November sail in Michigan in CP-16

[Cevin c Taylor]

Well, conditions were right yesterday for what will likely be the last sail of the season in my '83 CP16.  I took it out on Ford Lake (about 3 mi long by 1/2 mi wide) for a sail with a friend and his son.  We had winds that were around 20 mph or so, and gusts up to about 30 mph - really exciting!  We spent about four hours on the water and had a great time.  My son's friend took a sailing class at camp this summer, and I wanted to let him sail her, but I had my hands full, and when he saw us heeling way over, I think he was content to be a passenger.  In my haste to get on teh water, I forget to rig the main outhaul - not the easiest thing to do under sail.  I also did not consider reefing, which I probably should have done.  I took just my 30 lb thrust trolling moter.  It was fine for some calm areas, but there was strong wind approaching the dock, and several times it caught the bow and turned us, and the motor couldn't resist it.  I eventually went up in the bow with a paddle, and I used it to keep the bow from turning off the wind.  With a lot of work we made it in without too much problem.  Looking back, I should have sailed upwind of the dock (plenty of space to do so), dropped the sails, and used the motor with the wind at our back.  Live and learn.  

[slowshoes]

   Great that you got out for a sail so late in the season wolverine - I'm envious. I used to sail Ford Lake every now and again when I owned a Hobie 16 many moons ago. Alot of great memories.

[ribbed_rotting_rusting]

November anywhere on any lake in MI is a thrill, if not actually a fright. Glad you got a chance to get in the one last sail. MJC

[Bob23]

There's always a tinge of sadness in the last sail for me...noting that a boatless winter awaits. Alas, there is always the to-do list and if that's long enough, spring shows up in no time! Of course, there's cross country skiing, rowing, and one of my favorite winter activities- reading next to the wood stove. Thanks for sharing your november sail!
bob23

[skip1930]

Use to Frost Bite the Penquin in Skokie lagoon and dance around floating ice burgs.
Pepare to ram...ramming.

So much fun.

skip.