Sailed on an international FJ this weekend in a regatta in Hoorn, NL. What a pretty harbour! An amazing experience sailing by windmills, historic houses, canal boats, old north sea fishing boats, etc... First day the winds were pretty light. I'd say our main goal was to keep the boat moving. The winds picked up on the second day so our goal shifted to "have fun, don't capsize!". Was so fun sailing with Dutch sailors and learning some Dutch sailing terms (I already knew "Schipper" bc it is like our "Skipper" but with one of those "schk" sounds we don't use in English). The group was so kind, friendly, and welcoming! It was a really nice experience and beautiful scenery. They had a USA sail for the boat I was on too! It was also cool seeing the flying dutchmen fly! They also taught me how to use a trapeze and held the boat stable for me to practice on land.
Century Club: Mariah Dean
Had to do a canal tour in Amsterdam. Saw a lot from the water wouldn't of otherwise seen. Also learned more about Dutch history. Very nice. Also included some pictures from the maritime museum (the royal dutch canal boat is pretty cool!) And just a cute picture of a little clog sailboat thing from Kuekenhoff.
Did a port tour of Rotterdam. Wow that is a big port! It is like it's own city! Biggest port in Europe and one of the largest in the world. The weather was a bit less than ideal so the inside of the tour boat was super crowded. I sat up top the whole time, the only one to do so. Glad I beought my buff. Cool tour and learned more about the Netherlands trade and maritime industry. Included a picture I saw while walking past the Rotterdam maritime museum (did not go in) about a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor. Doubt the backpack was intentionally part of the design but I could be wrong, regardless, thought it was a nice touch.
Almost forgot to log the spring invite on april 14. Good times!
Cool experience and I'm glad I did it. Included all pictures that someone else on the tour took from his kayak in order. The waves were rolling as he was taking the photos. It gives a glimpse of how big those rollers were.
Toured the USS Midway on a day where it wasn't good for surfing. Was cool. Did not leave the dock. I dunno why but honestly I thought it'd be bigger.
3/13, 3/14, 3/19, 3/23 surfing in San Diego . I have a lot to learn and practice with surfing lol (the board was already damaged when I rented it lol felt I should clarify that. I used another board later). Would of loved to surf more but the weather was not cooperative. The days I went was pretty good surfing though.
3/3- first frostbite of the year
3/10- second frostbite of the year. Got to help with jib and learned a lot from an experienced sailor who was on board. Also tried to be good rail meat and hike when needed lol. Strong winds and fun times.
3/1- observed engine maintenance and motored around
Chilly (in the 40's) and sunny afternoon sail on BR. Wore a pair of basic under armor socks and thick wool blend carhartt socks over them. Also wore my booties instead of sneakers like yesterday. So my feet were much warmer today than yesterday. Also wore a warmer feece that isn't as baggy as the hoodie I wore yesterday. Much warmer. The sun being out also contributed to feeling warmer.
Practiced trimming the jib. Pulled the roller furler in for the jib. Helped flake and secure the main. Bowlines for docking.
Got asked if I was ok a few times because I was very quiet. I was just enjoying listening to others' convos. Though admittedly I have had a lot on my mind with the anniversary of when my ex and I set sail for the ICW being so recent. Last night I thought about how my pictures from yesterday's sail included what almost looked like a heart in the clouds (which I did not realize until posting pictures here) but then a red moon which is a bad omen.
Looking forward to warmer and sunnier days. Though my foulies I got on sale at the boat show have been coming in clutch.
P.s. today is my 69 day streak on Duolingo for learning Spanish