As we hopped from bay to bay along the Mexican Pacific Coast, comfort and speed were our top priorities. We were on a tight schedule, aiming to reach a specific marina halfway up the Sea of Cortez before hurricane season kicked in and Karl is not really the fastest of his kind. Work commitments added another layer of urgency, so we carefully planned around calm weather windows. When necessary, we fired up the engine to make progress. Yet, every time we switched it off, the sudden calm felt like a celebration—a reminder of why we love the sea.
Learning to Sail Karl: A Different Beast
Before this journey, I had never sailed Karl, and he behaved quite differently from the boats I’d handled in the past. My approach was to stay initially passive. I watched Nike closely, learning from how she navigated challenges and adjusted to conditions. However, one moment surprised both of us: I noticed that Nike wasn’t using the spinnaker boom to secure the massive genoa when sailing downwind. Let me tell you, I was indeed a bit proud that I was able to show Nike something new on her own boat.
Discovering Karl’s Challenges
Karl’s unique design, with a flat bottom and twin keels, posed challenges I hadn’t anticipated. His maneuverability was noticeably different from Santana’s, my own boat. Sailing Karl made me appreciate the decisions I’d made with Santana, even though I’m not entirely convinced she’s perfect. If I were to design her from scratch, I’d make a few changes. Still, she brings me immense joy, and I’m eager to continue exploring her quirks.
Looking Ahead
As I write this, it’s November 29th, and I’m on a TGV train from Brussels to the Camargue, eager to get Santana back in the water and set sail with Nike again. I’m curious about what we’ll discover as we sail for days and weeks on end. By the time you’re reading this, Santana and I are anchored near Barcelona, waiting for a weather window with Nike. But that’s a story for another post.
All the best, Floh