Thank you for the starter/engine advice last week. I decided that I had lots to make sure was right before crossing beside the engine. We left Milwaukee at 13:00 on last Tuesday. Weather was clear for most of the trip, though I think I saw snow sometime after midnight. It was COLD! On the west side of the Lake winds were light but steady 5-10 knots. On the east side, especially right at Muskegon winds were 10-20 and we had a light rain. Of course, the only wind forecast that was correct was the East Wind blowing right down the Muskegon River Channel that we wanted to get up. Tacking back and forth trying to figure out a way to make it, we hit 6 knots!! Bella felt safe and comfortable even while tacking back and forth across the river opening in a stiff breeze. Without an engine we did, however, require a tow upriver to the marina. It was a great sail anyway! What a trip. 74 miles of open water. Thanks to my crew, Dave and to Nancy, Mom and Dad as shore support.PS: I posted a couple pictures.