What a delight it was to be given the opportunity to crew on this gem in light winds, and rippling waters of the north coast's ocean/pond Lake Erie. Even better was the Captain and experienced crew. It all started with some great music and friends the night before last listening to some great tunes from this guy
, Ernie Krivda
At least initially, the absolute most gratifying aspect of setting literal foot onto this J120 was the spacious, clean, and well arranged deck. This was especially important for me as I had just recently made a long road trip to Hampton Roads, Virginia which required that I clean out all my boat stuff and stuff from my truck. Including my 30 liter Harken dry bag back pack with deck shoes, sailing gloves, portable gps & vhf, sun shirt, and hat. Preferring to manage the bow without flip flops, and having no hat or sun glasses to cover my eyes and head, I was barefoot and topless and quickly quite comfortable on this gorgeous boat.
With light winds it was a one race day with one leg up, and one leg back. Deploying the Asymmetrical spinnaker was entertaining and educational. The extendable bowsprit being controlled from the cockpit took gave me a momentary surprise when it began extending and a briefly had a science fiction movie sensation. Silly. Yep.
Once the spin was up, and the Captain, and her more experienced crew had all the trimmings set, this thing felt astonishingly quick and elegant. Granted we were in light winds, but it felt like she was making wind.
@ahoybaker
#bakersails