OK rain - you win.

[Greene]

This spring and summer in Wisconsin has just made it miserable to get in any sailing time.  B and I have sailed wearing multiple coats to ward off the cold and rain gear to keep somewhat dry.  We're not fair weather sailors, but this weather pattern is getting on our nerves.

The forecast for this weekend was hot (90 degrees F.) with some rain and at least one to two thunder showers per day.  Well in spite of another lousy forecast we are once again on the lake.  We rigged Wrinkles in hot muggy air then motored (not a hint of the forecasted 10 -12 mph winds) to an anchoring spot as the rain began to patter on the water.  As soon as the anchor was down and the companionway was closed it began raining hard once again.



We slept at anchor to the sounds and lights of 3 or 4 separate thunderstorms that passed through our area.  Non-stop rain for 12 hours.  Coffee and oatmeal is cooking on our little butane as we read and play on the iPad.  It is a nice way to pass the time, but we'd really like to have one weekend this year where we can unfurl the sails, put on some sunscreen and sail in comfort.



Come on weatherman, give us a chance to play.

Mike and B

[HeaveToo]

That stinks.  Sorry you are hitting bad weather.  Nothing like having storms blow through at night.  It is even worse if you question your ground tackle. 

Hopefully it will clear up for you soon.  The weather around here has been beautiful.  I have two friends out cruising the Chesapeake Bay right now and I think that they call me once in a while to rub it in!

[nies]

Well Greene having lived in Madison in the 70;s and sailed Lake Mendato on a Southcoast 22 I really enjoyed your video, here in Hayward, Wi we have had a very late spring and the latest ice out ever and since with only three sailing days without rain it has made me crazy, but hoping for better weather and a very warm fall to make up for it, 2 1/2 inches of rain last night with flood warnings..............nies

[Vectordirector]

hey guys,
we got out on the lake for the first time this season on Lake Geneva on Father's day.  It was beautiful and the lake wasn't crowded.   They are hosting the A-scow Nationals regatta at the yacht club this weekend, bummer for them with the weather the last few days.  Looks like it is finally clearing up now, so they may get some racing in.   Looking to get out tomorrow afternoon if the 20% chance of storms doesn't happen.  Hang in there guys, it has got to get better.  I'm on vacation the week after the 4th and hoping to hit the water every day.

Vectordirector

[brackish]

Mike, you just need to go ahead and move south.  Weather is fine down here.   Going up to the boat tomorrow to change out the headsail, put the larger 135 on the furler, install the bimini for the summer, do a little cleanup, then Admiral Sheri and I plan to sail out to one of the coves late afternoon for a swim and stay for supper and the "super moon".  Probably just spend the night, although Sheri has a meeting at 10:00 Monday morning, but I can get her back by then.  Got the normal prediction of 90F with a 30% chance of afternoon boomers, (cool down rain) then clear by 6:00 PM.

[Bob23]

Awww... does little Mikey not like the rain? Awww....C'mon man and tough-up! What would Joshua Slocum do? Cry about a little rain?
Seriously, that does stink. Right now here in NJ were in the middle of a nice high pressure system with abundant sunshine and nice winds. Too bad I'm not sailing...the boat just went in today and I'll rig it tomorrow. Hope it stops raining, M&B.
Bob23

[crazycarl]

i don't think the two of you will ever have to worry about being called fair weather sailors!

i hate to see you stuck in the cabin all day, but at least your on the water.

today was going to be my 1st outing of the year on our home lake in the 15', but the weather man predicted storms this afternoon so i'm working in the shop.  now they say clear 'til 8pm! 

joan's at the beach with the jeep and i can't tow the boat with the mini, another missed opportunity.

oh, well.  2" of rain this morning, the lawn is finally dry enough to mow, better get to it...


carl

[MacGyver]

Rain puts a damper on it doesnt it.......

I worked today, 7 to 3, no rain, sunny, perfect sailing weather (boat is supposed to go in tomorrow...)
Go to leave work, big storm blows in right over the direction of my house....... start driving home, rain...... rained still and it is 534 pm. my friend in town (4 miles from me....) NO RAIN.

Pouring down again...... I feel for you guys... this weather has been sucky.

Mac

[crazycarl]

mowed the lawn, stopped by the neighbor's for a beer and chat, rode the bicycle down to the beach to meet joan and the kids for lunch.  nice, cool 15mph winds, 2 sailboats out on the water and maybe 5 power boats!

should have went out. 

oh, well.  back to working on the 19, CLR is getting closer!

carl

[Salty19]

Sorry about your weather, guys.  Please don't bring the rain to CLR   

[Bob23]

I should have kept my mouth shut. Just looked at this weeks forecast: Except for today and Wednesday there is a chance of showers and thunderstorms all week! Of course: I just put my boat in the water. Funny how words come back to bite you!
Bob23

[crazycarl]

Sunshine! 15mph winds! NO rain in the forecast for today!

