2012 Fall sailing

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Fall is some of the BEST sailing on Lake Minnetonka. The breeze is better, all the yahoos in Powerboats are gone, as are the Milfoil weed beds. You need to dress for it, but that's simply part of the game.

The last series is the Fall Commodore Cup distance races, followed by the informal Shackleton Cup races, when boats depart the club at the same time and race to Maynards Grill and Bar at the far side of the lake. Due to her size and general seaworthiness in the 40F water, she is a popular choice with any crew that shows up looking for a ride.



Many times the races are held in below freezing air temps. When that happens, there is a 50/50 chance you will have to broom snow of the decks. Or just let it BLOW off.


Happily is not always that cold. Sometimes it is downright pleasant, in particular if you are warmed by an adult beverage and the wind is behind you. Here we sail home with a following 12 knots breeze on the hip. Andy and Val, competitors on our bigger boats, join us for a fun and friendly sail home under kite. Dan's trimming gains from Andy's consul.


Pulling into the basin for the last time. Ice is forming in the shallow bays, and I start to stress about the diesel. November 23rd, the weekend before Thanksgiving. We pull out and ready the boat for winter. Its 3:30PM now, and sadly it will be dark in one hour.



Time to get moving. BlueJ is a small boat, but has almost as many systems as our bigger 36.7 The boom is off, rigging and electronics off, and its time for the mast. We work hard and fast, but it will be after dark when we finish.


Safe and tucked into the garage. All systems winterized, and safe from snow, BlueJ will sit here, sleeping until early/mid April, when we will come for her.




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