I put in at Mackey's Marina on the south side of the sound. My friend's motor decided to quit on the way out, so we teamed up in the Potter and headed out the creek, towards Edenton 7 nm north, and right into the wind. Started off on a port tack, wind 15 kt, 2 foot waves. Bumpy, choppy, but fun. The only headsail I currently have is a lapper, but if it didn't get any worse, we'd be fine.
Well, it did get worse. The waves got bigger, the wind got higher, the tops got foamy, and the boat heeled over more, and about every other wave sprayed over the top of the boat. I quickly got used to heeling over 30 and 40 degrees (would pinch up at 40, didn't want to find out how much further it wanted to go!). Between the waves and being heeled over so much, we averaged only 3.5-4 knots. It wasn't too uncomfortable, just hard work. Biggest problem is I've never had to pay much attention to stowing items, so with each tack and 45 degree heel, all sorts of things landed on the floor. And then came the puddle.
--to be continued--
J.J. Falkanger
Cary, NC
P-19# 792 "Fozzguppy"
****************************************************************************
FOX NEWS ONLINE. ETRADE. FOX NEWS ONLINE. ETRADE. FOX NEWS
ONLINE. ETRADE.
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE INTELLIGENT INVESTMENT
SYNDROME. http://www.foxnews.com
****************************************************************************
It's time for E*TRADE (SM)
Get a $75 sign-up bonus and a free @etrademail.com address.
Details at http://www.etrade.com