Sunday, February 19, 2006

SoCal at its Winter Finest

Today Dad, Steve and Paul Washburn along with Steve's friend Chris took Gypsy out for a sail on an absolutely stunning, clear, brisk winter day. The conditions were brought about by a winter storm clearing out the LA Basin giving us views from Catalina and San Clemente Islands to the snow capped local mountains. A 15 - 18 knot Westerly breeze brought Gypsy alive in conditions she loves, providing us with a 8 - 9 knot, 20 mile daysail.

Just a beautiful way to experience and enjoy a gorgeous day!

Saturday, February 11, 2006

Midwinter Tune Up Race - Saturday February 11, 2006

Steve, Steve and Paul Washburn headed out for a beautiful day of racing and sailing on Long Beach Harbor in Seal Beach YC's Midwinter Tune Up Race. The conditions were light to moderate with an 8 -11 knot south westerly and smooth water. It was a nice opportunity to fit and set our new weapons-- An Ullman Fiberpath Mainsail and Ullman Masthead spinnaker. And it was great to get out on the water again to start the 2006 sailing season. The race committee sent our Division 2 fleet on a 7.5 mile windward leeward course. We were not disappointed in our speed and we were able to take the gun at the finish line, also correcting out in first place.

The boat handling was fun as there were just 3 of us, with 9 year old Paul fully involved and his 16 year old brother Steve covering cockpit and foredeck , and Dad driving and trimming main.