It was a rough morning. I really must learn that the fun of sailing is diminished by a hangover. Regardless of the state of my head, though, I was not about to miss this opportunity to take Ashiya out of her slip. We finally have a functional engine and boom to support the mainsail. We are ready.

We enjoyed a big breakfast and then prepared Ashiya for a sail. When we prepared to toss off the docklines, a small crowd gathered. Lane took photos and Tammy indicated that they would be monitoring Ch16 on the VHF. We fired up Mr. Engine, Sir, and motored slowly away from the dock.

Although I was feeling a little green around the gills, nothing could keep a smile from my face.

Once we had reached the final green marker at the entrance to Broad Creek, we turned into the wind and raised the sails. The wind was light. A little too light, as we spent the first hour just trying to find a point of sail which kept the sails full. I took advantage of the calm conditions to lie down, down below. I was feeling poorly enough that I decided to share some of my breakfast with the fishes.

After a while, the wind picked up and we had a nice bit of sailing , I began to feel better and took the helm for a while. After a couple of hours it was time to turn on Mr. Engine, Sir, take down the sails, and head back to the dock. I hate Sundays.

Our first docking was not bad, but not pretty. I circled in front of the slip in order to back aft-in. Unfortunately, I didn't get good steerage because I was going too slow in reverse. After nearly taking out a crab-pot. I came around for a second try. I managed to get close enough to the outer piling for Sheryl to grab a line. I put it in neutral and coasted while I took the line from Sheryl. She went to the bow to fend off the other piling. We managed to pull ourselves into the slip, somewhat thankful that no one was around to watch this less than graceful entry.

All-in-all, it was a good sail, and a good learning experience. I, for one, will never again make the mistake of leading the jibsheet directly to the winch (instead of through the fairlead first). It really doesn't work well that way. Boy, we do have a lot to learn.