2023 – Trip 15

Notable Places, Experiences & Events

It’s been 10 days since we last sailed, and we were a bit rusty.  Not necessarily with sailing – more so with getting along, and learning how to talk nice to each other, again.  It’s important to practice this, and remember what we are doing.  Often it takes all of our energy to focus, get out of the harbor, being nice to other people and other boaters that we forget we need to be nice to each other too!

We took our morning walk to the harbor entrance to check out weather, and prepare our hearts and minds for the journey out.  It looks like a beautiful day, so let’s get going … There really isn’t much to say about this trip.  Kyle pulled out beautifully (we didn’t go in circles) – he got it under control with no issues.  We didn’t see any other boat traffic going in or coming out – at least nothing that was memorable.

Once we were out, we put up the sail – jib only.  We like sailing with just our jib because it’s easy to put up and take down.  There’s so much work with the main sail that it’s not worth it – especially when the jib pulls us along nicely.

It was a beautiful sail – a little chilly out on the lake, and there were several lumps, but surprisingly, neither one of us felt sick or nervous.  I only get nervous coming back into the dock, which did work out – except the wind pushed us into the pole before I could grab the bowline and pull us over.  But it was a gentle tap, and we didn’t do any damage to us or anyone else.

Our sailing neighbors just down the dock, very graciously and very calmly asked if we were open to advice.  They shared how their docking set up works where the crew only has to throw a spring line (perfectly set up to their length so the boat doesn’t hit the front of the dock) over the 1st pole, and then the captain steers the boat in.  There’s no jumping off the deck, frantically grabbing lines, etc.  It’s all very calm and very efficient.  

I think it’s worth a try 👍