Port Moody Inlet 'Sail with Dale'

July 15, 2019

Dale Simonson lives not far from me and is, to my knowledge, the only other SCAMP owner in the Metro Vancouver area.  Dale started the built of his SCAMP (Luna) and the first 'SCAMP Camp' held in Port Townsend, Washington.  He launched around five years ago and has been a very active SCAMPer and booster for these little boats.

I invited Dale out for a morning sail on Port Moody Inlet and was thrilled when he agreed to join me.  He just got home for the Sucia Small Boat Rendezvous the night before.

It was just great to spend a couple of hours with Dale as he is a very experienced SCAMP sailor and generously shared numerous tips and stories.

Some of Dale's tips....

• When raising the yard haul it as high as it will go - 'block to block'.  I was setting too low and we moved the yard block strop forward about 12" to achieve this added lift.  The boom now sets nice and high - above head level and allows for excellent forward visibility.

• Use the sail outhaul and boom downhaul to achieve best sail shape.  Loosen the outhaul to get about 8-10 inches of gap between boom and sail foot in light airs but firm it up in heavier winds.

• For tacking the sweet spot is to have the boom just over the stern quarter and then use the tiller to point the whole boat up as high as possible.

• Practice raising and lowering the centreboard for maximum sailing efficiency.

• A small dry bag is very handy for radio, phone, wallet, etc.  I will get one.

• The SCAMP tends to point nicely into the wind when reefing at sea.  Good to know.

• The first reef point is a very useful reef for the kinds of winds we experience.  Worth having this set to go as smoothly as possible.  I currently have only the third, deep reef set up but will set the first as well.

Dale has met many other SCAMP owners and sailed in a variety of their boats but he had never been aboard one with a motor before.  I think he found it an interesting experience.

Thanks Dale for a great day out!

Not a lot of wind but a great opportunity to bob along and have a chat.  Note - boom nice and high 

Looking west, towards Vancouver

Some of the only ocean front properties in Metro Vancouver

 

Rocking Point boat launch - $22 per day to launch and park