HideAway Sails Again

[HideAway]

Just did our first night launch in 15 kn winds gusting higher and a very low tide from the NE wind thats blowing all the water out of the bay the last few days.  We leave tomorrow for a weekend cruise from Gulfport to  Pine Island near Apollo Beach/Tampa.  About 16 miles all the way up Tampa Bay from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.  Should be quite a sail - beam to broad reach.  There are more than a dozen other boats going with two, count 'em two Compac 23s! Going to cook a pot luck sea food chowder on the beach fire, sing some sailor songs, smoke a few cigars and become Free Range Humans for awhile.  More on my blog below and yes the cameras are coming along - can't wait !  Matt

[Bob23]

Thanks, Matt:
   You are an inspiration to us Northerners who are just coming out of hibernation. I wish my 23 were in the fleet! Best,
Bob23

[brackish]

Matt, can't wait for the trip report.  Those group sails are the best.  Inspires me to try to get the other sail boat owners at my marina to take off the winter covers and just do it.  Fair winds.

[HideAway]

Just a quick note.  We made it back battered and bruised after enduring five foot seas and 23kn winds near the Sunshine Skyway Sunday.  Either my tell tales have grown or the main is toast and my clinker built pram damaged but repairable after a knockdown.  But we also sailed with a pod of 30 or so dolphins for awhile.  18 boats made the trip.  Story and videos to come.    Matt