EP#351 Colin Denker in Person Aboard his new Westsail 32
26 June 2025 · 1h 38m · 240 views · East Coast, USA
What this video covers
Solo sailor Colin Denker recently acquired a Westsail 32 on the East Coast, marking his transition to the Westsail community after previous voyages from Washington to San Francisco and Hawaii on a Pearson.▶ 4:27 Denker and host Jerome Rand discuss the maintenance requirements of the Westsail 32, specifically noting the importance of replacing standing rigging like forestays and cap shrouds to ensure reliability during offshore passages.▶ 41:13 The conversation highlights the necessity of regular boat maintenance to prevent rapid deterioration, citing personal experiences with bowsprit damage caused by steep, short-period waves.▶ 26:25 Denker evaluates common gear practices, dismissing spliced halyards as overrated for cruising boats while advocating for properly whipped line ends to prevent fraying.▶ 1:07:32 The pair also addresses the risks of open-flame cooking below deck and the challenges of navigating against Gulf Stream currents in nor'easter conditions.▶ 1:15:29 The discussion emphasizes that while the Westsail 32 is not a high-speed vessel, its robust construction provides significant confidence for solo sailors facing heavy weather.▶ 47:30
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