Tonight we were missing Spinnaker Man, conspicuously. But thank God Rock Star showed up. Also, our emerging crew is more international than ever. We have a Scotsman as well as a Frenchman. Both are experienced blue water sailors. Tonight, we also picked up a delightful lady off the docks who was holding a sign, saying "Will pull ropes". She could. She could also take pictures! She was a colorful and unexpected addition.
But it look these experienced hands some time to get the hang on what Das Boot needs to get her sail trim in the groove. Some lines were released that shouldn't have been, etc. We weren't perfectly tuned. I feel a little bit like Don Mattingly of the Dodgers (who are currently in a seven-game losing streak). the Dodger manager says he's more enthusiastic about the way his team plays harder and harder every day. While the real problem with his team and Das Boot's team is a management problem: more practice needed. More of my patience, also. But I have great players. We're coming together. I just need them all on the boat at the same time. For a little bit more time.
Today, the forecast promised a steady 14 knots. It was steady at 14 for 65% of the triangle course. After we rounded the leeward mark, it dropped to 4 knots. Been there before. The mistake we made was to break out the beers which caused the remaining wind to evaporate. People had evening plans and we kicked on the diesel and packed it in. But we weren't the only ones.
Like Mattingly would say, I felt better as I was leaving the docks than I had felt arriving.
Today, the forecast promised a steady 14 knots. It was steady at 14 for 65% of the triangle course. After we rounded the leeward mark, it dropped to 4 knots. Been there before. The mistake we made was to break out the beers which caused the remaining wind to evaporate. People had evening plans and we kicked on the diesel and packed it in. But we weren't the only ones.
Like Mattingly would say, I felt better as I was leaving the docks than I had felt arriving.
Clearly you were better off for having sailed, so why the humbug about the turn of events? Sounds like a wonderful day to me.
ReplyDeleteIt was a good day. It was a great sail while it lasted. Mattingly and I mean to say that things were learned and accomplished on the water. And guys and girls left the docks more of a team than they were when they arrived in the arena.
DeleteLooks like a lot of fun. Almost makes me want to get on a floating caravan one of these days.....
ReplyDeleteDo you serve gin??
Yes. Our races resemble group day-sails. Underway we serve anything that doesn't involve bottles. At the dock, gin is most welcome.
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