Total Distance: 18 Miles Under Sail: 16
Average Speed: 4 kts
Conditions: Clear, 75-80 F, Wind Northeast at 10-15 kts, Seas 1-2 ft
School Day 3
Two new students join us for today's sail; Garry's daughter Jocelyn and Gabriela. I believe this is the second time Rhapsody had a full crew on the boat. She was in her glory. I gave her a full washing down and cleaning before the crew arrived. I wanted her to show her best face.
We launched out the marina at 1pm after discussing today's lesson. The plate was full. I started out the crew with my famous power drills. For Jocelyn this was her first time at the helm of a sailboat. A real newbie. She did a great job. Gabriela is the wife of Moses. She has a ton of cruising sea miles but Moses doesn't let her do a lot of tasks on the boat. So giving her the confidence of helm control and running the sails was important to her. Since each student was at a different level of sailing skills it was a challenge for me to make sure each student was getting the necessary training.
After the power drills, we raised sails out into the bay. We went over sail trim until each student could trim the sails in all points of sail. For each lesson, each student rotated through the various positions; helm, jib sheet winches and main sheet. I have to say they all did a great job. Once again we practiced heave-to for a snack break. On the way back home, as a final exam, I got into my cockpit chair to practice "The art of doing nothing"!. I said take me home! Each student rotated thru the positions on the one hour sail home. Before letting them loose, I set up the boat so they would have to tack back and forth to get to the dock. They worked as team to solve the problems that confronted them. Teacher had a smile on her face the whole time.
Docking. In case you all forgot, I back down the fairway to get into my slip about 1/2 down. Moses boat is near the end of the fairway. Well, Gill was on Moses boat in the cockpit as I went by them. Both Gill and Moses, started yelling "Beep Beep Beep!" to emulate the sound a truck makes when backing up. I laugh so hard, I started to pee in... well you get the picture. I think I know what Gill is going to get me for Xmas. Uggg.
To celebrate the day. "Can we say Sundowers"! In addition to crew, Gill and Moses joined us. My rum collection needs replenishing. :>)