First sail C-16

[Epic1969]

I had a great day today! I finally got everything squared away and the stars aligned to go sailing. I have been working on my C-16 for the past two months learning as I went about sailboats. I trailered my C-16 "Olaf" (after the Disney snowman my daughters love!) to mosquito lake in northeast Ohio yesterday evening. I actually motored around last evening in 10-15 knot winds just to get a feel for the boat and test out all systems underway. I rented a slip for the weekend. I arrived early this morning and after setting up sails onto Olaf (not lifted) my father and I motored Olaf out and lifted sails in 3-5 knot winds not very exciting but good for first timers! Due to time constraints for my father I dropped him back at the boat ramp around 1300 with plans to venture back out into increasing winds solo. Upon arriving at ramp I was approached by an enthusiastic older gentleman (Gordon) spouting all kinds of information about C-16's, sensing this guy knew his stuff, I asked if he would be interested in showing me the ropes while underway. All I can say is over the next two hours I learned probably more than I would have alone in a year of sailing by myself! We tacked back and forth in 10-15 knot winds about 20x. My GPS recorded a 5.4kt max speed and 7.2 total miles traveled in 2:01 of sailing. Gordon and I exchanged numbers and he was off. I made a new friend and spent a day doing something I have dreamed about for years! I am very impressed with my C-16 and so was Gordon (he owns a 27' O'Day) anchored in Geneva, Ohio Lake Erie. I have a standing offer to sail on Erie in feisty conditions I can't wait!

[Tim Gardner]

Cool! That stuff happens to Com-Pac - Onauts.
TG