Loaded for Bear with Chips on Both Shoulders

Other cliches may apply. But the wind again defied lower predictions and was steady at 15 knots. I resolved to find a better angle for my first port tack by looking for space in the center of the line. Starting on starboard, I found such a gate and charged. One yacht my size, which I shall not name, was running the line. I forcefully hailed him that I was coming up. I forced him over the line early and with no regrets. From then on, it was a delightful sail. At the weather mark we were 2nd only to a well-sailed Beneteau 40.7. On the first reach we were passed by the Ranger-33's spinnaker work, but he could not carry it on the 2nd reach and was left deep in our wake. Crew work was flawless, blessed as we were by MVP's return from a business trip. Fun time drinking at the club afterwards.