Hi folks: I don’t want to be a bother, posting lots of novice questions. However, I’m new to my M15 “Chinook Breeze” No. 377. I’ve only been sailing it for four years and with only three open water adventures in the San Juan Islands. When I pull into a marina like Friday Harbor, Rosario or Roche, people often remark “That’s a small boat. Should you really be out here?” “It’s pretty gutsy for you to be out here.” And since I’m 72, people think I’m crazy. I think I’ve had more hair-raising adventures on my local reservoir than in the islands. So, how safe is it to be solo sailing in the islands or some other larger bodies of water? I know the Monty 15 has crossed the ocean. How safe is it to be only one boat on a trip without others. I like to sail solo for the peace and contemplation. Thanks again for such a wonderful email forum helping beginner boaters. Pete Winter Sky (Zimowsky) outdoors writer and photographer www.getoutdoorsnorthwest.com <http://www.getoutdoorsnorthwest.com/> Twitter: @zimosoutdoors "Be with Tahlequah" Tahlequah, you did this. From the day you lost your baby in the summer of 2018, then your 17-day tour of grief, you've brought the KEY crucial issues to the world to help us save your Orca family.