Mark Gurling

Overcast. Lex arrived early to help me set up the rig. We got some stiff wind that made me a little nervous, remembering the complete breakdown years ago at Utah Lake. Lex brought it in to shore to pick up Will. We went where we pleased on the near constant airs. We dropped off Lex. Will and I went out and pretty soon decided it was time to get a beer. Right as we rolled the rig back up to the car, it started to howl. Glad we got off the water when we did.

Imperceptible winds. Wesley's favorite part was when we got bored and ate snacks on the water.

Much the same as lesson 5, but the temps had warmed up a bit. Saw some green swirls and foam in the wake (algal bloom). I passed my practicum! I think everything went pretty well except, when doing the MOB drill, I got focused for some reason on tacking from a close haul to another close haul, instead of just heading back to Bob (the floating seat cushion). Lesson learned hopefully. I'd like to do some MOB drills solo and with the people who sail with me on the Minicat.

Pleasant lesson with Todd. Very light air. There was an odd phenomenon where the water was completely undisturbed, but we were traveling at about 2 kts. Surprisingly good visibility with the smoky air. Clear skies. Cool temps; we were wearing our jackets.

The front frame piece snapped, and the mast came down.