STEVE'S FIRST SAIL.

[Bob23]

   My nephew-in-law Steve was out this way for a visit with his family. We don't get to see each other too often so I suggested we go out for a sail on Saturday. He revealed that in his 30 years on this planet he'd never been on sailboat before.
   Saturday brought clear and dry weather with East winds 15 to 18. After a stop to pick up lunch, readying the yacht for and stowing the goods, we cast off our lines and headed out for yet another adventure aboard the intrepid sailing vessel, "Koinonia".
   Soon winds freshened so tying in the first reef was accomplished. We were scooting along and 5.5 knots sometimes, had some great conversation and decided to point north to his temporary home port of Waretown, NJ. This being an August Saturday afternoon, there were plenty of boats on the water and as we entered the Barnegat Bay, many sailboats were spotted. I then told Steve about THE unwritten rule: If there are two or more sailboats sailing in close proximity, an unofficial race is declared. We won some and lost some.
   Soon we entered the Long Key Marina where I would discharge my passenger so he could continue on with the rest of his day. He got to sample almost the whole gammut of sailing including touching bottom with the new rudder. Steve and I had a great time and I was happy to give him a proper introduction to sailing aboard a proper yacht: the Compac 23. Not all of us are so fotunate as to get our start aboard a Compac.
Bob23

[twinswin]

My first sail was about 33 or so years ago aboard my brother-in-law's 1974 San Juan 21, complete with wall-to-wall (or is that bulkhead-to-bulkhead) shag carpet.  Ironically enough, today, this same brother-in-law was kind enough to inspect, approve the purchase of, and tow my "new to me" 1984 ComPac 23/2 back to our home waters.  I am currently in Afghnaistan and am itching to get home to do some sailing!

Bruce

[mrb]

Bruce

Hope you get to enjoy Pearl soon

Safe voyage and fair winds

melvin

[kickingbug1]

    bruce, i know i speak for all sailors and for all americans "wishing you a safe (and soon) voyage home

[Bob23]

Bruce:
   Thank you for serving the US. Your efforts are not forgotten or overlooked. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Bob23

[over40pirate]

As others have said, hope you have a safe return to the states. I work just a mile from Seymore Johnson AFB in NC. I see airmen every day returning deploying.
Do be careful and enjoy your boat!

Mike

[lostsailor101]

Steve/ Bob23:  congratulations on your first sail, I have seen pictures of Bob23's "Koinonia she is a fine example of a quality boat. Sounded as if you had near perfect conditions. It can sometimes be humorous and humbling endeavor following that #1 unwritten sailing rule. I remember setting my sights on a Hobie Cat my last time out in my 16, needless to say I let him take the win, in an effort to not cause him any embarrassment especially with a cute blond sitting by his side. (#3 unwritten man code rule)

Bruce: I feel your itch, need some scratching myself, I am currently down in Qatar, three months to go and I'll be home. Thursday we will be flying to Kandahar. I hear the weather is nice this time of year.  Be safe and keep "Living the Dream" brother.

Mike (aka Pirateover40) I live down in Beaufort, maybe next season or if we have a warm winter we could organize a trip to Cape Lookout or at least a day out on the water.
I'll be home in Nov.