November

I've been missing a lot of the good days this November. Check out the Puffin if you are looking for great Sailing stories. I have none. But I expect to get back on the water soon enough. I did have a great sail today with Lauralee. After yesterdays 50 mph winds, the 5 to 13 we had today was just fine.It was sunny, and in the high 50's. Plus the WSW we had enabled Lauralee to sail all the way back into our slip. Well I was impressed. I don't think I could have done it.

oh well...

I haven't had as much free time as I would like lately.
I morn the loss of Daylight Savings time. It means no after work sessions till spring. But it is Fall, and even the weekends have delivered for us "Weekend Warriors". Most of my sessions have been at CIB, or Demo. I've been fortunate to be able to sail Demo this season. It is an endeavor I do not take lightly.

Demo is not just a place you show up and go sailing. It is as dangerous, as it is beautiful. On great days we can underestimate her power. The decision to sail, or not sail there; is not taken lightly. And although I often consider sailing there; I don’t, unless I am on my “A” game, and the consensus is that everything is right.

It is fair to say that I have been pounded and breaded like a chicken cutlet from the march at Cedar more times than I have actually sailed the point. Often opting out; to sail at Cedar, Gilgo, or just BAF at the Oak launch. “A man’s got to know his limitations”. So I have paid my dues. In doing so, I have taken the time to learn from the guys that have sailed there for decades.

In Surfing, they call it Respect. You respect the Locals; and their knowledge. You respect the wind, waves, tides, current... you respect the place. I love the ocean; but I have a healthy respect for her.





The photo is from Halloween 2009, by Brook. I am on the left. I think it is the only photographic evidence of my presence there. That day was a lot of fun. At one point I think I saw at least 15 sails on the water. The most I have ever seen at Democrat Point. It was truly a great day. But please remember; Demo can turn on you in an instant. Some of the best sailors I know, have broken, and lost gear there. We are not talking novices here. We're talking about folks that sail the Gorge, Hookipa, and other world class spots.

I know I have described sessions there as religious. That's how I feel any way. Especially in an east, nor east.
If not for guys like Brook, Florian, George, Kevin, Billy D, and Billy T, sharing their knowledge; it could easily go the other way.

Yesterday, we had a sailor get separated from his gear; he swam back to Overlook. A few weeks back George broke his board in half. As he slogged what was left of his kit back to the beach...we must have been with in 10 feet of each other at times. Yet, I never even saw him!