what a day for a DaySailer

[K.C. Walker]

This is one of those days that helps me get through the long New England winter. Crystal clear blue sky and steady 10 kn breeze. Does it get any better than this! I don't think so.

My friend Mark and I sailed out of little Narragansett Bay through the narrow Sandy Point channel, past Stonington harbor, and out into the Block Island sound. Once we got out in to the sound and picked up the steady breeze, Red Tail took off. We made for the eastern end of Fishers Island and the current was really flowing strong against us out of the Long Island sound. Still, we made great progress against current and wind. What a great little boat! Aren't we fortunate.

There were all kinds of sailboats out. As we were leaving Stonington harbor we sailed by a Laser race. Once outside, there were all manner old cat boats, schooners, herreshoff sloops, and of course the modern hi Tec sloops as well. Certainly the scene was worthy of a painting. And, if we crossed paths with them they waved.

We made it to the western end of Fishers Island and turned back for home just before getting to the Dumplings. I knew the ride home was going to be a quick one, now we had the current with us and we were on a nice beam reach. The sun was starting to get a little lower and the light was really getting nice and golden. It looked great on all those sails.

Isn't it wonderful how every time you go out sailing it makes another great memory!

KC

[Baysailer]

I've always been a fan of fall sailing. I save a little vacation time just for some fall sailing, which I just spent. I'm usually good into early november then have to get ready for winter and all the glory it brings (toung in cheek).

I'm headed out right after lunch.

[Peterw11]

I got a good two hours in, yesterday, on the little lake near here where I keep my DS1. Wind was steady, at about 10, for most of the afternoon and I had a nice wake trailing me a good part of the time.

Overall, great conditions for us raghangers.

Apparently, I wasn't the only who felt that way. Although the lake is only about 3/4 miles wide and the same distance long, there's usually quite a bit of powerboat traffic, especially on weekends. Yesterday, barring the half dozen or so patio boats that always seem to be out, the rest of the boats on the water were all sail powered.

Very unusual, in that there are at least 50 power boats of various sizes that are docked there, in addition to the folks who launch from the town ramp just for the day. At one point I counted 7 sail craft, including another DS and an 18' Boston Whaler dinghy that I'd never seen before,
a couple of board boats, two Hobies and two windsurfers.

Another unusual characteristic of this lake is, although wide open to the wind in every direction, it always seems to die about an hour before sunset.

In high summer, the breeze goes slack at about 7 pm, every day, like shutting off a switch. Yesterday, it happened at 5:45, almost on the dot.

I suspect that'll be the case until I haul out next month. Pretty depressing, although that's what we deal with in the Northeast.

I shouldn't complain, though, as I've gotten about 30 good days on the water so far this year (very rainy spring and early summer), and with some luck, will get a few more in the next few weeks.

[seandwyer]

It sounds like everyone had a glorious weekend - myself included! For once I went out with a friend of mine rather than kids and the wind really was cooperating at about 10 - giving us some nice heeling and constant fun. The weather was beautiful - blue sky, brilliant sun and billowy clouds. I jumped in the water a couple times, hove to for the first time by myself - as my partner was inexperienced. I also was afforded my first opportunity to ride up on top of the cuddy with my shirt off - another adult steering and happy to do so. It was brilliant, and fun and just - well, perfect. If Sunday hadn't been constantly rainy I think I would have gone again - against the wishes of my spouse. I'm looking forward to the fall sailing - I had the same experience with power boaters. Labor day has come and gone, and it would seem that for the most part, so have the most obnoxious of the power boats. It seemed the world belonged to sail power on Saturday and I too thought of the need to document in picture or paint - but was too bound within my own ecstasy to do anything about it.

[MrPlywood]

Great day for us with 10 to 15 winds, really scooting. It was sunny and about 65 degrees, another beautiful day in British Columbia. We found a nice new spot to beach the boat and I treated my daughter to a few snacks at her favorite shop.

I too noticed a lack of powerboats yesterday. That was nice. I guess it feels colder when you're going that fast

[K.C. Walker]

Yes, the lower population of powerboats did make it more pleasant when I was out, as well. Of course, there's always that 40 foot cruiser that's trying to get up on a plane and never makes it, mile after mile after mile…

KC