Century Club: Rebekah B

Took the weighted buoy to the turning basin this afternoon so I could try some of the tips Josh gave me but the wind was really low, so after some super slow "docks" we decided to try out single hanging (with the other person ready to step in from the pit as necessary) and it was pretty damn fun. I figured out that crossing the jib sheets is pretty necessary. Other than that, it's a bit of a workout, but seems manageable in low wind. I'd need a ton of practice before trying it really alone or with higher wind. Will talk to Laura about learning properly. 

Great morning of sailing with Melanie. I picked #4 because it seemed like it would be a nice upwind docking later. (Was very wrong. Ack.) We set out and had a great bit of sailing out past Ft McHenry (pausing to heave to and reef at the turning basin), about halfway to the bridge, maybe a little less, before turning back. Got back in record speed on a solid beam reach the whole time so instead of docking we went back up to the turning basin and did a couple POB's for Melanie to practice and she did fantastic. Then we went back to DSC to dock and it was a shifty but pretty strong upwind/crosswind situation. I thought I might time it for an upwind but then couldn't, then I tried getting close and dropping the sail which was a mistake because I just blew over towards the pilings so raised the jib fast and headed to B dock and stopped there to raise the main and try again. Fucking screwed it up AGAIN, ended up at b dock again, was really feeling stupid and worried at this point. Went back and decided I couldn't drop the main and still get into the skip, but also didn't see a way to truly depower. Ended up going as slow as I could sheeted in on a beam and blew the main using the spaghetti to guide in hit that was still pretty hot and I'm lucky Melanie is very competent and fit enough to stop us. I have been trying to figure out what a better solution would have been. I think the correct thing would maybe have been to sail into the area between the fingers and turn into the wind, pause, drop sail, turn back or maybe complete a pivot, and drift sideways into the slip. But I was terrified of coming into that space so fast and having nowhere to go. Would the boat have stopped before hitting #8 or #12? I don't feel confident that it would. I really need to get some advice about this. But other than that bit at the end it was an amazing morning. 

Best trip so far. Will add pics and more details later.

Not too many crew came out for member sail (projected low wind?) so Robert & I were able to go out on Akimbo. (Steve skippered, I was first mate, Robert and John crew.) There was fairly light wind but it did pick up past ft McHenry and aws was in the 9kt range for a bit. Played with the travelers and did get an extra .2-.3kts by placing at the front of the rear port light. Moved back to the middle before leaving boat though. Having them that far up does make it look weird. Was able to stay out late-ish since we had lights. (All working!) Got back to dock around 8:30. (Ok, not actually late, just dark.) 

Tried showing Robert how to flake the main but am second guessing my 2 slug alternating technique now. It looked kind of sloppy at my end where I was flattening it. 
 

Also the batteries are still reading low. We made a point of topping them up but ever since a couple weeks ago when I found them left on they've been reading low. 
 

Happened to run into Mark doing a repair on Akimbo before member sail  (I was dropping sleeping bags and stuff on Sweet Dreams for Friday) and he showed me the correct way to fix the loose screw pin at the base of the main sheet block. He got a package of hefty cotter rings and a roll of rigging tape and now that thing is SECURE. Hah. I guess cotter rings is the correct name, or at least searchable in the west marine inventory, for the ring dings that are used on the lifelines. The ones Mark got were much bigger and sturdier though. 
 

And Sandy got stealth checked-out!!! Woo! Now we can schedule the cruising class and get focused on our cohort training for our cruising checkouts! I can't wait to be able to plan more trips and for next year.