Hello tigers,
Hope you are all having nice Christmas. It there any place in the Harbour where I could possibly see the racing boats leaving for Hobart?
Thanks ??
I would suggest watching the TV is the best way to view this. On the harbour you get to see very little. In the early seventies along with 3 other people, I sailed out of the harbour and down South in a Hunter 19. There was a good breeze and a heavy swell and I'm sure we were hidden a fair bit in the troughs. I decided I would not bother doing that again!
+1^
These days the troughs are just as big inside the harbour with so many powerboat 'drivers' (I hesitate to use the word skipper) who know not what they do!
Be aware that the spectator fleet for this race start is usually worse than disorganised chaos.
A good link here.
www.abc.net.au/news/2021-12-24/sydney-to-hobart-yacht-race-how-to-watch-and-enjoy/100717552
This above link includes;
Good vantage points for spectator boats include "Taylors Bay, Chowder Bay, Obelisk Bay and North Head on the west and Rose Bay, Watsons Bay, Camp Cove and South Head to the east".
The port authority usually publish a voluminous tome including a chapter and verse epistle on what can and can't be done - eg see this one from 2019.
www.portauthoritynsw.com.au/media/3973/notice-to-mariners-04-19.pdf
With the 2020 race cancelled they seem not to have done one for 2021 - but they may have done so and I can't find it.
With the 20+kt southerly wind forecast for the start tomorrow I would suggest somewhere on the east side would be best and safest. Of the east side bays mentioned above forget Rose Bay it is too far west. Camp Cove is probably best but it is reasonably small and will be chock full of anything floating. But it has a good sandy bottom and will be a bit sheltered. Of the west side bays mentioned above Taylors Bay is a bit too far west like Rose Bay while Obelisk Bay and North Head are very unsafe - leaving Chowder Bay. But the west side of the harbour waters will be rough in a southerly and it can be an unforgiving shore. Power boats from a govt agency will be patrolling the exclusion zone all the way up the harbour and out the heads to the turning marks so keep out of that zone - see the Port Authority 26 pages from 2019. If this is your first time out I would get in and anchor in Camp Cove very early and stay there till the fleet has gone past, then come home at your leisure. But the harbour all day will be like a washing machine and power boats will pass you very closely at speed with associated wake and you will bob around like a cork. Just saying - you'll need eyes in the back of your head. Outside once the yachts get past the exclusion zone boundaries even they are bombarded by turnip brains behind large power boats till they get past Bondi or Coogee. 7mate in your lounge room would give a lot closer up video and usually be a lot safer. But I understand the attraction to go out on the water to view the start and the chaos first hand.
Thanks R13
Here is a link to the tracker.
looks pretty well organized.
rolexsydneyhobart.com/tracker/
Gary
100% agree Gary as regards the race being well organised by the CYC. But organising the mainly powerboat comprised spectator fleet, some of them more like small ships, is like herding cats.
Bit like New Years Eve on the harbour, done both twice now and vowed never again. 
We live on Jervis Bay and wondered if we might spot the fleet from Governer Head lookout. Or that being a southerly and working upwind they may be too far out.
You might but suspect not - still maybe go out there to check?
The breeze forecast this year is very similar to 1984 when the legendary Farr 36 one tonner Indian Pacific won. So a tough first afternoon and evening southerly and continuing overnight and into the next day where it gets worse, but slowly moderating and going SSE then SE then ESE then E and then NE for the rest of the race. As such I would expect most yachts will be heading a bit or a lot offshore on stbd down the coast during the first day so as to take advantage of this predicted consistent left shift and then tack back to port at the opportune time to catch the shift and ride it into the Derwent. Obviously a great simplification but you get the idea. They will tack port and stbd down the coast on the shifts but will want to get out on stbd more than port to get on the correct side of the veer to the left. Indian Pacific went well out to sea in 1984.
See here story of the 1984 race;
boatgen.com.au/Sydney%20to%20Hobart%20Yacht%20Race%201984
Select to expand quoteAzure305 said..
+1^
These days the troughs are just as big inside the harbour with so many powerboat 'drivers' (I hesitate to use the word skipper) who know not what they do!
It is downright dangerous and most of the time, out of your control.
You can go to the CYCA, feel the atmosphere and watch it on the big screen.
10 years to the day since my one and only Sydney Hobart. Looked chaotic outside the exclusion zone.
