“wind will change when you ask it, if you ask for long enough” – Slocum
Ashore
- A gentle summer breeze soft as a whisper stirs the air and cools those who sit in the shade
- A light wind entices leaves to flutter and flowers dance in the meadows. Shadows waltz lightly upon the grass. Good for sitting in the hammock.
- Stronger winds wrestle with trees and twist limbs to and fro smaller twigs tumble to the ground. Usually accompanied by storms – time to read a book.
- Very strong winds bring down even the sturdiest trees and branches, blow nests and debris across parking lots and fields. Hunker down inside. Watch Youtube videos on sailing oceans.
Sailing
- A slight breeze won’t fill the sails and they hang limp and gently flap back and forth. The water looks thick and heavy. Also, perfect weather for flies. Avoid sailing.
- A light wind fills the sails and slowly moves the boat forward. Small ripples run across the surface tripping lightly over the water. Enjoy a lovely relaxing sail. Serve snacks, cold drinks, make sandwiches on board.
- Stronger winds keep the sails full, and propel the craft steadily through the water. Waves start to build and wind may blow over the tops creating white frosting that slides down the curl of the wave. Gulls soar, as do the wind surfers, catching updrafts and floating weightless in the sky. Go sailing prepare snacks ahead of time, wedge yourself in for a good ride.
- Gusty strong winds are unpredictable, waves grow, boats endure violent swings, heeling over and bouncing back. White horses ride quickly over the wave crests racing toward shore, foaming slightly as the wind catches in their manes. Spray may dampen the deck – and the crew. Avoid sailing if already sailing, adjust your sails, don foulies, hang on, brace your feet on something solid, forget the snacks! Look forward to a quiet cove and put down anchor. Enjoy beverage of choice.
- Very strong winds with strong gusts require complete attention, quick action, strategic hand steering, a lot of bouncing around in high waves. Depending of the height of the waves, crew, deck, sails may find themselves wet, and sometimes violently tossed around. Stay in the harbor. Take a hike. Wait for the wind to change.
This crew, while confident in our vessel and in our experience when given the choice will avoid this kind of sailing. Yep, fair weather sailors – not ashamed. We are doing this for fun.
That’s why we are waiting for a better weather window.
Current Conditions: Winds from the west 18-20, Waves 6-7 feet, Gusts to 30
Our Situation: We walked to the Muskegon Farmers Market, picked up some blueberries, chard, and cinnamon bread. Power washing the deck, cleaning the coffee pot with vinegar, checking the transmission fluid and watching the wind speed twirl around like a whirling dervish!
Still waiting. Tomorrow will be better – or at least different.
