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My first exposure to sailboating was in the late 70's on Lake Winnepasaukee, New Hampshire. This was also my first experience in heeling (way over). It was exhilherating and un-nerving all at once. I wasn't very sure that I would ever do this again.
I spent fourteen years working in Puget Sound for the military. During that time I ventured to many locations in the Sound and Virginia, California Panama and Alaska. However, although I was working on the water (actually, under the water in the engine room), restrictions applied in regard to my job that didn't allow me much personal time on the water. I did get to see pleasure boaters and destinations that I would someday go back and visit when I wasn't in the company of the military.

I purchased a used 21' Reinell powerboat and never got it in the water. Too much work and so little time. Twenty years later I got exposed to sailing by my partner and I am hooked.

October 2007
Completed an Intro to Sailing course offered at TCC. The instructor was also affiliated with US Sailing in Gig Harbor, WA. This was a short classroom course with a four hour hands-on section on tacking, jibbing and basic handling. After being on this 22' Catalina Capri, our 17' Silverline Dolphin seemed pretty small, it is amazing how much difference 5' makes on a boat. I decided at that point, a 30' boat was just about right for me.

Prior to taking this course, I didn't know how a sailboat actually operated. Now that I understand the basics, I highly recommend a course like this for first-time sailboaters. We got through the terminology which makes perfect sense when dealing with other sailboaters (it seems like there is a name for everything on a sailboat).

After attending this introduction to sailing, I have decided to postpone my Solo Pacific Ocean crossing until I can outfit "Fruitcake" with a few extra options. The first thing added will be a BBQ.

Oct 07
Sailing Henderson Bay. We have been looking for a 27-30' sailboat to indulge or sailing experience for a couple of months now. looking here and there, all over the country, in our state, wondering how it would be to sail from Bellingham or Port Townsend or New York! Sue and I got so tired of searching for the perfect boat, we just decided to use the boat we have and go sailing! The following pictures are from Oct 27/28 on Henderson Bay. We attempted to get to Deadman's Island, but there is not enough wind to get us there before dark.

Who forgot to put the drain plug in before we left? We ended up with a good 15-20 gallons of fresh sea water in the bilge. It was a good thing that Sue checked the cabin and noticed a shitload of water getting our stuff wet. Although I have the bailing pitcher in my hand, Sue is the one who bailed most of the water. I really don't want to take credit for the work done.

It's a long way to the top if ya wanna rock-n-roll. This is proof that the sails were full, although it sure looks like it is luffing.

Skipper Sue and I

Departing the Purdy boat launch.

Skipper Sue in one of her many duties underway.

Skipper Sue at the helm.

A beautiful October afternoon. Notice Deadman's Island on the left. We didn't get there this trip because the wind just stopped. In fact, the wind went minus and caused us to be travelling backwards. We ended up motoring back to the boat launch.