Today was the first weekend we’ve had enough wind to sail, and no thunderstorms.

We got there at noon, raised the mast and put it in the water. Then we raised the main and Genoa and started to the other end of Thomas Hill.

There was enough wind that the rail was a hands width from the waters edge. We had some good runs and even saw another sailboat at the far end of the lake.

Unfortunately the winds were not favorable for a straight approach and we had to constantly tack. It took nearly 3 hours to get to the other side of the lake, and by that time the other sailboat had called it quits.

Thus, with just our sailboat there we decided to eat and head back to the dock.

We turned downwind and the wind just died. After 20 minutes it came back and we covered half the lake in one direction.

Now we have the dock in sight and started up the outboard to bring us in. Dropped the sails and motored in.

Note to self. Don’t have your crew go forwards under power. The prop will come out of the water and you’ll lose the ability to control your direction at slow speeds. Drink more water because it’ll keep one hydrated in the sun.

The positives. We raised the rudder and locked it up, so his time it didn’t drop down when we pulled it from the lake.