I got out Wednesday and Friday, basing my decision on BOM forecasts of 5-10 knot winds. Instead, we got gusts round 20 knots Wednesday and 17 on Friday. Northerlies tend to be very gusty here, and given to sudden shifts in direction, so concentration and attention are required. I tried out the reef on Wednesday, and full sail yesterday. Derry the Skerry handles very assuredly, it seems to have a lot more stability than a Sabre or Mirror. There is still a touch of weather helm - when the big gusts come through I was fighting the boat wanting to round up into the wind. But I am starting to learn as muscle memory how the sail needs to be setting, and sailing is becoming more instinctive.
We sailed over to T28 to visit the seals. One was in residence swimming in the water nearby. That sail along the coast is splendid. Only two hours on the water but I felt like I had been on voyage.
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