I suppose this isn't technically the maiden voyage for our new baby. Not only did we sail twice on Saratoga Lake but the day after pulling the boat down from New York I took the kids out on Lake Harris. Except I did not even put the mast up. We just motored across the lake, ate at J.B. Boondocks, and motored back. We had a lot of fun but it wasn't the real. This trip to Lake Eustis was the real deal.
With supplies already purchased the night before we got up early in the morning to take the boat out and spend the night on it. Which after packing, driving, switching the boat trailer from my truck to Amber's Dad's 4wd dodge, stepping the mast, setting up everything, it turned out to be after noon before we were in the water. We buzzed out to lake in the middle of Lake Eustis and set about making our boat home for the next 24 hours.
Our friend from work Corey and his girlfriend Felecia (incorrect spelling i'm sure) met us at the lake with his turbo charged Honda jet ski. It was quite a ride at almost 60 mph. Especially when the sailboat maxes out at about 7 under full throttle. We had some beer and chatted for a little while before we parted ways and Amber and I raised the main sail.
It was the first time raising the main our self so we took it easy so we could learn. Later on we unfurled the jib. Of course this was after I re-hooked the gin pole and main sheet in order to turn the roller furling around from putting it on backwards during setup. Live and learn.
We got to play around with how she handles, how she points into the wind, sail trim, (insert other sailing lingo here). It was a great learning experience. Especially when one of the uphaul lines for the rudder got caught in the propeller while reversing at the Eustis dock... That was cool. I thought the motor was done because it would start after freeing the line. It turned out the brackets that hold the throttle line and other cables had gotten bent. After bending everything back in shape it started up fine. It just grinds a little going into reverse now... Oh well, live and learn.
We ate the Crazy Gator in Eustis and came back to our boat covered (and i mean covered) with blind misquitos. It took until the next morning trying to rid the boat of these bothersome pests.
We motored to the north center of the lake and it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had. We stayed up long into the night looking up at the stars and the twinkling lights dotting the shoreline. It was that moment that I knew for sure this is something I wanted to pursue.
The next morning was surreal waking up to an absolutely glass smooth lake. We enjoyed coffee while looking over the pristine newness of a beautiful day. We are not by nature (and by profession) morning people. So it is rare when we see the world at daybreak.
After caffeinating ourselves we traveled around the perimeter of the lake exploring it various eccentricities. Noticing some sailboat masts peaking up from behind some trees we discovered the Lake Eustis Sailing Club. We docked and toured the grounds, and let Hercules go potty, and discovered a thriving sailing community. A vehicle pulled up during our tour which turned out to be some of the people that run the club. They saw a strange boat at their dock and came to investigate. They where very friendly and told us all about how the club works and what they do. They had been keeping an eye on us the day before while we were on the water. They make a habit of watching for sailboats in case any of them become stranded. Especially the ones without motors. It was actually a comforting thought and we would like to join them as help for one of their many regattas they hold throughout the year.
The rest of the day was spent cruising around, making breakfast, and relaxing. All too soon it was time to go. Amber's dad met us back at the ramp and we hauled out. We were making plans for the next trip before we were even out of the water. Stay tuned!
We ate the Crazy Gator in Eustis and came back to our boat covered (and i mean covered) with blind misquitos. It took until the next morning trying to rid the boat of these bothersome pests.
We motored to the north center of the lake and it was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have ever had. We stayed up long into the night looking up at the stars and the twinkling lights dotting the shoreline. It was that moment that I knew for sure this is something I wanted to pursue.
The next morning was surreal waking up to an absolutely glass smooth lake. We enjoyed coffee while looking over the pristine newness of a beautiful day. We are not by nature (and by profession) morning people. So it is rare when we see the world at daybreak.
After caffeinating ourselves we traveled around the perimeter of the lake exploring it various eccentricities. Noticing some sailboat masts peaking up from behind some trees we discovered the Lake Eustis Sailing Club. We docked and toured the grounds, and let Hercules go potty, and discovered a thriving sailing community. A vehicle pulled up during our tour which turned out to be some of the people that run the club. They saw a strange boat at their dock and came to investigate. They where very friendly and told us all about how the club works and what they do. They had been keeping an eye on us the day before while we were on the water. They make a habit of watching for sailboats in case any of them become stranded. Especially the ones without motors. It was actually a comforting thought and we would like to join them as help for one of their many regattas they hold throughout the year.
The rest of the day was spent cruising around, making breakfast, and relaxing. All too soon it was time to go. Amber's dad met us back at the ramp and we hauled out. We were making plans for the next trip before we were even out of the water. Stay tuned!
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| All this work to protect us from the rain when we actually only got rained on for the first hour that it took us to set the boat up at the ramp. A little late now! (notice the towel drying on the lifeline) |
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| Wiener on the bridge! |
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| My love! So beautiful! |
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| One of the rare moments that pictures barely do justice. Oddly enough this picture is taken towards the east at sunset, not the west. |
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| You can't leave your pillow unattended for a second! |
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| If you look real close there is a bald eagle perched in the tree tops. We were privileged to see him swoop for a fish not 40 feet from the boat later that morning. |
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| Special thanks to Corey for snapping the picture above and below from his jet ski! |
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