Oh, wait.  It's my Monday, I have to work, shoot!

[kahpho]

Ya know Greene, I think I'd trade places with you 'bout now. Works been crazy this spring for me. Yesterday I did a 17 hour stint without so much as a meal break, and that on my day off. 

No sailing so far this year. Damn.

mel

[Greene]

Awww... does little Mikey not like the rain? Awww....C'mon man and tough-up! What would Joshua Slocum do? Cry about a little rain?

Well Bob this is a sample of the weekend.  Motoring for everything we were worth to get Wrinkles off a lee shore when a violent wind front roared through.  Roughest water I've ever experienced.  Gotta run, but I'll tell the tale tonight.



Mike

[Greene]

So I messed up and talked bad about the weather man.  Boy did he get the last laugh.  After Friday evening's thunderstorms we awoke to, you guessed it, more rain.  We stayed put for a couple of hours until it finally quit and ventured out of our cove into some stiff winds and strong gusts.  We reefed Wrinkles' main sail down one set and furled in about 1/3 of the jib.  This worked for about an hour until the gusts started overpowering us again and we rolled the furler in to less than 50%.  We enjoyed the rambunctious sailing for a while and then decided we were ready for a rest break.

We sailed over to a protected shore to enjoy lunch, naps and a little fishing.  Feeling rested and seeing the wind and waves had moderated we went out again for a little easy sailing, ending at the Memorial Union.  By now the forecast called for calmer winds coming out of the south/southwest with a possible thunder shower later in the evening.  We rowed Squint The Famous Racing Dinghy to shore for a nice outdoor lunch on State Street.  Beautiful weather and cold beer.  Now this is sailing.

We wandered down to the Union to check on Wrinkles and listen to the live jazz bands on the shore.  It seemed like the weekend had really turned around and become more what we all look for in sailing.  We rowed out to Wrinkles as the sun was about to set over a lake that was smooth as glass.  We had anchored quite close to shore since it was so calm out and a protected shore from the forecasted winds.  Once aboard we mixed sundowners and were just about to settle down to enjoy the music and drinks when a cool fresh breeze came from due west.  Hmmmmm?  That isn't in the forecast.



We looked off to the west and saw a very ugly black wall just appearing over the shore line of Picnic Point about 1 1/4 miles away.  Decision time for this crew. The anchor was well set, but it was set facing the previous south winds and any strong winds from the west were going to dislodge it.  We started the motor thinking we could assist the anchor or motor off if it became necessary. 





The wall of winds, waves and rain that hit us changed our minds instantly.  This sheer front was serious and we needed to get away from shore now.  B pulled the anchor up as I motored into the now unbelievably ugly lake.  The rain instantly soaked both of us and forced us to shield our eyes to see.  The moored boats just 100' away became almost invisible.  The 8 HP Mariner gave everything she had as we rolled up the front of each wave and then slammed down on the backside.  Wow.  This lake turned into a disaster in a big hurry.  Our plan was to motor directly into the front and head for the shelter of the east shoreline about a mile away.  One hand on the tiller and one hand on the outboard while trying to keep the bow into the wind.  The poor motor was cavitating badly as we crested each wave and slammed down the backside. 






That was one wild ride.  B took it in stride and chatted with me while occasionally peeking through the rain to keep us heading west.  I couldn't make out the compass even though I was under a Bimini and only 4' away.  We made it slowly, very slowly, to the shore and gratefully dropped the anchor in 5' of calmer water.  We waited there until the worst of the cell had passed and then motored around the point to a cove that is usually protected from everything but a north wind.

We dropped the anchor again and went inside to dry off.  Well the darn back side of this cell decided to turn loose on us again and turned even this safe spot uncomfortable.  B gamely put on her wet clothes to pull the anchor in the downpour again.  We motored to the other side of the cove which is better sheltered from the west winds.  Even though the forecast still said the issues were all coming fro the south or southwest. 

So this fourth anchoring in a short period of time gave us a nice protected spot to get some well deserved sleep.  When we awoke this morning the sun was shining on a white capped lake.  We put two reefs in the main and maybe 1/3 of the jib unfurled for a nice controlled sail while still cruising along at hull speed. 

Another interesting weekend aboard Wrinkles.  We make our mistakes, make our corrections, learn some more and have a ball during the process.

Mike and Brenda