My last sail of the year in Marystown, Newfoundland, Canada, on New Years Eve.

The forecast was for light winds in the morning, steadily building to a southerly gale in the late afternoon.

We got off the dock just after 0800, and started setting sails immediately in a very light tailwind. The picture was taken in Little Bay, where Issuma is now docked, by Francis Farrell.


Several ropes were frozen, so getting the sails set was slow. We weren't able to set the jib at all because the sheets were too swollen to get through a turning block.

With a reefed main (not shown) for balance and two staysails, we pleasantly sailed Mortier Bay (where Marystown and Little Bay are) for almost three hours. Then the cold wind picked up and encouraged dousing the sails and motoring back to the dock for a celebratory drink below in the warm cabin.