Sailing between the holidays

[JTMeissner]

Last sail of 2013 for the family was a good one, although a tad on the chilly side.  No complaining I guess, those of you up north and in the midwest have it much worse.  It had been about 10-11 months since we last were out on the boat (sidetracked in central Asia), and I was bound and determined to get another sail in before the year was out, so we had to take what we got.  Lows down to freezing, highs from upper 40s to almost 60 one day (nice while the sun was shining), 4-5 mph winds most days, 15-20 on one day.

First of all, there's a new crew member, hiring process completed while I was away.  He loves boats, and he got to play while the remaining crew worked (perk of only being 3):


But, both had to help get the boat in the water.  Hard to believe this is the same dock as from the last trip.
 

Water, finally.  I would check the lake depth while deployed and we had never been to the boat while so deep.  The first photo is from the previous trip, the stump in the second photo is what remains of the tree with the sign.
 

After the first day of sailing (low winds), we docked at the lodge's canoe dock.  I had never actually seen this thing floating before, in a nice quiet sheltered inlet, with water so deep the mooring was underwater.  Nice easy day with the genoa up front.
 

 

After a brisk second day, we parked overnight at our cottage getting in before a storm came.  My wife stayed in the cabin for most of this day.  The water level rose overnight (quite a good rainstorm) and the boat drifted a few feet, but stayed away from the trees.  Sailed most of the next day with the main only, overpowered with the genoa when it was raised, but didn't feel like switching out while on the water. 
 

 

We pulled out of the water, not sure of what to expect the last day, but got one last sail in before heading back for home.
 

With a three hour trip to the boat, we are only planning one more excursion to the lake (son is not a quiet traveller... and three hours is a test of patience for us all).  Next time, the boat comes home with us.  Arranged storage nearby and will become a river/coastal sailor.  I need to get the 4 hp iron sail up and running in lieu of the trolling motor, and will discuss/ask questions about that in other posts (like trailering while attached, powering against tides, F-N-R vs. F-N which I'm not sure what I have (misplaced the manual), and all the COLREG requirements; discussions already following).  And, the trailer will get more maintenance when it only takes a few minutes to get to.

Next trip will be at one of the cabins, first photo is from our last trip, second shows the current water level.  If current levels hold, I guess I still get wet even if using the dock.
 

Crew working to establish entertainment options:


3-yr olds do not make the most consistent pilots...


The CP-16 proved enough boat for the small family, plenty of storage for changes of clothes, etc.  Even tested the wag bag/camp potty while on this trip.  Planning to do some overnights off the ICW as the weather warms up.

As spring comes around, looking with anticipation for seeing the Savannah coast from the other side. 

Fair winds,
-Justin