The Admiral at the helm.
The Admiral made his annual pilgrimage up from the warmer climate to set sail on a four day tour. Saturday's originally planned departure was delayed by a day due to rain. Our luck was only slightly better the rest of the week. With 15 to 20 knot winds, we shoved off on Sunday and set sail for PIB. Making way with only the jib, we easily plowed through the 3 foot waves and gradually deployed the main. The wind was forecasted to pick up overnight so we decided to take up a mooring at PIB and ride out the cold front.
The next morning, however, began with low dark clouds and a small craft advisory with waves on the open lake forecasted to be 4 to 6 feet. With choppy seas in mind, we set sail back to Herl's Harbor by first rounding Rattlesnake Island. Back in port, we spent the afternoon sanding and varnishing the cockpit seats... one the Admiral's favorite things to do.
Tuesday morning brought a lull in the wind and a chance to head out on the lake once again. This lull didn't last long as the wind was once again back up to 15 knots (perfect fast sailing weather). Our plan was to sail up to and around North Bass Island and set our hook on the western side of Middle Bass. The further north we sailed, however, the worst the weather looked. Dark black clouds hung over the Islands like a bad fitting, size 18 dress on a runway model.
The next morning, however, began with low dark clouds and a small craft advisory with waves on the open lake forecasted to be 4 to 6 feet. With choppy seas in mind, we set sail back to Herl's Harbor by first rounding Rattlesnake Island. Back in port, we spent the afternoon sanding and varnishing the cockpit seats... one the Admiral's favorite things to do.
Tuesday morning brought a lull in the wind and a chance to head out on the lake once again. This lull didn't last long as the wind was once again back up to 15 knots (perfect fast sailing weather). Our plan was to sail up to and around North Bass Island and set our hook on the western side of Middle Bass. The further north we sailed, however, the worst the weather looked. Dark black clouds hung over the Islands like a bad fitting, size 18 dress on a runway model.
Dark clouds over the Islands.
With sunshine to the south, we made the easy decision to change course and head for Sandusky Bay. It was also a new port to explore as Therapy had yet to venture into that part of Lake Erie. With charts in hand, we navigated the shallow bay by following the well marked Lower Straight Channel which led directly to downtown Sandusky and the Dock of the Bay Yacht Club. With a couple of transient slips available, we motored around the breakwall and took up residence for the evening. The facilities are very nice and the Sandusky waterfront is easily accessible. The Admiral and I give the Water Street Bar and Grill our five anchor rating for their very good meatloaf and lumpy mash potato dinner.
Wednesday morning greeted us with... you guessed it.... dark clouds and the threat of rain. With a change in the wind direction, we tacked a dozen times as we sailed back to Herl's Harbor with decent wind of 10 to 15 knots out of the northwest. Another successful sailing trip was in the book with plenty of wind to keep us busy.
Wednesday morning greeted us with... you guessed it.... dark clouds and the threat of rain. With a change in the wind direction, we tacked a dozen times as we sailed back to Herl's Harbor with decent wind of 10 to 15 knots out of the northwest. Another successful sailing trip was in the book with plenty of wind to keep us busy.