Had a nice motorsail out into Lake Michigan just past the cribs. Had a nice bbq on the boat and really enjoyed the time. Great vibes
Century Club: Mariah Dean
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
Well. I created a railmeets account months before I got to Chicago. Thought I found a boat for Wednesday night beer can race for July 3. However, they cancelled the race because so many people were out of town and the excessive boat traffic. The person I connected with via railmeets suggested I try the walk the docks with a smile and beer approach to find a boat to crew on. I did, and had success.
Everyone on the dock was doing boat work since the race was cancelled. They were also having a 4th of July dock party. I offered moral support while someone was up the mast and passed a cord down through a hatch... that is boat work, right?
The Chicago sailors were very friendly. Happy to of met them! Their dock party was fun. Great view of the weekly Wednesday fireworks.
Monday, July 1, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
A nice Monday night paddle with a local group. Leisurely and social. The weather was high 70's with a light breeze. Was great weather for the evening paddle!
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
Listened to 90's music, motored out to a good spot to anchor, anchored, then dove down and scrubbed the boat bottom. Was good to practice swimming and light free diving.
Then got some coaching at single handing. Did a couple tacks and jibes all by myself. Jib, main, and helm. Was good. Want to practice that more.
Friday, June 28, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
I did it!! I sailed an fj with a main and jib solo for the first time! It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Except Murphy's law... I hit myself in the ribs with the tiller which I don't recall ever doing before, got it stuck on the main sheet, the jib sheets came undone multiple times, they got hung up under the centerboard, etc... but I didn't capsize! I learned a lot. I have some ideas for how to improve wing on wing solo next time.. idk. I must not of looked too terrible from shore because Adam told me "well done" hahah
After sailing, I decided to take a swim. However, I turned around pretty quickly once I realized how bad the jellyfish had gotten. I helped the river keepers get their boat on their trailor and talked with them some. Then I walked to the pool and did some laps. Trying to practice swimming without splashing.
The anchorage is the most crowded I've seen it in quite some time. Some cool boats in there.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
Race was cancelled bc of the weather ... went for a sail after the storms cleared up. Lot of debris in the water. Went to BR instead of BC bc I thought they were short crewed. Still less crew though. And at least I got out on the water today. It was crazy how much the boat was heeling at the dock during the storm.
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
All I know about today is we were well ahead of the pack until I went down below to rabbit the spin!
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
Did the Smith Point race on BC. Got to practice trimming jib and spin. It was a hotter day. Good breeze- maybe 10-15 kts with some 3' sea state? Fastest boat speed I saw was 12.6kts when we were on a 2-2.5 hr spinnaker set on the last leg of the race. We were cruising at 10/11 kts for a bit during that. Thought it was cool how well the boat handled and felt during that speed, it was pretty smooth. I think the capt said we covered 42 miles in 6 hours.
Friday, June 21, 2024
Number of days:
1 day
Really wanted to practice single handing the main and jib on a fj today but got stuck doing work stuff and ended up getting out too late. So took a paddle board for a quick paddle instead. Got to hear the river concert practice while paddling which was nice. Amazing how there are totally different boats anchored today than there were Tuesday. Then I went to yoga on the wharf. So I may not of gone sailing today but maybe what I did counted as cross training anyway?? Haha..