I know better how to avoid problems when I am out on my own. Like: take a cell phone in a dry bag.
Wendy - This is sometimes a topic for debate, but I would suggest you also invest in a handheld VHF, in a dry bag as well. Reason is a distress call from a VHF can be picked by many boats in the area and help can get there quicker, while a cell phone is only point to point - and the person you called must then find help for you. Also, most VHF radios have weather on them, so you can pick up advisories. Just an idea...
Yeah...but you guys live on major waterways where there is commercial traffic in addition to a relatively high ratio of skilled recreational traffic. Sunny is talking about sailing on a mid-sized lake with (maybe) a couple other smallish sailboats that probably aren't carrying radios and a few bass fisherman who don't know what a VHF is. It certainly wouldn't hurt to carry a VHF radio in case the club is monitoring but, in this case, I would probably put the cell phone slightly above the VHF radio in importance.
Okay, I hadn't thought of that.
I know better how to avoid problems when I am out on my own. Like: take a cell phone in a dry bag.
Wendy - This is sometimes a topic for debate, but I would suggest you also invest in a handheld VHF, in a dry bag as well. Reason is a distress call from a VHF can be picked by many boats in the area and help can get there quicker, while a cell phone is only point to point - and the person you called must then find help for you. Also, most VHF radios have weather on them, so you can pick up advisories. Just an idea...
Yeah...but you guys live on major waterways where there is commercial traffic in addition to a relatively high ratio of skilled recreational traffic. Sunny is talking about sailing on a mid-sized lake with (maybe) a couple other smallish sailboats that probably aren't carrying radios and a few bass fisherman who don't know what a VHF is. It certainly wouldn't hurt to carry a VHF radio in case the club is monitoring but, in this case, I would probably put the cell phone slightly above the VHF radio in importance.
As I said, usually a topic of debate! 
Wendy:
Got the Chili's certificate. I can taste those ribs now!!!!!
We will soon be enjoying our little boats. Send me some photos when you get it and I will do the same. Just not excited about sailing a boat named "Baby Girl" by myself. That should get me some ribbing!! BUT it is Ashleigh;s boat.
Doug and Ashleigh Snell
dsnell4 at houston dot rr dot com
Hobie 17
Sunfish
Soon to be Mystere 4.3
www.tcdyc.com