A late Winter's day sail

It was a rare day of mild wind and sunshine on Saturday, in the middle of what seems like a very long streak of grey cold windy weather.  I have been itching to get back out on the water.

None of the usual suspects could get out, so Ozzie and I headed out by ourselves.

I have improved my rigging time with the spinnaker, and it took about 35 minutes this time.

We were on the water by 11, and sailed in one long tack over towards Sandringham, across the shipping channel.  The winds were light, and on this leg we were making about 3 knots.  I got to a point about 3 miles from Sandringham after 2 hours, but I realised that if I continued I would be packing up in the dark and the cold if I was lucky, or worse, still sailing.  I should put a torch on the Mirror just in case that ever happens.

• On the way back, as we approached the shipping lane, I could see way over near the mouth of the Yarra a freighter emerging.  I thought we'd have plenty of time, as I was approaching at right angles at about 3.8 knots.  Of course the wind died, and the freighter was barreling down towards us.  I nearly broke out the oars for a bit of evasive action, but the wind kicked up again, and we made it across with a reasonable margin of comfort.  

I broke out the spinnaker as the wind tended to a very broad reach/run, and we rolled home very pleasantly.  I am enjoying the spinnaker much more than I expected, it is proving to be a good addition for cruising.  My kind of sailing weather, and I am very glad I got out!