Interrupted cruise to Geneva, OH
Took Friday off to get the Lady Lillie ready for a cruise. Started off with a morning shake down cruise moving well in SE winds. Returned to the dock to re-install varnished teak, and clean her up stem to stern.Took off about 8:30 for Geneva State Park Marina in light airs from the south. Popped the cruising spinnaker to raise the speed from 2-2.5 kts to over 4. Then the winds came, so we doused the spinnaker, and unfurled the 110 jib. The chop was less than 2 feet off the windward shore as the wind developed to 15 to 20 kts with higher gusts in front of the passing clouds. We spent most of the next 3 hours over hull speed - doing 6 to 7 knots per the GPS. We were dressed for the occasional light showers, so this was pure joy. I credit the new Doyle main with converting all the wind to drive instead of heel. We only went past 15 degrees on a couple of puffs. We did discover that over hull speed, the wake moves up the stern to submerge the cockpit drains, and push some water onto the cockpit floor. But the joy of moving well conquered all.We arrived at the marina just before 1. We spent the next two days enjoying our bicycles in the nearby towns and countryside, and the determined sailing community who, like us, were spending their week-end on their boats. The nights were cold, but a new foam overlay kept us warm in the bow berth. A visit to Chuck and Betty McKee's h34 "Happy Hours" convinced us that we will buy a ceramic heater to take the edge of a day in port. Talked about boat renovation and spots to anchor on Lake Erie (not many for overnight) with the new owner of an Ahlberg 30 classic. Watched the new owner of a giant power boat play bumper cars in the stiff wind around his slip.Monday, the wind was dead on our nose at 20 knots with some fierce gusts for the return to Mentor, and the returning fishing charter captains reported 6 footers outside. So we decided to leave Lady Lillie overnight, and hitched a ride with Chuck and Betty who were headed to the West Marine near our house.If the predicted northwest winds develop today, I'll take off from work early and we'll have a great afternoon/evening sail back. (Just checked the bouy off Cleveland, and see 8 knots from the NW.) 15-25 knots and 3-5 foot waves are forecast, but we'll be on a beam reach, and haven't had problems with these conditions in the past, provided we reef to appropriately.So starts the 2001 sailing season!David