Bristol-Blue Lake Michigan Sailing Adventures

The weather conditions and schedules finally lined up this weekend for some sailing. My brother and I met up on Rose Lake with my DN and my Dad's Skimmer. From there we spent about six hours out on the lake.  Ice boating is some serious fun for those of you have never tried it.  It takes sailing to a new level.  While conditions were not perfect we were still skimming along dodging drifts at around 35-40 mph.  Speed sailing.  Keep in mind my boats are just cruisers the racers go faster. Here are some videos and pictures of the day. Go for a DN Ride. Go for a skimmer ride. Back to the DN In the zone. The old DN still slides Dress warm because it is cold in the 20's today not including wind chills and there will be wind. View from the sidecar.  Hang on tight.  Just before my brother Jibed and tried to throw me out. Bro and my niece of for a scoot around the lake My DN set up with my brother's sidecar for ride...

So much snow.  Last night we picked up another two feet.  This morning it was roof raking time for the neighborhood.  Along with it, I raked the boat off.  Still dry inside. Backyard view

All tucked in for a long winter's nap. Snow free decking. Dusty and dry. 

This post is about two months late.  I've been out of the water since the end of September.  I don't know why I just haven't gotten around to writing lately.  This year we brought the boat home for the winter. Usually, we leave it at the marina but I have plans to redo some of the brightwork this spring. I'll be able to self-launch when I'm ready plus it has gives me the chance to do a rig inspection as well as look through everything really closely.  Now I have a list of winter projects in hand.  Everything from a few little sail patches to switching out a few turnbuckles.   During my rig inspection, I found I need to change out 2 turnbuckles, as soon as I touched the windex the brittle old plastic shattered and I'm also planning on replacing the internal halyards, main, and jib this winter.   Here the mast is all wound up and ready to go back up on the deck for the winter This season, I sailed exclusively...

 This year I upgraded my motor to a 7.5 long shaft and it has made a big difference on the way we use the boat. While it is a bit much the power is sure nice to have. It also uses more gas  ⛽  but has been worth it.  The trip up the river to the lake is about 40 minutes and the extra horse power make it go a bit easier especially on high traffic days. What do you do when you hit the lake and there is absolutely no wind.  I mean zero, zilch, notta.  How about tie the pool floaty to the back and pull the kid around.  I know sacrilege a sailboat tubing but the kid had a great time.  Getting into position. Ready Set Go.

Venetian fest is no joke in Saugatuck.  It is super fun and a must visit weekend. This year Remax had their hot air balloon going. The bbq was great and the beer tent was and music were rocking.  The boat parade theme was A Salute to the Military.  Tower Marines new floating docks were all lit up. Super nice job guys.  The fireworks 🎆🎇 are second to none. Every year these fire works eclipse the 4of July display and this year was no exception.

Several years back, I built this Kayak.  It is fun to see the fish swim under you in the shallows while you paddle.  this summer,  West System  ran a competition on their Facebook page.  You know the kind, post a picture of something you built with their product and they will pick a winner. My kayak won a  West System  prize pack.   Over the years, I have tried different epoxy systems with limited success but if I want something done right I always go back to  West System .  Six10 is my current go to product for everything.  It is a thickened epoxy in a resealable caulking tube.  The kayak above was built with the traditional 105 system.  I actually still have my first West System project a Gee Gee model pond yacht.  This stuff is tough and well worth considering if you are looking to do any kind of repair on your boat or around the house.  I actually have a list of odds and ends around the house tha...