We
raised the main for added momentum (ohhh—3 1/2 knots) and reached the bay in about 45 minutes. Then it was time to raise
all the sails and really see how she handled. The balance was incredible, smooth and steady. Don was able to lock the wheel
on a course for long periods of time. Pete was a great help with handling the sails, and Amy knew the course by heart. It
was a relaxing cruise with great company aboard.
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We
decided to put boat projects aside and stretch the sails! We invited some friends from our dock, Pete and Amy. They were familiar
with the area and suggested we make way for Egmont Key. This was truly our first shake out sail, given that our sea trial
was hindered by fog. We motored over to the fuel dock to fill up, and as the sun glistened down through the water and lit
up our prop we noticed a thick layer of barnacles had grown there. Living in the fertile river made our hull a perfect breeding
ground – no matter how good the bottom paint was. Scraping was added to our to-do list, as we sped down the river at
a brisk 3 knots.
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