September 21, 2006

As I've said far too often, my goal for my first sailing season was
to overcome hysteria.  Well okay, and to sail the San Juan Islands.
But, the hysteria part was a biggy.  I really didn't anticipate my initial
reaction to heeling in a sailboat.  And, indeed, I did accomplish that
goal the first season. 

My second season's goal was to do a solo sail,
that included an overnight stay on anchor and docking singlehand.  So
I focused my time on learning the skills I needed to pull it off.  As usual Dave
was right there to instruct me in the stuff I had ignored the first season.  By September
I felt ready.  And I lucked out because my "twin soul" Deena decided to
accompany me on her boat.  Pretty remarkable since it was her first season sailing.
But then she's pretty remarkable.
And so we did our maiden voyages together.



As you can see it was a beautiful September afternoon when we left
our respective moorings and raised our jibs to head down to Hoxie Cove.
The sail down was perfect with the sun shining around the clouds. 
We were able to sail side by side close enough to talk to each other.
I did encounter a glitch as I gybed into Hoxie when the jib sheet snap got
hung up on the forestay.  But the important thing is that it didn't rattle
me.  I just dealt with it!  I dropped anchor and Feel Free rafted up. 



I got to fixing my jib rigging problem while Deena prepared dinner
on her boat - Chicken with Stove Top Stuffing! 
A perfect meal for such a special occasion.  
Not to mention the streamers & champagne.



After a couple bottles or so of wine and much laughing
and good friendship we settled into our boats and
turned in for the night.  The next morning promised a
bright sunny day.  I cooked crepes for our breakfast afterwhich we
busied ourselves with boat projects.  Sometime in the afternoon we
headed out to sail.  I raised the main, weighed anchor and headed out
on the lake.  Deena said she would motor and take the video
as she felt it might be too windy for her comfort.  Not so!  As soon as
we got out in the open there was little to no wind.
But it showed up after a bit and was just right.  I had raised the jib
by this time and was having a ball.  When I looked back Deena had done
the same.  She said it just looked like too much fun.  We got about
two hours of sailing in before heading to the marina.  We each had successful
single-handed dockings.
I'm pretty sure you couldn't have winched the smiles off our faces.

A special thanks to Deena for making the event so special.

As I sail upon the waters of my life,
Through blows and calms and shifts,
I count having you,
as part of my "crew",
to be one of my most precious gifts.

(Pam's toast to Deena)