SAILOR'S LOG 12.01.09

Today was our third trip out this season (see Sailor’s Log 11.23.09). For this trip we went back to the Hunter 31, Morning Star. We were resolved to master both the GPS and the Autopilot. Moreover, the cockpit was well shielded behind the dodger which made sense since the weather had turned a little cold (at least by California standards).

Morning Star checked out quickly and soon we found ourselves motoring out of the Dana Point marina. This time when we cleared the harbor mouth there was enough wind and swell  we could actually feel the hull pound as we turned into the wind.  The experience was a first for me, at least in a sailboat.  Howard, of course, thought the weather was for sissys.

We opted to sail on about 40% of our jib alone. Sometimes with a furling jib its easier to only use part of the jib instead of raising the mainsail, then taking a reef in the sail. This is especially true when you realize that in order to take a reef in Morning Star’s mainsail it would be necessary to leave the cockpit. On the other hand we could effectively reef the jib from behind the dodger.

The day was unusual because the wind was sweeping up the coast toward Laguna Beach instead of down the coast toward San Clemente as it normally does. It made sense to go with the wind so we turned to a heading of about 284 degrees and picked up the breeze. Somewhere along the way Howard figured out the autopilot and we let it take over. It worked well and you could see how it would be a relief to have one on a long cruise.

With the wind basically at our backs we ran up the coast past the Ritz Carlton Hotel and Aliso Beach. At about Main Beach in Laguna Beach we were running out of daylight so we came about and began our run back to the harbor. Morning Star worked her way back close hauled most of the way until we were forced to turn on the engine to insure that we didn’t enter the harbor after dark.

As we passed the 2SJR buoy (San Juan Rocks Lighted Whistle Buoy, 2SJR) we added a third way point to our list. It bears mentioning that there is a substantial kelp forest located between the buoy and the rocks off the point. Our advice is to skirt the buoy on the seaward side to avoid fouling your propeller or other gear. As the sun set we motored into the harbor and the safety of our berth.

Great fun.