Beautiful night sail

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

With 7 women on board, SPRAY, performed flawlessly this evening. I can't believe how much easier and easier she gets to sail. Sure, I still have to be careful around hard objects as with driving any vehicle. But truly, the extra money she cost is worth it. The roller furling jib and screacher eliminate foredeck crew, except for the occasional, oops, whoops, something is caught on the watch --a ma- call- it. By our next outing, of course, everyone will know to call the watch --a ma-- call - it by its real name, the cleat on the bow of the center hull.

For anyone who has taken six gals, one who has never sailed before, one who only sailed on a 25 foot dory type sailboat, and four others who have just enough knowledge to believe they can handle the boat, you will understand the gratitude of a dying wind. Before leaving the dock we pledged to keep in mind that this event was just for fun. Therefore, we would play fair, but always err on the side of being a good sport and always, always, leave a wide margin of room between our boat and the others.

As it turned out the waning wind, along with the helmsman's non-belief that our navigator was leading us toward the correct mark, we ended up far enough back in the fleet that cheating our way to the finish was what the majority ruled. Well, we didn't really cheat, we simply agreed to head back to the dock. Afterall, we were obviously last with no chance of catching even one more boat. The sun had set, it was getting dark, and our nav lights didn't come on.

Still, I know I was excited to know that seven ladies went home feeling good, with lots of stories to share about their adventure. Hopefully, they will be inspired to participate in a little homework assignment that I will prescribe. More importantly, I wish them all a good night's sleep with dreams of sailing days to come.

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

Yea, Lola, I am inspired to hear you taking the time to practice backing out of your slip. I host dockside drills each Wed or Thurs night. Docking is definitely on the list!

[LOLA]

Well ladies, I believe I have backing out of my slip, and getting it with great ease...I hope i can Show you Suky when you come....The weather was rain.so just did the slip practice...Tue we may sail...if weather cooperates.

[Suky]

Be looking for you :)))))))

[Marlene A. Sassaman]

Can't wait to sail with you this summer. :-) :-)

[Suky]

Marlene - you rock.....So sweet - and I have done the same - taking out 6 women - with little or no experience. It's quite a high introducing them to my love of sailing... I'm sure they had a terrific time. Night sailing is my favorite.