16 May 2009 - Second family sailing

14 nautical miles

This weeks family was seven - two adults and five kids, though the littlest one being a baby was too small to go out.

So Neil and I each took an adult and two kids so that they could all come out together. Galini and Blue sailing in formation - what a wonderful sight.

Katie (she's the little one in the photo) was thrilled that the wind was light enough (Bft 2) that she could come out with her Dad (Jörn). She was worried she would be left behind.

However, five minutes out and she was wanting to know when we were going back and one trip was enough for her. I think she was happy to be back on dry land.

I let Jacob take the helm and having handed over the helm it was difficult getting him off. I think we've found another sailor here!

During the day we swapped crews around... but every time we went out Jacob wanted to go... and wanted to helm.

When Jacob spots Blue just ahead with Marie at the helm, family rivalries come out and he is desperate to beat her.

The winds are light so it is possible for Galini to beat Blue in light winds - when its stronger the planing hull of Blue lets her pull away. The sense of competition is high - I think Jacob will make a great race crew... and maybe eventually a great helm too.

But Blue holds her own and keeps ahead.

Never mind, we're not really racing... and if you look at the tracks on Google Earth you see how wiggly the helming is anyhow!

We did let the adults have a go too. Jörn loves the water, Sheila the mountains. But both were keen to try this sailing thing.

Of course, we had to put up with cries from the one member of the family desperate to do more of 'Can I take the helm please?'

Yes, buoyancy aids and Crocs really do help you to float! No, this wasn't a man overboard, this was just floating around in the surf.

In the afternoon the wind came up a little to Bft 3 gusting 4 so I took out Sheila and Jacob to show them what its like with stronger winds.

Oh, and I've discovered a new photographic effect. Its called the salt filter, and creates a slight glow around highlights and a softening of contrast ratio. You try to get an even coating of salt crystals over the front of the lens - too little to entirely stop the light, but enough to create the effect. You can see this in the photos of Jörn at the helm and Jörn and Katie together. Actually I'm not sure I like the effect.