I'll watch on TV, but would be tempted to head out and watch, if I was a Sydney local.
I never bother inside the heads but usually meet up with the fleet outside. Lot of wake from the flotilla but very up close with the fleet headed south.
Select to expand quotekeensailor said..
We live on Jervis Bay and wondered if we might spot the fleet from Governer Head lookout. Or that being a southerly and working upwind they may be too far out.
No chance. Fresh Southerlies and they will be heading wide early. January when the boats come North again with casual crews is the best time to see them.
Select to expand quoter13 said..
You might but suspect not - still maybe go out there to check?
The breeze forecast this year is very similar to 1984 when the legendary Farr 36 one tonner Indian Pacific won. So a tough first afternoon and evening southerly and continuing overnight and into the next day where it gets worse, but slowly moderating and going SSE then SE then ESE then E and then NE for the rest of the race. As such I would expect most yachts will be heading a bit or a lot offshore on stbd down the coast during the first day so as to take advantage of this predicted consistent left shift and then tack back to port at the opportune time to catch the shift and ride it into the Derwent. Obviously a great simplification but you get the idea. They will tack port and stbd down the coast on the shifts but will want to get out on stbd more than port to get on the correct side of the veer to the left. Indian Pacific went well out to sea in 1984.
See here story of the 1984 race;
boatgen.com.au/Sydney%20to%20Hobart%20Yacht%20Race%201984
My money is on Azzurro. Looks like 3 days of Southerlies and this modified SS34 will be hard to beat.
www.sail-world.com/news/244968/Opportunity-may-well-be-knocking-for-small-boats?fbclid=IwAR3tKVIVYiR9i5AXXjoBWix7a7uNGdkPA3G2qtJC2ellS1OY-CXumJ1nkhk
Select to expand quoteRamona said..r13 said..
You might but suspect not - still maybe go out there to check?
The breeze forecast this year is very similar to 1984 when the legendary Farr 36 one tonner Indian Pacific won. So a tough first afternoon and evening southerly and continuing overnight and into the next day where it gets worse, but slowly moderating and going SSE then SE then ESE then E and then NE for the rest of the race. As such I would expect most yachts will be heading a bit or a lot offshore on stbd down the coast during the first day so as to take advantage of this predicted consistent left shift and then tack back to port at the opportune time to catch the shift and ride it into the Derwent. Obviously a great simplification but you get the idea. They will tack port and stbd down the coast on the shifts but will want to get out on stbd more than port to get on the correct side of the veer to the left. Indian Pacific went well out to sea in 1984.
See here story of the 1984 race;
boatgen.com.au/Sydney%20to%20Hobart%20Yacht%20Race%201984
My money is on Azzurro. Looks like 3 days of Southerlies and this modified SS34 will be hard to beat.
www.sail-world.com/news/244968/Opportunity-may-well-be-knocking-for-small-boats?fbclid=IwAR3tKVIVYiR9i5AXXjoBWix7a7uNGdkPA3G2qtJC2ellS1OY-CXumJ1nkhk
Or Crux, ex Blondie. I have sailed on her when Simon Torvaldsen owner her. He had her built in 2008 or thereabouts and I spent some hours at Cottesloe yachts with Glen Swarbrick talking about the build. He was the supervisor when Morning Bird was built.
In fact I'd put my money on Crux, except for the lack of big race experience of the crew. The last 3 S&S34s built are about 400kg lighter than the originals and a bit stiffer.
Select to expand quoteMorningBird said..Ramona said..r13 said..
You might but suspect not - still maybe go out there to check?
The breeze forecast this year is very similar to 1984 when the legendary Farr 36 one tonner Indian Pacific won. So a tough first afternoon and evening southerly and continuing overnight and into the next day where it gets worse, but slowly moderating and going SSE then SE then ESE then E and then NE for the rest of the race. As such I would expect most yachts will be heading a bit or a lot offshore on stbd down the coast during the first day so as to take advantage of this predicted consistent left shift and then tack back to port at the opportune time to catch the shift and ride it into the Derwent. Obviously a great simplification but you get the idea. They will tack port and stbd down the coast on the shifts but will want to get out on stbd more than port to get on the correct side of the veer to the left. Indian Pacific went well out to sea in 1984.
