I've been waiting all summer for this, praying for the perfect storm. By "perfect" I mean one that is guaranteed to bring some wind, but is also no threat to life or property. Thanks, God, for TS Fay!
We launched up here on Shell Creek about 3 this afternoon, and rode the storm winds down Charlotte Harbor to a downtown Punta Gorda boat ramp, where a buddy picked us up. What a blast! Nice and cool, no rain, good breeze (to say the least, at times), and warm water.
I'd say our average speed on the GPS was 5 knots, with a peak of almost 8 knots at one point. It feels much faster, like about 100. Definitely a thrill out in the harbor chop.
If the weather cooperates, I'll do the reverse trip on the back side of the storm tomorrow.