Finally took Carolyn J out for the first time this weekend. Despite a thunderstorm forecast both Saturday and Sunday nothing happened but beautiful days. I think the weather folks are getting as sensationalist as most other media for the sake of attention grabbing. From now on I will just choose to look at the sky and trust my own judgement.

The M 15 performed far above my expectations. With winds at 5 to 8 or 9 with 3 people aboard she sailed nicely. With 2 aboard I reached 4.3 knots on a broad reach in less than 10 knot winds. A light but communicative helm, practically no leaway that I expected and have experienced on other small boats. I could let go the tiller for a little while without her walking off in her own direction. I believe Lyle Hess and Jerry Montgomery spoke with God when this boat was in design stages.

A few of the dumb things I did. I left the centerboard down when I pulled her back on her trailer after the first day of sailing ( I will blame that on the beer). Wasn't a problem until the next day when we tried to launch her. Took a few minutes to realize what was going on. She really likes staying on the trailer with the board down.

I have a great Honda 2HP 4 stroke. Ran great the first day after I remembered to turn the choke off. Before that I had some choice comments about the engine. The second day was even better. Got her started. She ran for a minute and then died. I then tried to start the beejesus out of her and nothing. I then realized I had left the vent cap closed. Opened it and pulled and pulled and pulled on the starter rope. Nothing. The wind was working so we we sailed out but I was still puzzeled. Honda's just don't act this way. After a few minutes of pondering I realized I had left the fuel valve off. Turned it on she started right up!

A few questions. I want a bigger headsail and I am thinking of adding a asymmetrical spinnaker as well. Those of you who have experience with different sails on your M 15's please let me know what you think, ie sizes, etc.