Others Sailing My Boat
While the East Coast was experiencing the first arctic blast for the year, we sailed out of Goodland FL for a nature encounter in the 10 thousand islands area of the Florida Gulf coast, with the West Coast Trailer Sailing Squadron. With much of the country hunkering down in sub-freezing temperatures, we found sunny but cool climes on Panther Key, a popular wilderness camp island.
Photo credit: Ricky
As written previously in this blog, I pretty much sail single handed. Generally, have done quite well by choosing the launch sites that have good sheltered ramps and piers. Once out on the water, I can get into a rhythm of coming about, gauging the wind and water for the next tack, choosing a not-so-demanding course, and just have a nice time out there. Still working on my reefing while underway (I got to get an auto helm). Not a big deal if just starting out, but a bit of a challenge underway to head up, drop the halyard a bit and reef with a bit of a breeze. Still working on improving my on-water techniques. This time I reefed from the outset expecting up to 15+ winds. If out by myself, will definitely reef early. Just want to have fun and not get overwhelmed.
The anchorage on the south side of Panther Key got us out of the direct wind, but showed the wide mud/sand flat shoreline at low tide. As you can see below, probably could have done better to mind the tide in choosing this anchorage. Waiting for the tide to come in by early afternoon, afforded the time to leisurely take in a camp breakfast and spend more time talking boats and sailing the Florida waters.
One of the best things about letting other sailors handle your boat is that it provides an opportunity to cruise as if you were a crew. You get to see the sails, rigging and boat handling from another perspective. And so it was after the tide made some maneuverable water to get off the beach. My friend Ricky and I set out to chase the wind while waiting for more water to get his Windrider off the beach. Ricky sails Hobie Mirages and Windriders. This tri is a bit more that, so Ricky settles in as a yachtsman at the helm, and I get to shake out my reef, watch the tells and trim the full sails. We sailed around to the north side of Panther and decided to move camp to that beach.
Photo credit: Ricky
Ricky at the helm
We eventually got to the point of enough water to float the Windrider, pack out the camp and set out for the north side. While the shore is a bit deeper, sooner, the tide does starch out the beach so a lot of rode and adjustments are required to float the boat through the tide cycles, and still keep the boats close to shore.
Flying my kite (foreground) to Simon's kite.
Photo credit: Ricky
Flying Ricky's kite.
So hanging out on the north side of panther, had a bit of wind on the face. No matter, spent quality time telling sailing and life stories around the campfire. Now the local temps were low 50’s in the morning to sunny and 70 deg. F. at mid-day. With a nice breeze, we flew kites for a bit of amusement. My friend Simon has a go-pro mount that flies on the kite string. I need to check out his videos.
Now to get back out on the water. JF (Bedard) at the helm.
Had a nice 15+ breeze out of the NE for a quick sail out with friends Simon and JF. Nothing having other engineering professionals sail your boat. Again provides me quality time to observe sail response to trim positions. Sail shape observations and comments from two other experienced sailors, abet mono hullers, made for interesting and constructive discussions. Every time I go out I learn something. That’s just the way it is with sailing. With my two friends, my learning was exponential. Big take away is that with a nice puff of wind, the tri takes off sort of like giddy-up horsey. While in a mono hull, the boat heals and quick ballast adjustment is a must. At one point I think we measured a 11 to 14 kt apparent wind on beam reach, and we were doing up to a nice 11 to 12 kts, with full main and jib. If I had been cruising out here by self at the time, probably would have had one reef in.
JF at the helm, head down reading the GPS. Simon incognito.
Simon (Lew) at the helm.
I like this little tri. There are definitely more enjoyment, amusement and instructive attributes to sailing with experienced and thoughtful friends.
No matter the weather up north, it's beautiful on the Gulf coast.