See here story of the 1984 race;
boatgen.com.au/Sydney%20to%20Hobart%20Yacht%20Race%201984
My money is on Azzurro. Looks like 3 days of Southerlies and this modified SS34 will be hard to beat.
www.sail-world.com/news/244968/Opportunity-may-well-be-knocking-for-small-boats?fbclid=IwAR3tKVIVYiR9i5AXXjoBWix7a7uNGdkPA3G2qtJC2ellS1OY-CXumJ1nkhk
Or Crux, ex Blondie. I have sailed on her when Simon Torvaldsen owner her. He had her built in 2008 or thereabouts and I spent some hours at Cottesloe yachts with Glen Swarbrick talking about the build. He was the supervisor when Morning Bird was built.
In fact I'd put my money on Crux, except for the lack of big race experience of the crew. The last 3 S&S34s built are about 400kg lighter than the originals and a bit stiffer.
For some reason two handed boats do not qualify for overall results
No, I understand they don't. I'm not a racing sailor but I don't understand why a 2 handed S&S34 can't compete with a 6 handed S&S34.
Select to expand quoteMorningBird said..
No, I understand they don't. I'm not a racing sailor but I don't understand why a 2 handed S&S34 can't compete with a 6 handed S&S34.
The two handed boats can use autopilots or windvane steering so they have an immediate advantage over the fully crewed boats. A double handed SS34 with a windvane self steering that steers better than an Olympic helmsman is going to easily beat an SS34 forced to carry all that extra weight.
Select to expand quoteMorningBird said..
No, I understand they don't. I'm not a racing sailor but I don't understand why a 2 handed S&S34 can't compete with a 6 handed S&S34.
Principally because they can use autohelm. Stupid of CYC not allowing imo .I think the ORCV for the Westcoaster does.
Select to expand quoteMorningBird said..Ramona said..r13 said..
You might but suspect not - still maybe go out there to check?
The breeze forecast this year is very similar to 1984 when the legendary Farr 36 one tonner Indian Pacific won. So a tough first afternoon and evening southerly and continuing overnight and into the next day where it gets worse, but slowly moderating and going SSE then SE then ESE then E and then NE for the rest of the race. As such I would expect most yachts will be heading a bit or a lot offshore on stbd down the coast during the first day so as to take advantage of this predicted consistent left shift and then tack back to port at the opportune time to catch the shift and ride it into the Derwent. Obviously a great simplification but you get the idea. They will tack port and stbd down the coast on the shifts but will want to get out on stbd more than port to get on the correct side of the veer to the left. Indian Pacific went well out to sea in 1984.
See here story of the 1984 race;
boatgen.com.au/Sydney%20to%20Hobart%20Yacht%20Race%201984
My money is on Azzurro. Looks like 3 days of Southerlies and this modified SS34 will be hard to beat.
www.sail-world.com/news/244968/Opportunity-may-well-be-knocking-for-small-boats?fbclid=IwAR3tKVIVYiR9i5AXXjoBWix7a7uNGdkPA3G2qtJC2ellS1OY-CXumJ1nkhk
Or Crux, ex Blondie. I have sailed on her when Simon Torvaldsen owner her. He had her built in 2008 or thereabouts and I spent some hours at Cottesloe yachts with Glen Swarbrick talking about the build. He was the supervisor when Morning Bird was built.
In fact I'd put my money on Crux, except for the lack of big race experience of the crew. The last 3 S&S34s built are about 400kg lighter than the originals and a bit stiffer.
Crux is supposed to weigh about 5,000 kilos. Interestingly Western Morning weighs 4,675 kilos. I would love to find out what Ricochet 2 weighs. It is not on the measurement certificate but by the feel of it on the mooring, it's more lively than a Currawong 30 I would say the weight is about 4,750. The deck would be much lighter than the Swarbick moulded ones.
Select to expand quoteRamona said..MorningBird said..Ramona said..r13 said..
You might but suspect not - still maybe go out there to check?
The breeze forecast this year is very similar to 1984 when the legendary Farr 36 one tonner Indian Pacific won. So a tough first afternoon and evening southerly and continuing overnight and into the next day where it gets worse, but slowly moderating and going SSE then SE then ESE then E and then NE for the rest of the race. As such I would expect most yachts will be heading a bit or a lot offshore on stbd down the coast during the first day so as to take advantage of this predicted consistent left shift and then tack back to port at the opportune time to catch the shift and ride it into the Derwent. Obviously a great simplification but you get the idea. They will tack port and stbd down the coast on the shifts but will want to get out on stbd more than port to get on the correct side of the veer to the left. Indian Pacific went well out to sea in 1984.
