[Rhodes22-list] First few sails

[Geoff Farrell]

Okay Rummy. I should be sailing right now but I have been worn down by your
appeals for sailing conversation. But, I am going to keep this short because
I really do want to go out for a sail soon.

It took me three days to prep the boat for launching because people kept
coming over to see the boat, crawl through it, admire it, etc. I felt like I
was displaying her at a boat show.

The launch went smoothly; we didn’t even need the extension. It was a bit
unnerving as somehow just about everyone in our condo development got wind
of the launch and either showed up at the ramp or lined the sides of the
marina as I motored to the slip. I thought I was a float (afloat?) in a
parade.

We stepped the mast on the water and it came up without a hitch, although I
won’t admit how long it took me to complete the rigging process. One very
encouraging thing- after we were done I had a long time sailor, captain, and
racer come to check out the rigging and he said he wouldn’t adjust
anything we did without first going for a sail and observing the rigging.
That made me feel good.

First sail I was a bit sloppy but the boat sailed like a dream despite my
ineptitude. My wife and I could handle the tiller with just one finger. I
completely forgot to lower the CB until we had been out a couple of hours.
So much fun.

We've been sailing at every opportunity. I was hesitant (afraid) to let the
full 175 out during the first three or so sails. But, then I finally got up
the nerve, and, wow. It is exhilarating! I can't believe how well this boat
sails. It seems so well balanced. During our last sail (Sunday) I used the
captain's seats for the first time. Now that's living.

All our sailing thus far has been in Mobile Bay. It's a very large bay. My
short term goal is to start sailing early enough in the day so that I can go
far enough to see the other shore and still return by sunset. So far I
haven't been able to see the western shore but the chart shows it so I'm
assuming it's there.

My wife Joyce has really taken to sailing and is enjoying it very much. I
think she had a worse case scenario in her mind but has been pleasantly
surprised by the stability and comfort of the boat and the pure fun of
sailing.

I've added pics to my album at:

https://picasaweb.google.com/geoffreylfarrell/Rhodes22?authkey=Gv1sRgCKL8sbTOlv-LPg&feat=directlink


Geoff