I just got back from sailing across Superior and around the Apostles Islands with my 4 year old son. Have a few pictures. Here is one where we tried the spinnaker, which I am not really set up for but we rigged it anyway. Perfect wind for it and we had a nice downwind ride to Raspberry Bay for the night.
Here is another shot of the spinnaker. We sailed by the lee for a long while which actually worked well. Wish I had a pole though.
Here is Femme at anchor in Presque Isle bay, complete with riding sail and awning rigged. Just lovely weather.
And lastly, here she is in Schooner Bay marina the morning I started getting her ready for haul out. I really look forward to extending the sailing season but now I just cannot do it with the young kids and all. But I love this shot. The dinghy is forward to be out of the way of the crane cradle. I also remove the boom and dodger so there is plenty of room for Alfred to maneuver the sling thing.
Sorry I have no great shots from the crossing but we did have 6-8 footers, 18 knots of wind and a nice beam reach with only one tack to give a crossing upbound freighter some more room. I do have some video on You Tube from an earlier crossing where we had 45 knots. On youtube, search "lake superior cape dory" and you'll find it.
The boat sailed very well and had a nice motion in those short large waves. I cannot say enough about her simple sailing qualities and simple comfort below. I have heard a Little Harbor owner say he always thought the Alberg boats moved through the water/waves the best of any he knew. And though it is arguable, it just may be truth. I have consistently felt safe, comfortable, able to sail faster than one would expect in our CD33. What a great time!
Here's to getting out there.
All the best,
Paul
