Seemed odd that nobody else was out today at Shell Pt, FL. We took my
28' S2 out with anenometer reaqding about 12 kts in the canal, wind
outa the North. Unfurled the jib about 75% and sailed directly
downwind out to sea. Once in deep water(about a half mile out), GPS
said we were going 5 kts on 75% jib alone with wind on port quarter.
Continued on a course of 150 for about a mile under jib alone, turned
more east for another couple miles while I screwed with a fishing rod
for my daughter. Turned into wind to put up main and realized "Hey,
either I underestimated the wind or it suddenly got WAAAAY stronger".
Looked in cabin at anemometer and it said 20, "hmmmmm". "OK, lets see
if my new reefign system works". BIG puff followed by sustained very
strong wind, anemometer says 26, "Good Lord". Hardly any swells close
to shore but they were kinda choppy out here. Sailed back to the west
waiting for it to die down but it kept up, even back at channel
entrance which is a half mile out it was 24. Going back down channel
directly north, the wind speed dropped dramatically as we approached
land till right next to shore where the channel turns it was back to
10-12. I had never noticed such a dramatic land effect here. GOD, I
love my new CDI furler.