OK…So technically its not the first sail of 2014, I have been on a few minor sails but nothing major mostly in harbor just to keep the boats various lines and systems in working order. I am a FIRM believer in the old motto, “Use it or Lose it.”. That all changed today! I had a half day at work and I decided that even though the wind wasn’t big, I would take the boat out. I got to the boat about 5pm. I LOVE this time of year after Daylight Savings Time ends, and it stays light until 730 or later. Fired up the motor and took all the covers off and in a few minutes, I was backing out of the slip. There was a nice breeze, maybe 8 knots. I got to harbor unfurled the headsail and headed south with the current. Light winds, small waves, no chop, and about 70 degrees. PERFECT sailing weather. The 155 headsail is still on the boat and is becoming my favorite sail, especial in these light winds. This season I think I am going to add an 134 or 140 to replace the 135 that is pretty much fast. The 125 is great but a tad bit small in the light stuff and at times the 155 is a bit much to handle when singlehanded sailing in bigger wind, The boat was moving at about 5 knots and it was just a relaxing sail. After about an hour, I tacked, turned around and headed back into the current. Boat speed was 4.5 knots this way, and I was on more of a close reach. Broad reach into the harbor at sunset. Amazing! Hoping this is a start to an amazing sailing season.
