Lucky to Live in Florida

Dave & Chris enjoying the sunshine and each other

Can you believe it was February 22?  Rigging on shore was warm and sunny with temperatures in the high 70's.  We could tell there was some good wind but hard to predict in the lee of the land and big bridge where we were rigging. 

Pelican enjoying the calm water by the docks and hoping for a handout from the fishermen

 The wind blasted through the bridge as we crossed the channel and we wondered if this was a good idea.  A few clouds rolled in and it seemed the wind picked up.  Stu set the windward mark to the south for a windward/leeward course in the southerly.  We have not had this much wind in a while but everyone adjusted on the first windward leg and had a blast. 

The 'Bobs' - Neither of them are looking where they are going.

We got in 4 races but only had three boat this time.  Bruce and Janet are remodeling their home and got their priorities mixed up and worked on their house instead of sailing.  Just because they raced all day the day before in their big boat is no excuse!  But the baseboards do look good.

But this looks better

Stu and Andy in blue and the Bob's in red.  Looking good!

We had great wind all day with 10-15 with some higher gusts.  It was a little hectic so there are not that many pictures.

Our next race is Saturday, March 14th.  Sign up for the Mid-winters if you have not done so yet.  They are March 20-22 at the Sarasota Sailing Squadron.

Feb. 8, 2015 Fleet Races

Clear Blue Sky Warm in 70's Aqua Water

and Dolphins

February 8th was a great day on the water.  Fleet 123 had 5 boats out to race on a clear warm day with south east winds to start at 6-10.  The group decided to sail north and race near Compass Island which gave everyone a chance to practice their jibes on the way down.  The wind held up all day for 5 races though it did shift somewhat to the right. 

All Thumbs Up - a good day ahead.

Janet & Bruce

Bob yielded to the peer pressure and installed a high tech mast head fly.

Mark and Lil

Stu and Andy

Bob & Bob

Janet & Bruce

Dave and Chris is there somewhere.

Looking Good!

Close Racing

 

 

 

Next Race is Sunday Feb. 22

Fleet Race January 25,2015

     Yesterday Gulf Races were canceled because of 20-30 knot winds and 4-6 foot seas .  Today we managed to get in two races in 3-6 maybe a gust to 7.  We did have beautiful blue skies and temperatures in the high 60's.  Bob Morris, Bruce and Andy were in shorts. 

The Ninja Sailor

Lil was in shorts too.  Nice tats.

Not just anyone can pull this outfit off.

Bob Morris always ready to sail.

Keep those feet dry.

Dave & Mark hanging by 'Swamp Thing'

Stu and Andy all ready except for lunch.

     We had 5 boats on the starting line today.  The wind was light and fluky but a long windward leeward course was set and we struggled to finish 2 x's around.  We did another race and shortened it to one time around.  Those light days are the hardest.

Janet is on the helm today while Bruce crews. 

It was hard to keep the spinakers full in this light stuff

Oops

"Starboard" hails the blue boat

Looks like their could be a protest coming.  To be discussed!

Hmmm.

Another hmmm.

What are you two looking at?

Bruce and Janet heading back to the dock.

Finishing up.  

Next race is February 8th.  Lets have more wind and more boats.  Come on Scott, Eric and Beau & Dede.

First Fleet Races of the New Year 2015

January 10, 2015

We had 5 boats today.  Bob's boat not shown because he does not believe in mast head flies.

Brrrr.  Overcast skies with wind predicted to pick up to 10-15 for the afternoon.

Lil is prepared for the cold.  Make sure "This Side Up" stays this side up.

Mark and Dave chillin' before launching.

Bob and Bob figuring out how to put a stop knot in.

Janet is untangling the running rigging.

Mark & Lil warming up before the start

Stu and Andy getting ready.

We had 3 good races.  The wind never came in as predicted but we got a little sunshine and high 60's with wind north northeast about 6-10.  The wind shifted right before the 4th race which left the course a bid skewed but we raced it anyway.  

The Kelly's bow with Mark and Lil by the mark.

Close one.

Here they all come.  Where are the Kelly's.  They must have taken the picture from out in front. Ha

 

Close finish with the Bobs just eking out ahead for the finish.

Next Fleet Race Sunday, January 25th at Belleair Causeway