First time for everything

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May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
Once more something new and totally unexpected. Two actually. Was leaving LuLus few days ago, heading for Wolf Bay. Came up behind a string of 5 barges, and intended to pass same. For those not familiar with this area, it is a long dredged channel, rock lined, reasonably narrow. So, I call the tow, tell him I'm coming around, on his port side. Start around him and realize I can't get clear before an upcoming turn, and I don't want to get pinched up in there. Call back, explain the situtation, and tell him I am just going to drop back and wait till we get around the corner. Capt. says just bring it on, and he stopped. Flat backed it down, stopped, and waited on me to get by. Never ever heard of anything like that happening. Also for I think the first time ever, I have reduced sail to slow down the boat, not because of too much breeze. Was making an overnight run last night from Destin, into Pt. St.Joe, Fl. About midnight, realized that the forecast was once again wrong, and the breeze was not subsiding as I expected, and I was making way too good a time, and would be at the pass into Pt. St.Joe before first light. Not something I wanted to do, even though it is a pretty easy entry. Ended up sailing for a few hours, with just the jib, rolled up to about 50%.
 
Oct 28, 2008
154
none none LA
LOL... your comment about having to reduce speed reminds me of a passage in Linda Greenlaw's book about swordfishing. On the way back in from a month-long trip with holds full of fish, she realized that they'd arrive in the middle of the night. Knowing her crew would immediately head to the nearest bar and then be in no condition for the offload in the morning, she slowed down to delay the arrival (much to the crew's chagrin).

Cool story about the tug captain... he probably was just appreciative of your communication and consideration.

--Michael
 
Jun 7, 2007
875
Pearson- 323- Mobile,Al
When people do unexpected nice things it gives me hope for the world. A few weeks ago while towing my grandson I rolled up the genny to slow down. He was getting scared.
 
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