Sunset with the Girls
11 July 2008
Last evening, I met Patti and Lily for a sunset cruise. The weather couldn't have been nicer: sunny, mid 80's, low humidity, and a nice breeze. The Admiral packed us a nice dinner, and didn't forget a couple of beers! Shrimp cocktail appetizers, wrap sandwiches, macaroni salad and iced tea. All eaten while sailing southwest towards Long Island in perfect weather.
The breeze was a little inconsistent, but mostly was around 12 knots, gusting close to 15. In order to sail flat (and make dinner pleasant, as well as keep the Admiral comfortable), we never unfurled the main, using only the genny. Even so, we never sailed slower than 3.5 knots, were usually over 4, and hit 5.2 a few times. And never heeled more than about 5 degrees. Very comfortable.
Lily loved it, as did Patti. It doesn't get much nicer than that. I wish I had been able to take pictures because the light from the setting sun made everything and everyone look beautiful. We both remarked that it's nights like this that make it worthwhile to have a boat.
On the sail back in (we went out about 3.5 miles and then just turned around), the girls took out their magazines and read while I enjoyed the sail. We furled the sail just south of "Rocco's Breath Island" and motored the rest of the way, as at that point the wind was blowing directly from the way we needed to go. By the time we left the harbor to go upriver, it was dusk and most boats had their running lights on. A quick trip into town and Ashely's, and then home to Rocco.
Installed the new battery and filled up the gas tank. Put in almost three gallons.