A bit of a blow

[Jim in TC]

Just in from an exciting sail on Grand Traverse Bay in our Sun Cat. We saw the Manitou, a 100' schooner, out in the Bay with short sail so prudently took in a reef before setting out. Once out we realized it was (even) more wind than it looked like in port and after a few quick miles, turned back in to the slip. Wind readings on my trusty little anemometer, taken in the partial shelter of an upwind landmass on our return (we were pretty busy while under sail), showed a steady 15 mph with gusts just over 30. NOAA readings were 16 and 35 on our return. Probably a bit more wind than we have been out in so far (we are at the beginning of our second season) and Mehitabel handled admirably under reef; despite some pretty hairy gusts, we never felt at serious risk. Though the first mate was ominously quiet... A good little boat!

[bruce]

35 mph is serious wind. The boat can handle it, but I'd probably lose crew over that.