Well, I can't believe the season has come to a close. Ed and I went out for a short sail this afternoon - the last of the season. It was a sunny day, but a little cool, after yesterday's storm blew through. When we got back to our temporary dock, we took the sails and the boom off. Now we need to get the mast down, top up the fuel tanks, and empty the holding tank, and we'll be ready to haul out.
This felt like a very short season, probably because we didn't start sailing until the middle of June. When I went through our log and counted the number of outings we had, though, it was several more than last year. I look forward to the day when our sailing doesn't revolve primarily around weekends.
The weather in Toronto was hot and muggy for several days, including the last long weekend of the summer. Where has the season gone! Friday began with the traditional Corn & Weenie roast, where we stuffed ourselves with beautiful Ontario corn, and watched the pigs being prepared for the big day on Saturday. Next day, Emily and her friend Steve came for a sail during the CNE Air Show, and stayed for the popular pig roast at QCYC. Visiting boats were rafted up several deep in the lagoon, and enjoyed a great dinner courtesy of the crew of seasoned volunteers.
On Sunday, as some people started projects in the boat yard, we lounged around on the lawn in the shade of a tree, reading, snacking, and enjoying a little wine. What a completely relaxing day.
We had a big crowd over on Monday - Jenn, Helen and Lynne, who I worked with over 20 years ago, together with their families. We motored out for the last part of the Air Show, and avoided the brisk upwind sail. When it was time to head home, we raised sail for the downwind leg.
We've had some trouble with the transmission the last couple of times we were out. That will be something to check when we haul the boat in a few weeks.
Kate and her friend Trevor came out for a sail on a hazy evening. I don't think Katie has actually been sailing with us for a couple of years. She's there so rarely, that she even signed the guest book.
Trevor was taking photos with a nice camera his sister had given him, until we entered "The Twilight Zone". Trevor's camera unexpectedly stopped working, and when Katie tried to look up the error on her phone, the phone stopped working too! All was soon resolved, but the timing sure was weird.
It had been a hot day, but was surprisingly cool on the water. The haze made the other boats on the lake, and the city, look a little eerie. We actually managed to sail for a while, but with another day of light winds, this was no thrill ride. No matter. We enjoyed a great dinner on the balcony at the club, and the lights of the skyline after dark.
With a cool spring, vacations, and various family responsibilities, we haven't had many guests aboard this season. With only a few weeks left to the season, it was time to remedy that.
Saul and Simona, friends of Ed's from work, came for a sail on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. There was a pretty brisk breeze, but our first-time sailors did well. Maybe we've even convinced them to take up sailing.
A few days later, Marysia, Lucie and Alienor came out for a sail after work. Alienor was here visiting from France for a few weeks. She was staying with Jack & Chrissy, and although they couldn't come sailing with Alienor, they came out a few days later with Jacob and Lilah.
The kids were pretty excited, but with no wind, it turned into a motor around the island. "Captain Ed" helped the mini-captains stay focused for their turns at the wheel. It's hard to concentrate when you have to choose between steering and having snacks :-)
The weather for the Women Skippers Race had been forecast to be sunny and warm. Instead, we got a little sprinkle of rain in the morning, and a brisk wind. With no guests aboard this year, it was just me and Ed. I didn't get a very good start. I don't like to be in the fray at the start line, but I ended up so far back, that I was having to dodge the smaller boats from the second start. Then, just before we got to the channel, a small boat was just in front of me, and I had to tack to get out of their way. We got close to the pack at the turn around mark, but finished well back of the fleet. With our boat's rating, I think I'll have to wait for another year when there aren't so many racers, to have a chance at another flag.
Well, I can't believe the season has come to a close. Ed and I went out for a short sail this afternoon - the last of the season. It was a sunny day, but a little cool, after yesterday's storm blew through. When we got back to our temporary dock, we took the sails and the boom off. Now we need to get the mast down, top up the fuel tanks, and empty the holding tank, and we'll be ready to haul out.
