I've had my TI about a month now, and had taken it out w/my S/O several times in very controlled, mild situations. She's not nearly as adventurous as I. So, this past week I took it 10 miles across Kachemak Bay from Homer to the back of Halibut Cove, camped overnight and returned. Neat trip! I hit 10mph going through the narrow channel into the Lagoon on an incoming tide! That's without sail or mirage drive, and a paddle only to help steer. Almost whitewater kayaking! I saw all the usual Alaskan marine life: sea otters, seals, eagles, puffins, lots of seabirds I don't know the names of, and, the highlight - a harbor porpoise! Don't recall ever seeing one of those before. I did have a bit more, ah, excitement than I'd prefer on my return. As I left protected Halibut Cove a mild, 5 knot breeze pushed me along nicely. As I got out into the middle of the bay, still at least 2-3 miles from Homer the breeze stiffened to a solid 15+ wind and seas of 3'. No worries, I'll reef some sail. Nope, the line has fallen off the spool and wrapped around the mast.
I'm in the backseat (hmmm?
) and there's water washing over all 3 hulls; no way I'm climbing forward to untangle the line.
So, I tough it out. Too much weather helm; it repeatedly turns into the wind despite all my force on the puny little (hmmm?
) tiller handle. I'm making precious little headway towards the port; I pedal furiously whilst pointing as high as I can - which isn't very high. Several splashy hours later I made it into the protected small boat harbor.
Ah, guess I've got a bit of learning to do w/ my new toy. I wore my goretex drysuit and a big high flotation pfd. And I tied my sternline around my waist so the boat wouldn't drift away if I went for a swim.
Tailwinds,
andy
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