On Friday, 4 September 2015 09:36:38 UTC-3, Wayne. B wrote:
On Fri, 4 Sep 2015 04:51:31 -0700 (PDT), True North
wrote:

"I am going to take the cover off and poke around tomorrow. She can
either drive or sit there and watch the crash."



My wife was reluctant to take the helm of our boat but I just kept nagging her. After all, it was for my benefit if I fell overboard or whatever.
She finally took the wheel out on the largest local lake and after going through the start..forward/reverse stop exercise a couple of times, she
was in no hurry to hand back the helm. I'll insist that she drive the boat at least yearly.

===

If she acts like she's enjoying herself, I'd let her drive as much as
she wants. There is no better ally than an enthusiastic wife when
there are upgrades or repairs to be done.

Unrelated topic, have you ever been on the Bra d'Or Lakes? I've always
wanted to do that. It also looks like it would be a good short cut on
the way north to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Yes, I've been on the St Peter's Inlet (lake side of the canal) a number of times and over in the Marble Mountain/Crammond Islands area. Right now would be a beautiful time to explore...two weeks of sunshine..an unusual event here.
I wonder if the Cruising Club of America would have good advice for a boat your size. I think taking the Bras d'Or route rather than the offshore would be much more peaceful and beautiful. You'll see enough open water as it is sailing to Newfoundland. Don't forget to drop into St Pierre (south coast of Nfld)... still a part of France.