Long Reach

[sawyer]

The wind came up yesterday, (Tues 20th) on Hardy Pond, an impoundment on the Muskegon River here is West Michigan.

I dragged the boat over and set it up, about 25 minutes time.  Since I have re mounted the 36lb thrust Motor Guide (with the replaced prop), I used it to clear the opening to the little marina that I put in at.  Wind was right down the chute and on the bow going out.

I turned North and had a 40 minute reach, about a 15 kt wind gusting to 20+ and even thought I held the mainsheet, I never did have to release it.

After coming about I headed south for about 55 minutes, two tacks and back into the marina.  All in all, a great day, one big stinkboat, you know, the noisy kind with the exhaust thru the hull. (I'm glad I don't have that fuel bill.) 3 beer barges running together, probably fishermen heading to the protected coves and one jet ski rider, pretty much kept to himself.  Air was 78 deg, water still warm enough to swim, I waded a bit when I reset on the trailer.

Not too many warm weather days left here, but I will sail probably until Oct 15 to Nov 1st if the weather holds.  Boat is sailing well with small modifications I made, will try to do some more in the spring,  just want to get time on the water this fall without a bunch of projects.

Good Sailing to all............

Doug, Newaygo, Mi,  CP-16  "Yet Un-named"