See here story of the 1984 race;
boatgen.com.au/Sydney%20to%20Hobart%20Yacht%20Race%201984
My money is on Azzurro. Looks like 3 days of Southerlies and this modified SS34 will be hard to beat.
www.sail-world.com/news/244968/Opportunity-may-well-be-knocking-for-small-boats?fbclid=IwAR3tKVIVYiR9i5AXXjoBWix7a7uNGdkPA3G2qtJC2ellS1OY-CXumJ1nkhk
Or Crux, ex Blondie. I have sailed on her when Simon Torvaldsen owner her. He had her built in 2008 or thereabouts and I spent some hours at Cottesloe yachts with Glen Swarbrick talking about the build. He was the supervisor when Morning Bird was built.
In fact I'd put my money on Crux, except for the lack of big race experience of the crew. The last 3 S&S34s built are about 400kg lighter than the originals and a bit stiffer.
Crux is supposed to weigh about 5,000 kilos. Interestingly Western Morning weighs 4,675 kilos. I would love to find out what Ricochet 2 weighs. It is not on the measurement certificate but by the feel of it on the mooring, it's more lively than a Currawong 30 I would say the weight is about 4,750. The deck would be much lighter than the Swarbick moulded ones.
How much of your rudder is out of the water
Select to expand quoteJolene said..Ramona said..MorningBird said..Ramona said..r13 said..
You might but suspect not - still maybe go out there to check?
The breeze forecast this year is very similar to 1984 when the legendary Farr 36 one tonner Indian Pacific won. So a tough first afternoon and evening southerly and continuing overnight and into the next day where it gets worse, but slowly moderating and going SSE then SE then ESE then E and then NE for the rest of the race. As such I would expect most yachts will be heading a bit or a lot offshore on stbd down the coast during the first day so as to take advantage of this predicted consistent left shift and then tack back to port at the opportune time to catch the shift and ride it into the Derwent. Obviously a great simplification but you get the idea. They will tack port and stbd down the coast on the shifts but will want to get out on stbd more than port to get on the correct side of the veer to the left. Indian Pacific went well out to sea in 1984.
See here story of the 1984 race;
boatgen.com.au/Sydney%20to%20Hobart%20Yacht%20Race%201984
My money is on Azzurro. Looks like 3 days of Southerlies and this modified SS34 will be hard to beat.
www.sail-world.com/news/244968/Opportunity-may-well-be-knocking-for-small-boats?fbclid=IwAR3tKVIVYiR9i5AXXjoBWix7a7uNGdkPA3G2qtJC2ellS1OY-CXumJ1nkhk
Or Crux, ex Blondie. I have sailed on her when Simon Torvaldsen owner her. He had her built in 2008 or thereabouts and I spent some hours at Cottesloe yachts with Glen Swarbrick talking about the build. He was the supervisor when Morning Bird was built.
In fact I'd put my money on Crux, except for the lack of big race experience of the crew. The last 3 S&S34s built are about 400kg lighter than the originals and a bit stiffer.
Crux is supposed to weigh about 5,000 kilos. Interestingly Western Morning weighs 4,675 kilos. I would love to find out what Ricochet 2 weighs. It is not on the measurement certificate but by the feel of it on the mooring, it's more lively than a Currawong 30 I would say the weight is about 4,750. The deck would be much lighter than the Swarbick moulded ones.
How much of your rudder is out of the water
Pretty much the same as the stock boats but this could be from the extra weight on the stern with the Aries and all the chain removed from the bow. Only has 12m of SS chain now.
Select to expand quoteAzure305 said..
+1^
These days the troughs are just as big inside the harbour with so many powerboat 'drivers' (I hesitate to use the word skipper) who know not what they do!
The troughs you meet in the race are WAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! higher than the ones you get from the spectator fleet, trust me.
Select to expand quoteRamona said..MorningBird said..
No, I understand they don't. I'm not a racing sailor but I don't understand why a 2 handed S&S34 can't compete with a 6 handed S&S34.
The two handed boats can use autopilots or windvane steering so they have an immediate advantage over the fully crewed boats. A double handed SS34 with a windvane self steering that steers better than an Olympic helmsman is going to easily beat an SS34 forced to carry all that extra weight.
