The raft up was fine but the weather for sailing was a 10. 40mi with 15-20kts on a broad reach(both up and back) with temps in the 70's all the way up solo while kelli drove the car up. Tpa bay was churning but the boat did fine. Nice weather in Gulf port, excellent food in town, very nice town docks in one of Fl's last bohemian old Fl spots. Stayed with old friends at BCYC in their "rustic" boat basin. The SSS sister club I'm told. Partied too hard Fri nite, lounging and shopping sat morn followed by an unreal pirate costume party sat nite at the BCYC after drinks and food with the raft up crew and dinner in town too. It was a full nite.
Sailed back on Sun leaving Pass-a-grill inlet at 11am, sailing SSW on a NNE side/offshore wind running out 3mi past egmont in a solid 15-20 with temps in the 70's again and clear blue skies. It was the best sailing of the season and we were the only boat offshore. Seas got to 6-8' outside the shipping channel with a real nice leftover swell from the previous days NW wind. Jibed for a single 30mi tack all the way to new pass, surfing the swell and running full sails the kt meter passed 8kts a few times. I'd spent a thousand hrs offshore in 20+ in another life and was now pushing our floaty Hunter well past its design but it was such a perfect day. Kelli was looking at me with with some disgust as we cranked along. Seas flattened as we got S of anna maria and longboat while the wind held all the way home.
Made NP at 4pm and while it was a jamming run I'd have loved to done it in something rigged for speed. The raft up? Yeah, it was ok but the sailing in warm weather and a nice swell was the highlight for me. Kelli'd say it was eating out and shopping. Gulf Port is a great destination. Sorry we missed you.
Aloha,M&K
PS I sure you know but NP is quirkier than ever. The cut has shifted WAY WAY S in a long arc nearly parralel to lido and while known to be a local knowledge only inlet, it's crapy marks are now totally screwed for anyone not in the know. Sailors beware
We are doing well. Thanks for asking. I got an unexpected promotion at work about a month ago when a colleague resigned and I took over her program as well as my own, so I have been working a lot getting the new program running my way. I'm also preping for testimony on a legal case I examined. Lots of 8am-8pm days. Connie's busy getting her store going for the tourist season and the holidays. We'll be at the Squadron tomorrow for the Pumpkin race, and we'll be at DIYC in November for the Melges 24 ACCs. Sundays, we'll be at the SSS races when they are going on and the BYC races the off weeks.
How are you and Brit doing?
DannyWiedenhoft wrote:
Jeff, whats up dude? How are you and Connie doing? Havent seen you guys in awhile!
Hi Danny, Any way for me to get a copy of Ashley's profile photo? It was taken on her Birthday last year in the Caribbean. I am putting a book together for her upcoming 21st birthday. Its a surprise. thanks cheri
