Jason Morais

Mid-range Night Sailing course at BSC. After a short orientation in the classroom, we departed around 1755. NE winds were better than expected, and we had some nice sailing out of the inner harbor. As predicted, winds died completely around Deer Island. Big rollers coming in from the NE. Still a nice night on the water.

Winds were predicted 4 - 8 kts. Actuals 7 - 16 kts. Departed 0906 and soon took in a single reef after retying the reef lines to the boom. Lots of (25) tacks out through Small Boat Channel to Deer Island. Dr. Preventer (Jonathan) on another boat, headed out to the Flip Flop race, snapped a picture of us. Nice anchoring at 1pm behind Joe Beach Ledge in Nahant. Anchor held like a rock; the graduates were taught well. Quick swim and lunch. Headed back at 1400. 15 knots of wind and 6 knots SOG. Swapped out the genny for the jib. Some wing-on-wing after rounding Deer. Excellent day.

With winds predicted to only 7kts, we bent on and hoisted the genny. Not knowing the J/27 well, we felt over powered and swapped out to the jib. Ross' port sheet bowline embarrassing came undone. Jonathan lost his sunglasses while tying it back on. Soon after, took in one reef (had to finagle and rework the reefing line). Decided to double reef just off of Castle Island (a twist in the second reefing line (fixed upon docking) and location behind the topping lift (fixed underway) made for a less than ideal clew). Double reefed and beating into the wind, we were hitting 6+ knots SOG between Spectacle and Long. Rounding Long Island, we shook out the reefs, as the winds began to drop and we were falling off. A little wing-on-wing action as we fell off more towards our run back into the harbor. Jonathan (Mr. Prevented) took good care of us. Running downwind, we saw a crease in the luff of the main which was fixed by dropping the halyard a couple inches; gained a full knot. Lots of deck work for this great crew and skipper!

Jason's first outing as skipper with his new certification and Mid-range membership at Boston Sailing Center. He did an awesome job with pre-departure routine and checks, backed out of the slip like a Master. A bit of wind from 1400-1500, but died off after we went back to picked up Laurent. We met Lynn at Joe's for post sail dinner. Awesome evening in Boston.