The two-handers in Europe find hand steering quicker, understandably. No matter how good the autopilot, it still can't see the oncoming waves and gusts.
Crew weight is quicker, as ORC ratings show. You increase your overall boat weight by far less, as a percentage, than you increase your righting moment by having that weight on the rail. The computerised ORC ratings take crew weight into account in the calculations for righting moment and for displacement/drag etc, and they always put the two-handers as being considerably slower.
The Fastnet organisers have far more experience with two-handers and they allow them to race with the main fleet. I'm biased because I enjoy two-handing, but I also think it's far more in line with what the race was in its early days and when offshore racing was much more popular. The Hobart these days is far more about big boats with 10 or so crew than it was in the days of the Halvorsens, Kurtsey, Illingworth etc. The hassles of getting a full crew together are now far higher, as is the expense. The two-handers tend to be cheaper, smaller boats where the individual sailor and their ability to hang in for days is the critical factor, rather than the ability to be part of a huge team who do things like pushing buttons for 2 and a bit days.
Select to expand quoteRamona said..MorningBird said..
No, I understand they don't. I'm not a racing sailor but I don't understand why a 2 handed S&S34 can't compete with a 6 handed S&S34.
The two handed boats can use autopilots or windvane steering so they have an immediate advantage over the fully crewed boats. A double handed SS34 with a windvane self steering that steers better than an Olympic helmsman is going to easily beat an SS34 forced to carry all that extra weight.
Got it. I can appreciate the use of the windvane, I loved mine.
But two handed is still bloody hard work and very tiring. We were always well offshore and not racing so watchkeeping was much more relaxed, these guys will be on watch 24/7 and concentration will be short. We were always knackered at the end of a 4 day passage.
Select to expand quoteChris 249 said..Ramona said..MorningBird said..
No, I understand they don't. I'm not a racing sailor but I don't understand why a 2 handed S&S34 can't compete with a 6 handed S&S34.
The two handed boats can use autopilots or windvane steering so they have an immediate advantage over the fully crewed boats. A double handed SS34 with a windvane self steering that steers better than an Olympic helmsman is going to easily beat an SS34 forced to carry all that extra weight.
The two-handers in Europe find hand steering quicker, understandably. No matter how good the autopilot, it still can't see the oncoming waves and gusts.
Crew weight is quicker, as ORC ratings show. You increase your overall boat weight by far less, as a percentage, than you increase your righting moment by having that weight on the rail. The computerised ORC ratings take crew weight into account in the calculations for righting moment and for displacement/drag etc, and they always put the two-handers as being considerably slower.
The Fastnet organisers have far more experience with two-handers and they allow them to race with the main fleet. I'm biased because I enjoy two-handing, but I also think it's far more in line with what the race was in its early days and when offshore racing was much more popular. The Hobart these days is far more about big boats with 10 or so crew than it was in the days of the Halvorsens, Kurtsey, Illingworth etc. The hassles of getting a full crew together are now far higher, as is the expense. The two-handers tend to be cheaper, smaller boats where the individual sailor and their ability to hang in for days is the critical factor, rather than the ability to be part of a huge team who do things like pushing buttons for 2 and a bit days.
Although not into racing I've done a few offshore races, Pittwater-Coffs etc.
I reckon a two handed race in an S&S34 or similar would be a great challenge. Fatigue would be the killer.
Listening on HF & a fair few retiring right now. Denali just let off a Pan Pan about 20 mins ago with cracking moving down into her hull.
It well may end up a race of the strongest not the quickest.
Following it closely.
Select to expand quoteChris 249 said..Ramona said..MorningBird said..
No, I understand they don't. I'm not a racing sailor but I don't understand why a 2 handed S&S34 can't compete with a 6 handed S&S34.
The two handed boats can use autopilots or windvane steering so they have an immediate advantage over the fully crewed boats. A double handed SS34 with a windvane self steering that steers better than an Olympic helmsman is going to easily beat an SS34 forced to carry all that extra weight.
The two-handers in Europe find hand steering quicker, understandably. No matter how good the autopilot, it still can't see the oncoming waves and gusts.
Crew weight is quicker, as ORC ratings show. You increase your overall boat weight by far less, as a percentage, than you increase your righting moment by having that weight on the rail. The computerised ORC ratings take crew weight into account in the calculations for righting moment and for displacement/drag etc, and they always put the two-handers as being considerably slower.
