360 Days of Sunshine, and The Boys of Summer...part 1

We had a busy, busy day yesterday! But it was wonderful. One of the great things about living in Colorado is the fact we get 360 days of sunshine. It may not be all day long, but that's not the point. Yesterday was one of those days that it was sunny, warm, and gorgeous the entire day. We took full advantage and ended up completely bushed.

Luke had yet to go out on the lake. He's been out to the boat, has been on the boat, and has even been IN the lake on numerous occasions, but he hasn't been underway. Until today. Okay, so it was Catch he got to go on, but considering she's made for racing, and therefore speed, we haven't really wanted to take him out on her. Especially on a day like today when the wind has been enough to get some decent speed and heel (or lean) when your sails are full. We went out with a friend who has a cruising vessel, instead. First thing I want to say: what a difference between that boat and ours!! The cabin is actually livable, and she's much steadier in the water. By steadier, I mean she doesn't have as much side-to-side action....because she's made for cruising, not to go very fast and turn very sharp.

Luke was excited because he loves water. He then decided to take over and steer for us. Thank goodness daddy was also at the helm because we may have only done circles and serpentines in the marina! But the kid was having fun, so who can blame him. And it's not like sails needed to be trimmed or anything at that point; we were on diesel power.

Once into open water the engine was killed and the main sail hoisted. Just with that one sail up we picked up some speed. Then the genoa (the sail in the front, of which there are many forms...today was the genoa) was deployed and we were off! Luke suddenly got bored because he was no longer steering and he didn't realize he could move around. Not to mention, he wasn't in the mood for pictures. Goofy kid. But he quickly got over it.

chocolate boy proudly steering

boredom

It didn't take long for him to realize the wind makes the boat do funny things....like heel over onto its side. Not like a capsize, just a heavy lean. He had fun holding on and watching the water get closer to the lifeline. I, on the other hand, was grateful for the sailing harness he had on under his life jacket, despite my enjoyment at the thrill of riding at an angle.

whoa, man! Getting some speed!

Allen, and a great demonstration of the boat heeling, the picture is NOT crooked

It didn't take long after seeing me sitting at the rail that Luke decided it was his turn. He grabbed daddy and marched right on up the deck to plop down and swing his feet over the edge. He sat there to eat his apple, and he was a little disappointed he couldn't quite reach the water to splash his feet. Yeah, you don't sit the rail on the heeling side, you're up in the air, but I think he still enjoyed it.
Hanging with daddy at the rail

At one point I was sitting the rail enjoying the sunshine and wind in my face as the splash of the boat cutting through the water filled my ears when the wind picked up enough to heel the boat even further. Jeff was at the helm, I wasn't in a position to grab Luke, and he decided to shoot across the cockpit toward the water because he could actually reach it now. My heart and stomach in my throat, I quickly said a thank you to Allen who grabbed him....smart move despite the harness being attached to keep him on board. Silly child just loves the water! He was good and relegated himself to not reaching for the wet stuff. Instead, he stood and watched the waves the hull of the boat was making as we sliced through.

We were on the water for 3 very short hours. We probably would have been out longer, but the Rockies have signed Jason Giambi to the team. He is making a comeback to Major League Baseball after some time off due to doping charges. He is also currently playing for the Rockies triple-A farm club located in Colorado Springs. Good for everyone to not just jump the lines and to do it right! Make the player "earn" his spot! Anyway, we had plans to go watch the Sky Sox play tonight....primarily to get the chance to watch this slugger play a bit. So we headed back to the marina......