18-25

Ross Gilleland

First outing since the storm. The anchor had popped off the roller and caused some gelcoat damage to the bow rubrail. Also, the spinnaker halyard came undone and had to be pullled out of the mast. Bilge was dry, but Battery 1 was down to 10.5 volts. Engine was sluggish to start, but did so on second attempt. Beautiful fall sail, nearly 80⁰. Underway with reefed main and genny. Very consistent SW winds 16-17 knots with gusts to 25 knots. Kept pace with one larger reefed boat, but a 45' single-handed under full sail blew past us. SOG was often 6+ knots. Winds seemed stronger than 17 knots. Chartplotter (running on Battery 1 only) began to flicker on the return home between Long Island and West Gut. I guess I didn't motor enough on the way out to get it fully charged. Shut it down and went old school. lol. Worried somewhat that the engine would not start on the way in. However, SW winds are generally ideal for sailing in through the narrow channel and on/off the mooring, but the winds were brisk today. At least it wasn't low tide, if we had to result to that. But, alas, it fired up rightway set on Battery 2.