Sailing Most of the Day

Today we headed north half the day with SW to W winds about 10 knots so we figured we may as well sail, since we took the classes.  The Shady Lady is a sweet sailing boat, I think (what do I know?).  Always seems in control, although it's still confusing how to trim the sails for maximum benefit.  Thanks to Alan's Annapolis book on seamanship, I can read up at night and give it a try tomorrow.  Most humbling; I thought I was a pretty smart and practical guy.  Much to learn.  

On the other hand, Gramps' training in the Gulf of Mexico when I was a kid on how to read navigation charts is still working!  Our charts and GPS* worked again today, plotting our way around reefs off the north end of the Thumb heading into Port Austin.  Tomorrow will be the real test.  We sail across 35 miles of open water from Port Austin to Harrisville.  Five-to-seven hours if things go as well as they have been.  Gonna be hot, though, and I miss air conditioning!  Can't wait to get to the UP where A/C is natural! 


* I'm a bit of a purist, I guess.  I don't want to drive by GPS but prefer to use charts for the most part.  The GPS I have does not have nav charts but shows latitude and longitude and coastline outlines.  From the lat/long I can find us on the chart and plot a new course.  Found every buoy we were looking for on the first pass!  Feeling pretty good about that. 

Some pictures from a few days back; thanks Kitty!