In a message dated 12/13/01 11:58:45 AM, David.Rossi@wcom.com writes:

I am considering purchasing a used 15. I am experienced sailing 30+

footers. So I am interested in talking with anyone who sails a 15 and goes

out for as much as a week or so with a mate.

Thanks,

Dave Rossi

Dave, My wife and I have cruised our M15 for up to three weeks in British Columbia. We went ashore frequently for hikes, swims, etc. I too have had larger boats, and I think cruising in an M15 as more akin to backpacking or car camping (more comfortable than backpacking, actually) relative to cruising on a 30 footer, which for all purposes, feels more like camping in an RV. We have been fortunate to have good weather for most of our trips. Continued bad and/or rainy weather would be a challenge on an M15--at least one without a full cockpit enclosure/boom tent. My friend and former M15 owner (now sails a Flicka) made such a cover/tent, and when it rained, we went over to his boat. Four of us were able to take meals comfortably with this arrangement. I developed a number of systems for cooking, fresh water storage, gear storage, head, etc. that made these trips more doable/enjoyable. We were never uncomfortable (again, it did not rain much), and we slept just as well as we did on our bigger boats (the M15 berths are surprisingly long and comfortable. I will be out of town (and away from email) until middle of next week. If you have any additional questions, I would be happy to talk to you then. There are a few others on this list that have done some extended trips as well. Scott Grometer, M15 #478 "bebe"