...But absolutely wonderful!
Sunshine and low 70's made it a joy to be on the water, inspite of fairly light winds most of the afternoon. I sailed out of Willoughby Bay on the north channel then east for a few miles. Heading back against an ebb tide is was slow going even with an increasing SE breeze. Back in Willoughby Bay I dropped the sails and watched the sun set before motoring in.
A one day break in the weather. Sunny skies but thickening clouds ahead of the next weather system bringing rain by morning. Used the nice day to fit a new tiller to replace the back up being used since previous was broke during a gale 2 months back. Sailed east on the bay for a while before heading back in. Three foot waves on a 10-15 knot ESE breeze.
Over to Fort Monroe. Sunny day but the air was a little cool. Fortunately the northeast breeze was gentle allowing the sun to keep me comfortable. Few others on the water other than workboats. Images shot in 720nm Infrared.
The title pretty much sums it up...
Starting off a little cool the day warmed up quite nicely topping out around 68 by the time I had the boat secure.
Walking in the morning 3 miles to pick up a new e-bike I had to remove my jacket to keep from sweating. Out on the boat in the afternoon a completely different story. Filtered sunlight, a 10 knot breeze and 43 degrees had me feeling cold on Willoughby Bay. Can't wait till spring arrives!
After a night on the boat in the marina, I went out for about an hour. Cloudy skies and a momentary very light rain gave way to sunshine and unseasonably warm weather ahead of the next front. I shared Willoughby Bay with a Freedom 25 and took a bunch of pictures of him. He returned to the dock just before I left the marina enabling me to get his email and send him photos.
More playing with sheet to tiller. Simpler setup with one less block and a thicker 1/4" line that's easier to handle. Stayed out until after sunset, returning to dock with lights on.
Sheet to tiller setup. Seems to be working so going to replace all my temporary cheap parts for something more substantial.
Beautiful day even though only 45 degrees. Sunshine and a gentle NE breeze around 10 knots.
Temperatures in the mid 40's felt even cooler with a layer of cirrus dimming the sunlight. A northeast breeze made for a quick trip across the channel and back.
Windvanes too expensive, tiller pilot doable, but I like the idea of using things I already have on the boat. Have played in the past a couple times using this system for downwind and it worked quite well. Now trying it out for upwind or beam reach sailing. My Catalina 27 will sail upwind with sails balanced and a bungee restricting the tiller movements, however anthing broader than a close reach, not so much. Broad reach or running, not at all.