Sailing Excursion: Sunday, August 15 2004
“I think I like power-boating.” - Anonymous, overheard on the sailboat this weekend.
Morris and Nichole came out on “the” sailboat this weekend. Morris’ first trip in some time, Nichole’s first ever. The wind was good for August, or so I am told, which made disembarking with the assistance of an outboard engine challenging, to say the least. After casting off the lines I throttled up the outboard to eleven and waited for the boat to move. Nothing. Kurt (of LSA) explained that the force of the wind was equal to the force of the motor - thus we were standing still. Then he saw the throttle setting. We throttled down and grabbed a line, preparing for… what… a new outboard? Surely sensing it would shortly be jettisoned to the bottom of Lanier and replaced by a newer, sexier model with a buxom… long story short, the motor finally came to life and managed to pull us out of the slip.
The wind - there is much talk of the wind before and during these trips, you know - the wind was some of the best I’ve had this year. Gently variable, 5-10kts. We cruised out into the main channel on a close reach.
Our goal was to reach Joe’s house, take a bathroom break, and make our way back up to the dock by 7:30. Joe stopped by on the jetski to check our progress. At that point I was optimistic.
By my estimates we made it about two thirds of the way and then decided to turn back on account of the aforementioned wind moving to another part of the country - until we had our sails flaked and tied and the outboard cranked up to see us back in, that is. Hard to say if it was apparent or actual wind.
Joe’s house will continue to be my intended destination on future trips. It took us almost 3 hours to get out to where we turned around. As the highs get lower and the winds pick up I should be able to get closer and closer. How far will a tank full of gas in those outboards get you anyway?
Thanks to Morris and Nichole for crewing - Nichole did a great job hoisting the main and the jib, and Morris showed off his budding photography skills. Applause!