Please humor me. I went sailing this afternoon - my 'last' sail with Maury. Things I learned: My schmatta mainsail can be made flat and the draft moved forward - max outhaul, haly tension - used reef cringle for cunningham - voila! (I mean MUCHO tension!) An 85% jib or blade is excellent for sailing solo in a breeze. A Mag-lite 'Solitaire' is a great addition to the kit - Made in America - (like my sails, boat, motor) and waterproof too - not overpowering. The French make great shackles - get captive pins. 'Must have' item in the toolbag - 1"+ colored stopper balls - RWO type or Ronstan - see APS catalog - they come in handy EVERYWHERE - Reef cringle in this instance. get one of each color for 'fun' Heaving-to at sunset is great for reflection and remembering ones best friend - my Dad in law - one of the best sailors I have had the honor to sail with. g He taught me to anchor if needed when racing (-"the race" at Plum Gut - Around Long Island Race) - He taught me how to make a light -air boat sail like a train in 20++ -and save his rating - Showed me a Sunfish is a brutally honest piece of equipment - get it right or cruise along - nothing more fun in a blow. He showed me the need for specialty sails ie. Starcut - reaching in a 'blow' - 'if you come to the dance - make sure you are wearing your dancing shoes' Never Surrender -and always know the options available and adapt if needed. Widmer Bros Drifter Pale Ale is tasty - one only - sailing shorthanded this time. Pipe ash will start a boat fire on deck - crisis averted. (he started my boat on fire!) "Trim the Damn Sheet" is a proper order. Sail as low as you can to a downwind destination - distance over ground wins if you have 'sailing' conditions -not applicable in drifter. It is hard to steer with a wheel after 75 years with a tiller, hence - the nickname - Commander Wrong Way. Sailing with family is good, fun and maybe even safe - you gotta bring your daughters husband back from the race - Sailing with family is good - they love you. See you at the weather mark Maury - Shalom gary
