If weather could be reserved then that might explain things better. After last night's full moon sail things seemed hard to do better. Well today took us deeper into the nit and gritty of operational sailing,
The group text as well as the people of the crew began reaching out with text messages. Offers of coffee, ETAs and what is thought to be the access code to the shower facilities. Having already had a comprehensive sink splash with hot water the luxury of a shower shall be saved for tomorrow.
Ann was a real team player and brough a large black and a healthy muffin. A nice way to start the day. Jason arrived shortly after and he had a nice lecture about navigations, charts, a buoy markings. We then studied the charts and came up with a general plan for the day's passage. It would take us well along the coast and attention would need to be given to an old yet not yet retired artillery range. Although they did not aim out into the water there was a chance for misfire and therefore an area marked as restricted.
Ann took the helm on the way out. She looks like she was born to be there.
Having a fellow student worked out very nicely in my estimation. While Ann was genuinely enjoying her dancing with the wind, it gave me ample opportunity to familiarize myself with the working of sheets again, as well as exploring the roller furling jib. Makina has one, so this was a great opportunity for me.
We also did multiple demoes of taking anchorage. One we stayed longer to have a relaxed lunch; which were supplied P&Js which Jason brought along. Delicious bread that was hard to believe was not home made.
Ann and myself switched rolls throughout the day.
After lunch we practiced, and re-practiced, man-over boards. We were using a figure eight like maneuver which includes some unique use of sail positioning to turn the bow in a corkscrew fashion. Suffice it to say there were a few attempts with the flag at the end of the pole buoy which Jason carries attached to the stern pulpit.
Source : promarinestore.co.uk
It was mentioned that this was a practice as well as instruction. If they had of been human crewmates in a cold harsh sea some attempted rescue runs may have resulted in casualties. Note to self : More practice recommended.
Jason kept the pace up and imparted his wisdom of the study in an ever flowing bounty of knowledge interspersed with other interesting topics related to the study. Coming to Meaford seems like it was a good decision. This weekend's weather, alone, was reason enough.
My estimate is that another weekend would be needed to get the 28 hours of instruction required prior to qualifying for testing. It would be nice to finish off that accreditation with Jason. It would be really nice to have him sail with me on Makina for a weekend as well. That does not seem out of the question considering past conversations we have had in email.
There is so much more to say yet too tired to say it. Today has made me a believer. The task of skippering is not out of reach.
May the wind be at your back!
A chronological listing of my sailing posts:
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