The Fastnet organisers have far more experience with two-handers and they allow them to race with the main fleet. I'm biased because I enjoy two-handing, but I also think it's far more in line with what the race was in its early days and when offshore racing was much more popular. The Hobart these days is far more about big boats with 10 or so crew than it was in the days of the Halvorsens, Kurtsey, Illingworth etc. The hassles of getting a full crew together are now far higher, as is the expense. The two-handers tend to be cheaper, smaller boats where the individual sailor and their ability to hang in for days is the critical factor, rather than the ability to be part of a huge team who do things like pushing buttons for 2 and a bit days.
Last night would have been particularly miserable and checking the tracker Azzuro is keeping ahead of Crux. That weight of the crew on the rail would be making the difference there.
Love and War are looking good. Interesting to see what happens when the weather moderates. 21 one boats retired now. Forestay failures are popular!
Select to expand quoteRamona said..
I would suggest watching the TV is the best way to view this. On the harbour you get to see very little. In the early seventies along with 3 other people, I sailed out of the harbour and down South in a Hunter 19. There was a good breeze and a heavy swell and I'm sure we were hidden a fair bit in the troughs. I decided I would not bother doing that again!
Went out of the heads 600m did some fishing ( 3kg scorpion fish, 7 big snappers) .... anyway, I ended up in dee why almost from 6 am till 11am.. srmtrong currebt slowly pushed me north. on the way back was madness... I have strong wind agenst me and big waves..... I loved it... did few zig zag and finally came in frond of the race.. what a view! So cool ...I had Genoa on and engine on 70% ... I was going 5.5 knots against current and the wind.
I am very impressed with my boat, it is indeed very strong boat although max speed is just 6knots but I sm confident that I can go to Pittwater and back. All My fellows from racing club saying that I am a sick man but I think that my boat will not break even with 2 m waves. If lucky to have wind coming from east or west it would be even easier to go up and down than aving wind from south of North (one direction must be against the wind)..
I am scared to have a main and Genoa up when strong wind is killing and I am by myself on the boat but with engine working 70% and Genoa up I am ready to go to Newcastle and back..
Guys can 2m waves break my boat? Should I stay away when strong wind and waves are big. I just love it, way more than boring sailing around goat the Island with a little wind!
Any thoughts?
Select to expand quoteSerb1980 said..Ramona said..
I would suggest watching the TV is the best way to view this. On the harbour you get to see very little. In the early seventies along with 3 other people, I sailed out of the harbour and down South in a Hunter 19. There was a good breeze and a heavy swell and I'm sure we were hidden a fair bit in the troughs. I decided I would not bother doing that again!
Went out of the heads 600m did some fishing ( 3kg scorpion fish, 7 big snappers) .... anyway, I ended up in dee why almost from 6 am till 11am.. srmtrong currebt slowly pushed me north. on the way back was madness... I have strong wind agenst me and big waves..... I loved it... did few zig zag and finally came in frond of the race.. what a view! So cool ...I had Genoa on and engine on 70% ... I was going 5.5 knots against current and the wind.
I am very impressed with my boat, it is indeed very strong boat although max speed is just 6knots but I sm confident that I can go to Pittwater and back. All My fellows from racing club saying that I am a sick man but I think that my boat will not break even with 2 m waves. If lucky to have wind coming from east or west it would be even easier to go up and down than aving wind from south of North (one direction must be against the wind)..
I am scared to have a main and Genoa up when strong wind is killing and I am by myself on the boat but with engine working 70% and Genoa up I am ready to go to Newcastle and back..
Guys can 2m waves break my boat? Should I stay away when strong wind and waves are big. I just love it, way more than boring sailing around goat the Island with a little wind!
Any thoughts?
When wind is strong learn to put the sails up reefed including and especially the main.Genoa is a big headsail that comes back further than the mast for light to medium winds. Maybe you need a jib that stops at or before mast for strong winds or maybe you can reef your Genoa to temporarily make it smaller. Otherwise it is not sailing if the motor is on and anyone can do that.
Waves are not a problem unless they can flood the boat. Keep the companionway hatch shut if waves are big and might come into cockpit (including the vertical boards). Take a marine radio and an epirb ( and make sure you register the EPIRB so Marine Rescue knows what boat to look for).
www.freddys.com.au/products/gme-digital-406mhz-mt600-epirb
