Just before Thanksgiving I had Lexie's folks out for the first time. We had a blast, but I only had the mainsail up, and really used the mainsheet traveller to good advantage to keep the boat flat.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving we had some friends on the boat. 6 is about the max I think you can sail with on the San Juan 28, especially if they aren't sailors. I checked my favorite wind forcast site www.sailflow.com and it promised 12-14 from the south. I really like the site because it is accurate, and I can see a model of exactly where the wind will be. This allows me to plan ahead and route the trip accordingly.

Headed out from St Pete

Again comfort for the land lubbers was paramount today so I left the dock with a reef in the main. The wind was from the south blowing with the strength I was promised but as we headed east from St Pete Pier we were in the lee of South St Pete and the water stayed flat. We had our friends Racheal, Sarah, along with Lexie's sister Kasey and her boyfriend Chris for crew.

The Motely Crew

There were a lot of boats out, most under full sail, and Lexie mentioned she was glad we weren't heeling like they were. My dad taught me while I was learning to drive that you drive to your passenger's comfort level. If they are white knuckled, slow down or ease off the turns even though you "think" you are driving fine. This is good advice for sailing with guests too.

Plenty of boats out!

As we approached the middle of the bay the waves had picked up to a good chop with a roll, and we were beam on. The San Juan 28 is really driven, IMHO, by the foresail. We started hobby horsing, and when someone went below to use the head, they came up a bit green. I decided to unfurl some of the genoa to pull us through the waves. Our speed leapt up, and we started charging the waves rather than rolling through them. Everyone was used to the boat now, so this was exciting rather than frightening for them. Anyone who was feeling sick found the new motion much better. Heel and speed is preferable to hobby horseing! As the waves increased I decided it was time to tack and head back for more sheltered waters.

I was sure that everyone was clear of lines, booms and other moving objects, and thought nothing of the fact that on the new tack, those on the cabin top would feel as though they were looking straight down. We never healed more than 15 degrees, but they sure did shriek! Problably should've had them switch sides before the tack, but in my mind I am more concerned with not getting hit, and I know that we won't flip or heal to far so as long as they are seated and holding on I'm not concerned about which side they are on when we tack.

The sail home was uneventful, sandwiches and more beer. We tied up at the dock and enjoyed the marina for a while before walking to Moon Under Water, a British Pub style restauraunt in downtown St Pete. The St Pete Municipal Marina can't be beat for location and ammenities! Super fun!