The speed gage showed 0.00. So yes, when we got some breeze and the gauge read 3.48 kts, we whooped.

“Let's see, when tacking, push the tiller toward the sail. Right. Away from the sail results in a jibe!”

How wonderful to get a boat on a weekend! Though smaller than usual, we still had a crew of 5. In addition to being a 26 footer, Leif had tiller steering giving those of us spoiled by wheels, the opportunity to once again familiarize ourselves with a basic fundamental. “Let's see, when tacking, push the tiller toward the sail. Right. Away from the sail results in a jibe!”

With a light southerly, Leif motored out into the fairway and beyond the seawall where we were met with an array of crab pots. Ahh, that time of year! We negotiated the crab pots motoring out further due to the light air. We did not want to be washed into them by the current. They can play havoc with a prop!

3.48 kts! The wind had been blowing about 8 kts at 9 AM, but the forecast for Sunday was a SE wind of about 5 kts veering S by afternoon. At least it was warm and sunny. I wasn't even expecting that. I'd pack long sleeves, a hoodie and my anorak in my duffle. But by 3:30 in the afternoon, it was clear that none of that would be needed. We were sitting just east of mid channel when the Holland America Westerdam plied the Sound heading north. Yes, we were sitting. The speed gage showed 0.00. So yes, when we got some breeze and the gauge read 3.48 kts, we whooped.

Still, what a delightful day! Though light air, it was enough to enjoy the day with sun, good company and a fair current. Dahl porpoises greeted us both to port and starboard, their dorsal fins rising as they undulated through the waves. We shared steering and guessed the cruise lines and ship names as two cruise ships plowed northward. Then as the afternoon wore on, and the current in our favor, aided by the iron sail, we made our way back toward Shilshole. With little breeze to interfere, we furled the jib and dropped and flaked the main before motoring back into the marina and returning Leif to her slip. It was indeed still a delightful day thanks to sun and congenial crew!


Link: http://https://mms.outventures.org/photo_album/gallery_slideshow.php?org_id=OTVN&pv_id=6796443&number=0

Submitted: 09/04/24
Article By: Magner, Millie