Subtle Joys of Life

Another splendid day! Our adventure began with a hardy breakfast at the dining hall on campus. Our minds are continually stretched with new material every day. In class we discussed Quick Stop Overboard Recovery, a new technique for rescuing crew having fallen off the boat. For our practical morning session on the water we attempted to practice this new technique with little wind (ergo, ipso facto, therefore....no reefs in the main sail). There were many a dolphin playing and eating (yesterday there were several copulating off the port bow).

Lunch!

The afternoon classroom session explicated powering down the sails. The idea is that in stronger wind, having full sails up would not only be bad for the sail (too much tension can damage or shred the sail completely) but also puts the crew in danger of excessive heeling (the boat leaning over). Powering down the sails (putting a reef in) enables a sloop to sail safely in stronger winds. Our practical sessions usually try to practice what we learned in the classroom, however light winds in the afternoon left much to be desired. Many boats were navigating under power (a small outboard motor) and discovered a plethora of dolphin activity near a local bridge. Oh the excitement in the air. With about an hour left in our sailing expedition, the wind began to pick up and our attentions turned back to powering down the sails. Having practiced this (and some impromptu practice freeing a keel from the shallow muck of the bay) we sailed back into our place of berth at the Eckerd College Water Front. A quick wrap-up session later and we were done for the day.

Dinner!

Days continue to increase in excitement. I can't wait to learn more about sailing, meet new people, and...maybe...totally enjoy the beautiful weather after hearing about my amazing brother's university canceling class due to the forecast of a -40 degree wind chill. That's too cold to think about (as I look out of the hotel window and see the two outdoor pools and palm trees).

Cheers!

The AMAZING Girls

Oh Scotty


ADORABLE


Abigail Looking Amazing