Went out with my daughter and her friend on our sailboat in breeze that built from 2 knots to 12 sustained with gusts to 15. Glad I swapped out the genoa for the jib, which gave us a less exciting ride.
Had lunch and then went out for a delightful powerboat ride with them on our 21' SeaRay. Breeze as now 15 gusting to 20, but found a cove to anchor somewhat out of the wind, and enjoyed hanging out in the sun on a 70 degree day.
Motored back, washed both boats, and had a bonfire!
My boat was stuck on its lift, so went out on a buddy's 46' cruising boat. Had a great time until the wind died completely, and about 8 or so boats all sat there not moving for about 30 minutes. Wind finally filled in, but a 32,000 pound boat takes a while to get moving.
Beautiful night out, and even got to help my neighbor check out his jet-ski lift by riding onto them in my kayak and having them lift me up. Fun!
Had a wonderful solo sail on Sunday afternoon, April 7, after having been in Louisville, KY all weekend on a Bourbon Trail Tour.
Took the kayak out on Monday afternoon, April 8.
Went out with a buddy on his powerboat for the first boat ride of the year on Tuesday, April 9.
Went out with the same buddy on my sailboat on Wednesday, April 10.
After a great Easter service and family dinner in the afternoon, was able to get out on Lark from 6-8 pm for a glorious eveining sail.
Had a great 4-hour trip out with Lark's 4-person crew, for the first time this season. Practice upwind mostly, including a half a dozen starts, and then a crew overboard drill. Really worthwhile -- and a wonderful March day in the low 60's with 8-18 knots.
Easier and easier to do as it gets warmer and the days (thankfully) grow longer.
Crisp afternoon in the high 40's with wind from the east from 5-10 knots, but full sun, made for a nice ride up Valentine Creek and back. Going into the breeze on the way back kicked up chop that went across the bow of the kayak, but very enjoyable ride nonetheless.
Used the sailboat as a barge to put in two bumpers on our new dock -- to protect Lark as she's readying to enter the lift. First two screws on each side went into the bumpers just fine, but the lower ones required us to put Lark perpindicular to the dock and use her open stern to best advantage. Wonderful to have such a low boat for this work!
Then put the house battery in and installed the genoa and the main for the first time this season and then took her out. Beautiful 63 degree day with 8-10 knots of breeze gave us 4-4.6 knots upwind and 3.2-3.6 knots running home. Still working out making the turn to get Lark up close to the dock so we can get her in the lift. A work in progress. But a great start to the sailing year!