Last voyage of the season
On Saturday the 20th the weather was sunny and warmish, around 70 degrees, but there was a strong breeze from the WSW about 15-20 knots. It peaked around 25 kts. around Middle Ground, so it was a wet & wild trip to Port Jeff in 3-5' waves. It was a quick 2 hr. crossing, and a bit uncomfortable at times, but I really enjoyed it. We used only the #2 genny and averaged 6 kts. into the chop.
We got there mid-afternoon, and picked up our mooring. Only about 1/2 dozen boats were there enjoying the weather, but that's probably because it was so choppy out on the Sound that a lot of boats stayed in port.
Here's a nice shot of the sun ducking behind a cloud.
While I was grilling garlic chicken for supper, I snapped this self portrait.
You can tell it's Autumn by the flocks of geese migrating to warmer climes.
The thing I'll probably miss the most this winter are the sunsets. And the warmth. And the sunshine.
OK, I'll miss it all!
Heading home the next day we had brilliant sunshine, a nice westerly breeze, but it was a bit cooler. Sweater weather. Still, it was a great sail.
We sailed close by Middle Ground Stratford Shoal light to snap this photo.
This is probably it for the season, since I'm doubtful we'll get another warm weekend like that. Besides, I don't want to be covering the boat in 30 degree weather in late November, so we're going to get it hauled asap.
That weekend makes a total of
64 days we've sailed this season.
It was a great year.
Early October getaway
With the sailing season winding down, Joyce & I managed to take a quick trip over to Port Jeff on the unseasonably warm weekend of Oct. 6-7th.
After starting out in dense morning fog, the sun burned through and it warmed up nicely. Here Joyce is enjoying a book and a glass of
Pinot Grigio as our always-trusty Autohelm steers our sailboat in a gentle breeze.
Afternoon it even got warm enough for us to work on an Autumn tan!
Sunset captured through our cabin port. The weather was warm enough to sleep with the hatches open. And even though we didn't swim, the water was still warm enough and plenty of other late-season boaters took advantage of the nice weather and go for a dip.
Last Thursday race of the year!
Last night was the final Thursday race of the season, and the weather was warm with a light breeze.
We sailed light tonight, with Derek, Janel, Joyce and me only. Janel and Derek got to do some winch grinding during the race. We performed well when the breeze was up, but when it dipped below 4 or 5 knots, we really started struggling.
The race continued until full dark, even though the course was only WS3, but with the light conditions, combined with the early sunset, we crossed the finish line aided by the flashing yellow lights Larry Welsh put on the RC boat and starting pin.
The balmy weather looks like it'll hold for the weekend, so Joyce and I are going to squeeze in one more weekend at PJ. Here's a few pre-race photos:
From a few Thursdays ago
I don't remember exactly which Thursday it was I shot these pictures, but it was sometime last month. As usual, click on any image to enlarge.
The bowman of Kari not working very hard.
Kari moving along.
Sunsets are always amazing out here!
Here's a nice shot of the sun ducking behind a cloud.
While I was grilling garlic chicken for supper, I snapped this self portrait. 
You can tell it's Autumn by the flocks of geese migrating to warmer climes.
The thing I'll probably miss the most this winter are the sunsets. And the warmth. And the sunshine. 
Heading home the next day we had brilliant sunshine, a nice westerly breeze, but it was a bit cooler. Sweater weather. Still, it was a great sail.
We sailed close by Middle Ground Stratford Shoal light to snap this photo.
