EP-186 Coastal vs. Offshore Sailing - Ray McFall on Preparation, Risk, and Old Salts Wisdom

Welcome to the Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Podcast. In this episode, hosts Bela Musits and Mike Wasserman sit down with retired Marine and veteran sailor Ray McFall. Ray shares his extensive journey from learning to sail in San Diego to purchasing his Hunter 456 and navigating the technical waters of the New England coast. We dive deep into a topic every sailor eventually faces: the choice between the romance of bluewater offshore passages and the engagement of coastal cruising. Ray discusses his initial plans for the Marion to Bermuda Race, the rigorous safety preparations required—including installing a removable inner forestay and completing a Safety at Sea course—and why he eventually decided that coastal adventures were a better fit for his current sailing goals. In This Episode, We Discuss: Preparation for Offshore Racing: Ray details the modifications and safety gear needed for a Bermuda run, including the importance of local knowledge and expert advice. The Reality of Bluewater Sailing: A first-hand account of a return delivery from Bermuda and why the "monotony" of the open ocean led Ray back to the variety of the East Coast. The Block Island Incident: A cautionary tale about a sailing emergency involving a jammed jib furler in 30-knot gusts and the critical lessons learned about life jacket safety and reefing early. Coastal Gems: Tips for cruising Narragansett Bay, Newport, and the Fisher Island Sound, plus the advantages of using apps like Dockwa, PredictWind, and Navionics. Whether you are dreaming of the ICW, planning a trip to Maine, or curious about AIS integration and radar on sailboats, Ray’s story offers a balanced look at risk, reward, and the spiritual nature of being on the water. Connect with Us If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the Like button and Subscribe for more sailing stories. Email us: sailingtheeast@gmail.com Watch on YouTube: Sailing and Cruising the East Coast of USA Enjoyed the episode? Hit the Like button on your app! Happy Sailing! Bela and Mike SEO Search Terms & Keywords Sailing the East Coast, Ray McFall Interview, Hunter 456 Sailboat, Coastal Cruising vs Offshore Sailing, Marion to Bermuda Race Prep, Safety at Sea Course, Sailing Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sailing, Jib Furling Emergency, Solo Sailing Tips, Marine Insurance for Sailors, Sailing Apps for Navigation, Bela Musits, Mike Wasserman, Sailing Podcast.