We took *Arabella* out for a little spin yesterday, Lady Sailor and I. At
first we practiced close quarter maneuvering a bit in the harbor- the boat
has a beastly port prop walk in reverse, and if you finally get her to go
to starboard she won't ever correct back. After lots of attempts backing up
at all kinds of speeds, throttle and transmission engaged or not, we decided
the boat just does better going forward and we'd better just remember that.
So we went for a little sail out in the channel. There was about 15 knots
of wind, building to 17 as we went out. Seas were about 4-5 feet. I tried
to point like I could with the Ranger 23 and she just pigged along, so we
cracked off a bit, and she took off at 6.5-7 knots and loved it! So OK, we
have a cruising boat, but one that will definitely move out on a close
reach. We did a quick stop heave-to to show Barb how it worked, then she
did one by herself when I decided to raise the mizzen before we headed back.
After a fast trip back to the harbor on a smokin' broad reach we dropped
sail and Barb did a perfect landing at the dock in front of the Whales Tail
where we went in for a couple of Bloody Marys. I have to admit we enjoyed
sitting up on the upstairs patio watching our beautiful boat lying below at
the dock!
Life is good.
Mike and Barb