It's been a while since I've updated the blog, so I thought I'd take the time to make a few posts.

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I was blessed with the good fortune of being asked to crew on 37 foot sailboat for the 2008 Queen's Cup race.� For those unfamiliar, the Queens Cup (http://www.ssyc.org/queenscup/default.asp) is one of the oldest cups in world-yachting still being offered for competition every year.� The race begins on the western shore of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee and finishes on the eastern shore in Grand Haven.�

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Our boat and crew crossed on Wednesday morning from Grand Haven to Milwaukee (approximately 72 nautical miles) in near perfect sailing conditions.� We had 15-25 mph winds on our beam nearly the entire way and averaged about 6.8 knots for an 11 hour crossing.�

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The race back home was even better.� We started in a thunderstorm and tacked around the starting area with a double reefed main.� Eventually the storm passed and we shook out the reefs and enjoyed an all night sail with the same winds (15-25 mph) but an even faster average speed of about 7.5 knots for a 9 hour and 47 minute crossing.� The boats, stars, lake conditions, skipper and crew were all very enjoyable.�

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I learned a lot about sailing and Lake Michigan and am grateful to the skipper and crew of Windfeather for allowing me to take part.

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