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| Mike at play; kids at play. |
The radar showed storms approaching from the west, sliding slowly north and east. And like they often do, they stalled somewhere around the Nassau Suffolk boundary, bestowing a couple of hours of solid 5.5.
But in the back of my mind was the knowledge that high winds hail and flash flooding were in the forecast for some parts of the area. You almost want a rear view mirror on the boom to keep an eye on the sky on outbound tacks.
I'd wanted to get some time on the JP 109 FSW and the 5.5. Ezzy and that's just what the narrowing isobars dished up. Stay close to shore, don't get caught offshore if the wind suddenly dies or the first thunderclap booms.
As often happens in these situations — when you try to maximize a lot of sailing in a short amount of time — "just one last run — this is it" runs like a ticker tape across the mind. At some point you have to obey the inner voice and return to shore.
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| Even a gray and cloudy day has its moments of light |
I'd be driving back into the storm and the potential flash floods. BTDT many time before from here, but best to err on the side of caution. Sailed till the arms were well and truly stretched.
Very happy with the setup today. Harness lines were in just about the right place. Boom set just right, downhaul just right. Gotta love it; didn't have to waste any time adjusting.
Staying close to shore forced some jibing discipline, and the wind obliged with growing power. Finally squeezed off a good one -- so that's what they mean about sheeting in and "bending zee knees" ... it really works!
The storms held off for hours; Mike and Mike continued sailing, while Chrissy, Al and a few assorted windsurfers and passers by enjoyed the freshest breeze the island could manage, on an otherwise overwhelmingly hot and muggy day. The forecast was 15-20 -- We showed up; we got lucky -- about 23 with occasional sand blowing. Riding back into the oncoming rain was relaxing for a change.
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