Bristol-Blue Lake Michigan Sailing Adventures

Over the last few weeks, we have been sailing at least once a week. We are really just starting to get the feel for Woodstock. We are also really just starting to organize and make things our own.        Using the leftover Sunbrella from the sail cover and a mesh laundry bag I did a little cutting and sewing to make a few stow bags for all the lines coming back to the cockpit.   I also made two new winch covers, the Self-tailing Winchards I installed last season increased the size of the winches heads so the old covers no longer fit. I used velcro wraps on the bottom to secure them.  I know a lot of people use elastic but with Covid-19 it can be hard to come by and I like the way these came out better.   Here are some weird people, you might see in the channel.          Asymmetric Spinnaker Day 2  We have loved this sail in light winds. On this run, we caught up with a cruising catamaran. They gave us a nice complement as we sailed passed. Then a few minutes later we went to take the s

We could not have asked for a better day for a shakedown. We set off to Lake Michigan in the early afternoon to a smooth lake and winds between 5 and 10 knots out of the north. We made several passes straight out and back. Trying out the new roller furler. Wow, I don't know why we didn't put one of these on our boats sooner.   Then we flew the asymmetric for a bit.  Video of a Tack Master of the Cleats.  Helm works. The Red Hot Challenge continues.  How long can you keep it on your tongue?  Lazy feet. Bow Watch Man An amazing first run for the season. Happy faces and all the new rigging and sail changes worked great. 

We finally did it we got out for a ride on the Duck Boat in Saugatuck .  This has been on our bucket list for a while.  We have seen the Duck boat many times.  Sometimes we are pretty sure we are part of the tour other times we are more than sure we are part of the tour.  I'm sure the jokes are different each time.  It was a cheery fun trip out and around the bay and ride through the town.   Anyway I know it's not sailing but this thing is just cool.  If you get a chance to go on one don't miss it.  Video in....  SpLaSh! Video Out....  ThUnK. With out us out on the lake this was the loan sailboat.  A Kayak sailor  not nearly as nice looking are our Typhoon.  Well hope this nice weather holds we are heading out sailing tomorrow. 

A few weeks ago we got together with some family.  My uncle and I were talking about sailing at night and all the great adventures we've had out on the lake after dark.   Well little ears are always listening. Myles I think figured out that if he could talk us into sailing at night he would be able to stay up past his bed time.  He has been relentless in his pursuit of a night sail.  So Friday we made it happen.   The weather all day was gorgeous with a nice sailing breeze but we held off until night.  Leaving  the dock about 9:30 in the dead calm.  About an hour later the wind returned.  The south side of the lake was super quiet with the exception of a few late night fisherman returning.  The north side had a nice party going on with a great live band.  As we drifted back and forth we went from silent to rock and roll.  It was quite a contrast and very humorous.   Here we are doing a light check before we leave.  For running lights I use the simple clamp on flashlight style.   Ye

So today we were out this afternoon for some fishing and sailing.  The breeze was steady but not overwhelming or overwonderful either.  As we headed out of the dock the fog began to roll in off the big lake.  A steady slow steam of white mist filled in the bay and over the next 2-3 hours it became so thick you could hardly see. We fished first today, anchoring out in the lake and casting a few billion times.  Tangling up our lines and catching nothing.   I hate fishing but kiddo likes it.     While fishing it was nice to watch the local sailing club out racing.  They have lasers, optis and 410s all out sailing together. A Tarton anchored in the morning area and took some time to hoist his main and straighten out some rigging. Once fishing time was over, we sailed a little.  I had high hopes of trying out my kite cam but forgot the string for the kite so that will have to wait until next time.   About an hour later we were d

So we sailed yesterday.  It was a good start as we zipped around lake Kalamazoo.  Myles fished of the stern and I managed the sailing.   We where having a great day then the wind dropped off.  After 20 minutes or so of drifting between wind shadows I decided it was time to give it up and head back in for some cool refreshments.  While we where puttering up the channel my dependable little 4 hp Merc cut out.  I was able to get the motor to restart and a 100 yards later it puttered out again.  I pulled the cover off this time gave it a look and checked to make sure the spark plug wire had not fallen off.  Then I looked at the tank.  The transparent tank appeared empty of green fuel.  I popped the cap off the tank and peered down in. There was just a dribble of fluid in the tank. As the boat went up and down on the waves I could see it slosh back and forth leaving the white plastic bottom of the tank clearly visible.   Placing the cap back on I choked the motor no fire this time.

This weekend I had a bit of fun.  I visited the local Michael's and picked up a nice frame for a project I've been working on.  A Cape Dory Typhoon print.   I found the photo online and inverted the colors.  Printed it out on some legal size paper a little bit of trimming and the results a perfectly framed print for our hallway!

Michigan 11 and a 1/2 inches of snow.  3-8 more inches expected by tomorrow!  

Around a year ago I published a post about sailing alone with a three year old.  Today I thought hey he's a whole year older.  Sailing alone with a four year old is different than a three year old.  Sure three and four year old's both want to help and be engaged.    However the four year old is far more capable of "helping out" on the Typhoon.  This can be good, it can also be bad. Four year old's remember stuff.  They know where you put those sail ties and can retrieve them for you. Four year old's remember stuff and will tell on you . Four year old's are stronger so when it comes to light wind days they can actually trim the jib.  "Maybe next year we will learn to tie off cleats." Four year old's are stronger so they can break things more readily. Four year old's can help rinse the deck with a hose when you are cleaning. Four year old's have their own ideas about how clean the boat should be, and may fill yo