The whole crew minus one (Mike Pilgrim) met up to begin training. It was decided that we’d spend every Thursday evening until the regatta doing training and crew familiarization sessions. This was the first time we all sailed together. 

We piled onto Howard’s boat and headed out. With an East wind at approximately 10-12 mph, we made our way out into the lake. 

Forest asked some what-if questions while we were motoring out of the marina, getting us to do some critical thinking. 

The main was hoisted and full Genoa unfurled. It wasn’t long before we realized we were overpowered, so we furled some of the headsail in.  

Each crew member took the helm for a while and we practiced our man overboard drills. We practiced the figure 8 method a few times and the heave-to method several times. To practice the drills, Forest would throw overboard two half-gallon milk jugs tied together with a cord. We’d then practice our maneuvers to retrieve the jugs.  

For the first sail together, things went pretty well. All the crew appears to get along and I don’t anticipate any major issues with crew compatibility. 

Howard and Forest rigging the boat for departure.

Howard and Forest rigging the boat for departure.

The crew intently listening to man overboard recovery techniques.

The crew intently listening to man overboard recovery techniques.

Forest points out the

Forest points out the “man” overboard.

Pat points out the

Pat points out the “man” overboard.