach 178 ft. deep. The lake is surrounded on three sides by panoramic timbered mountains which rise to an elevation of 4,500 to 6,000 ft. In the early years as many as four steamboats served the lake industry, and Bing Crosby built a summer home on its shores.

Hayden lake is a great sailing lake, and I have personally sailed many times on this lake. Its winds are similar to Lake Coeur d’Alene’s with Spring and Fall having the best winds; winter also has nice winds, but they are lighter than Spring and Fall winds. Summer winds are light during the day with morning and late evenings producing nice thermal winds (from the East or West). This lake tends to produce winds from all different directions during mid-day and seems to not have consistent wind patterns other than in the morning and evenings, but it is still a very enjoyable lake to sail on. This lake is a popular location for water skiing and fishing.

There are two boat launches on Hayden Lake, one on the Southwest end (Honeysuckle) and one on the Northeast end (Sportsmen Access). There is also a private marina just a short distance from the Honeysuckle Launch to the Southeast from this boat launch. Honeysuckle Beach boat launch and park is located on the east end of Honeysuckle Avenue and is by far the best public launch facility and the only one you could launch a swing keel sailboat from. Hayden Lake Sportsmen Access is on the Northeast end of the lake. Hayden Lake is suited for dinghies and has a steep road down to the ramp (I really do not feel this is a good place to launch a sailboat of any kind from. It's best suited for kayaks & dinghies 16’ and under).

Free printable Map available soon!

OTHER: Hayden Chamber of Commerce http://www.haydenchamber.org ; Phone #'s: Honeysuckle Beach 772-4411; N.E. Sportsman's Access 446-1275.

BOAT LAUNCHES AND MARINA

1. Honeysuckle Park, Boat Launch, & Beach 

Directions: From Hayden Idaho on US HWY 95...  Go east on Honeysuckle Avenue all the way to the Honeysuckle Boat Launch and park. East Honeysuckle Road intersects with 4th Street. Maps: View Google Map below...

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Paved from level to 3 percent inclines; PATHS/TRAILS... Marked paths to and from launch and beach area. Paved wide path to beach from parking lot. There is a gravel wide level path along the dike to and from low head dam; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… One fully accessible restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Fully accessible docks and ramps. One 2 lane cement launch, 3% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… There is a paved wide path to the beach, No access pad for wheeled mobility devices over the beach into the water. Beach sand is not supper soft and beach has about a 2% grade; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No camping at or near by; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: None; Terrain: Is mostly level with steepest grade of 3 percent in the northeast end of the parking lot; H2O/Water: Water normally clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Summer months there is a concessions stand at the launch park area. Food, drinks, and gas in town of Hayden. Here are two links from the City of Hayden Honeysuckle launch/park info http://www.hayden.govoffice.com/ and Kootenai County parks and water ways Hayden Lake sportsman access info http://www.co.kootenai.id.us/departments/parkswaterways/facilities/SportsmansAccessHayden.asp

2. Hayden Marina
Marine, boat launch (2 ramps), services...

Directions: From Hayden Idaho on US HWY 95... Travel east on E. Honeysuckle Ave. Turn right after intersecting 4th Street on East Honeysuckle Ave. Take East Hayden Ave. to Hayden Marina. Maps: View Google Map below...

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Paved from level to 3 percent inclines; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… Not accessible; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… Fully accessible docks and ramps. One cement single lane launch, 7% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… None; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No camping at or near by; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: None; Terrain: Is mostly level with steepest grade of 5 percent; H2O/Water: Water normally clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 70 degree. Drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Hayden.

3. Mokins Bay & Campground

Directions: From Interstate 90 in Coeur d'Alene... Go north on US Hwy 95 for 6 miles. Turn east on Lancaster Road (turns into East Hayden Lake Rd). Go 5 miles (paved), and then 11 miles around Hayden Lake to Mokins Bay. Turn east at the "Public Camp" sign and go 200 feet to campground. 

 

ACCESSIBILITY: Will be assessed May 2019

NATIONAL FOREST SERVICE: Mokins Bay Campground - Open from late spring to late summer.  Facilities: Sixteen camp units, potable water... Contact the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District for actual opening and closing dates. You can anchor your boat in the bay across the road from the campground and/or walk down the lake bank to the water and paddle out via small watercraft. Fees: There are fees to camp. Contact the Forest Service for details. Reservations aren't necessary. For more information contact the Coeur d'Alene River Ranger District at http://www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/rec/yourplace/cgguide/map.html

There are no BLM lands on Hayden Lake.

4. Hayden Lake Sportsman Access Boat Launch
This site is built on a sloping hill of significant grade of 10 percent or less. The water at this launch site is heavily invested with lily pad and other aquatic plant life.

Directions: On HWY 95 passing through Hayden Idaho going north... Turn onto E. Lancaster road (turns into East Hayden Lake road); follow to the East Park road Sportsman Access sign.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Paved from 3 to 7 percent inclines. Parking lot is split from launch area by steep 10 percent inclined paved road; PATHS/TRAILS... None. One must use the launch road from vehicle in parking lot to launch area. Road is 10 percent incline; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… One fully accessible restroom. Shade via trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One fully accessible dock with gangway, with one single lane cement launch ramp with 7% grade; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… None. Not suitable for this site; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No camping at this site but about 10 miles away is the Mokins Bay Campground (see #3 above this launch info); O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: This end of the lake is heavily infested with lily pads and other aquatic plant life making for an idea location for fish and waterfowl to live; Terrain: Is heavily inclined up to 10 percent inclines; H2O/Water: Water normally clear. Water temperature in the summer can be around 70 degrees. No drinking water available; Environmental Conditions: Varies; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Hayden.

Maps: View Google Map below...

Hayden Lake Google Map... Zoom in to see waypoints... for boat launches, etc.

CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE LIVE CAM VIDEO OF HAYDEN LAKE IDAHO USA AT HAYDEN LAKE COUNTRY CLUB MARINA

9/11

 

 

 

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New email funtosail@gmail.com

Actually, was our original email

SailGP Racing Series... Dates & Results

SailGP Formula 50 foiling catamaran regatta/racing news...

Racing just took place in Valencia Spain. Like always it was great racing and if you're an American the result was perfect. Team USA in this series, before the final had the following results: One 2nd and two 3rd place finishes, and one first place in the last race of the series. These results put them into 3rd place overall allowing them to be in the series final. It's all about consistency.

In the finally it was Australia, Italy, and America. In the end via some great tactics team USA was able to squeak out the win. Watch the Final below versus me boring about it.

For sailors wanting to learn the rules... Watching this type of racing helps one learn the rules of sailing, while having some fun doing so. SailGP is actually the only sailboat racing that is consistently viewed worldwide. Learn why its popular by watching it yourself...

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