Tips and Tricks for Sailing in Pairs

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by Bash

We've buddy boated successfully with a slower boat just by running a smaller jib. He hanked on his #1, and we went with a #3, and everybody was happy. A few times he closed the gap by motorsailing a bit.

This is quite common; that, or sailing the bigger boat with a reef in the main.

Both of you having AIS transceivers is a great idea. Imagine how easy it is to spot a boat when the AIS is giving you a distance and a relative bearing. Even a mast top eight NM back is going to be easy to find on a clear day.

It's also a safety device in the sense that if one boat has trouble, and they lose VHF and AIS, you have a "last known good bearing and distance" to either get to them yourself, or to pass in a MAYDAY relay.

EDIT: Hmm...after reading other replies, I realize that I wouldn't actually want to do this myself. I agree: check in by radio at 1200Z or 1600Z or whatever works, but otherwise agree to row over for a sundowner once set to rights.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by sneuman

I have been planning an Annapolis-Newport trip for May on my own Tayana 37 cutter with a 5-person crew. Now, suddenly a friend with a Mariner 31 ketch is suggesting we tag-team. I've never done a passage with two boats or a convoy.

Aside from the obvious - keeping radio and visual contact and trying not to outpace your other half - any tips for doing this?

Just agree to sail at your own speeds and meet at certain places - any nice anchorages on the way? Let's face it, on a 1 day leg, the difference in ETA is going to be half an hour, which is just enough time to get the barbeque warmed up

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

It's also a safety device in the sense that if one boat has trouble, and they lose VHF and AIS, you have a "last known good bearing and distance" to either get to them yourself, or to pass in a MAYDAY relay.

EDIT: Hmm...after reading other replies, I realize that I wouldn't actually want to do this myself. I agree: check in by radio at 1200Z or 1600Z or whatever works, but otherwise agree to row over for a sundowner once set to rights.

So if the dog (or crew!) vomits on the VHF and AIS then the other party initiates a full scale SAR effort?......looking forward to that thread .

[Bash]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

So if the dog (or crew!) vomits on the VHF and AIS then the other party initiates a full scale SAR effort?......looking forward to that thread .

First rule of buddy-boating: no dogs.

(Second rule: no goats.)

[S/V Alchemy]

Originally Posted by David_Old_Jersey

So if the dog (or crew!) vomits on the VHF and AIS then the other party initiates a full scale SAR effort?......looking forward to that thread .

If the VHF and the AIS are both coated in vomit, they'll need to borrow my power washer.

[jewel114]

Buddy boat is bunk. Take care yourself or don't go. We've had a buddy boat turn and run for port without saying a thing when weather turned bad. Twas a bad choice for them. Meet your friends and other boaters in port.