Went out for a sail today in the remnants of a small craft advisory. Seas were very lumpy at 2-4 feet and an occasional. 6-footer thrown in.

Winds started out light (<10 k outs), but built to 15 as I sailed South East from my marina. I had to do a number of tacks trying to make my way East.
Eventually, the wind filled in and became more North East and I was able to make a SE tack. Seas were still very lumpy, and eventually I decided to tack and head home. But as I leaned over to crank on my jib sheet, my favorite Canada hat flew off in the wind and landed in the lake
I could see it floating in the waves, so quickly decided to practice my MOB drills. I had main and jib out, so only wanted to tack…no jibes in the 15 knots. I came around, extended boat hook in hand, and tried to snag my friend…missed. Came back around on another tack, and a big swell pushed Tally Ho right over the poor Canadian
. I thought he was a goner and I could not see him come up to the surface. I turned back for home, already missing my favorite hat. And it had my hat “tether” on it too (obviously not clipped to my shirt
.
But as I made that last tack, I spotted him…still afloat. I tried one more pass…and this time let the wheel go when I got close, so I could use 2 hands on the pole…and I snagged him and got him flipped back into the cockpit
You can see the multitude of tacks I made…

But I am happy to report that my favorite Canadian (hat) is no worse for wear.

So, always good to practice your MOb drills, even if you are sailing solo…and if you have a hat tether, make sure you use it!
Cheers,
Greg

Winds started out light (<10 k outs), but built to 15 as I sailed South East from my marina. I had to do a number of tacks trying to make my way East.

Eventually, the wind filled in and became more North East and I was able to make a SE tack. Seas were still very lumpy, and eventually I decided to tack and head home. But as I leaned over to crank on my jib sheet, my favorite Canada hat flew off in the wind and landed in the lake
I could see it floating in the waves, so quickly decided to practice my MOB drills. I had main and jib out, so only wanted to tack…no jibes in the 15 knots. I came around, extended boat hook in hand, and tried to snag my friend…missed. Came back around on another tack, and a big swell pushed Tally Ho right over the poor Canadian
But as I made that last tack, I spotted him…still afloat. I tried one more pass…and this time let the wheel go when I got close, so I could use 2 hands on the pole…and I snagged him and got him flipped back into the cockpit
You can see the multitude of tacks I made…

But I am happy to report that my favorite Canadian (hat) is no worse for wear.

So, always good to practice your MOb drills, even if you are sailing solo…and if you have a hat tether, make sure you use it!
Cheers,
Greg