....the sample size that dictates statistical relevance is growing larger. I look at the weather for Bay Springs Lake and it shows 10-12 from the WSW which is perfect sailing conditions, broad reach up lake, close reach back. Now I've been suckered by that before but I decided to go. I get up there and nothing. Well my marina finger often doesn't have the same as the main lake so I motor the mile or so out to the main lake. Still nothing. Well, I'm by myself and brought a lunch so I set the sails and turn the boat over to Ray, the ST1000 tiller pilot and break out my lunch. Now Ray, in addition to being a very bad conversationalist is a really bad helmsman. Ray must be a displacement power boater at heart, preferring windless conditions motoring or light air runs. As soon as I take the first bite a gust of about 16 pops the boat over on heel and Ray is overwhelmed. I put Ray on standby and grab the tiller and the main sheet, sandwich and chips scattering everywhere and half a beer spilled on deck. I manage to sail and eat with great difficulty and then, as I finish, it calms to 10-12 out of the WSW.
That has happened so many times before.......
Anyway rest of the sail was nice. Crystal clear Fall day, temps in the high seventies.
Yep! When ever we're becalmed one of us will bring out food and beverages to get the wind back.
I say eat your lunch at the dock and by that time the wind will have steadied. Sounds simple doesn't it? If only it worked that way.
P.S. I have found the ST2000 to be way superior to the 1000. The 1000 didn't perform well when the going got tough, now the 2000 is always on top of it.