Too bad we don't get these conditions more often!
Too bad we don't get these conditions more often!
First off let me say that I hope everyone in Irene's path are safe and didn't have any negative effects due to the storm! I have seen the damage that a hurricane can inflict. Had quite a bit of wind here today on Florida's west coast. I assume in part due to Irene. Weather report estimated 15-20 knots and I'm pretty sure it was gusting a bit higher. We sailed north to 3 rooker from the marina on main alone and were cruising over 5 kts on a close reach. Anchored off for a couple hours, had dinner and played card games. Decided when we left to set the jib and main for the run/broad reach back to the channel and ended up carrying full sails all the way back to the Dunedin Causeway bridge. We had a fun ride back down and have a GPS confirmed 6.9 kts and over 6 most off the way. That's with the engine down and a not so clean rudder. Would have been perfect surfing with a spinnaker (one of the next things on the list). Hope everyone has a great weekend!
