Suzanne and I are here in Devon later than in previous years, and despite the wind and rain, we are loving it.
I have been getting out on the Dart and Start Bay quite often in all conditions (see folded mizzen mast) and Pippin is proving a worthy vessel. I make a point of taking her out in challenging conditions on the river to test all systems so that I know all is well when I go offshore. She is perfectly happy beating to windward in 30 knots with ballast, and jib and mizzen, in a substantial chop and if the wind is not sustained, can handle a deep reefed main. After the mizzen folded in the river the other day (new windsurf rig already sourced), I found she handled well with no mizzen, and with ballast she simply proved slower to tack and point up again, but actually sailed well in the 20 knots I was left with later in the day.
The Dart in October is simply lovely. The colour in the landscape, quality of light, and lack of traffic makes each day a treat.
In California I love winter sailing on the northern estuaries. They are full of wildlife and everyone else seems to think that sailing is a summer sport. Suits me fine.
Take it into the winter!
