A strong wind warming was issued, so stayed in Horseshoe bay another 24 hours.
Figured out why my VHF didn't connect. The "AUS" button wasn't on. It sets the frequencies from "International" to "Australia". (without it on, i could hear incoming calls but they couldn't hear my return transmissions)
Setup the boom awning, it was a bit tricky in the 15 knot plus S- SE er coming off the land. Eventhough the bays waters were still pretty flat. It shaded the cabin well and protects the furled mainsail. But maybe only the bimini would be enough in future during tropical "winter" dry season sailing. The boom awning weighs about 12kgs with its strong wooden battens and takes up a bit of stowage space inside below the cockpit.
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| Boom awning shade |
This was the first trip with the I-SUP. It stows well in its carry bag, in the starboard bunks quarter foot area. It is lightweight and its very nice to have the foredeck/half cabin top free of the hard kayak. (The cabin poptop, bimini can be operated anytime now). However it was too windy to learn how to use it.
Some interesting boats were in the bay
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| Clansman 30 going for a sail |
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| 40-50ft bridgedeck catamarrans, shallow draft |
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| A big Wharram Cat |
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| Keelers, Trawlers and a large cat |
Learning how to "cook" with the Trangia 25 as well. Tried the gas burner (in the cockpit) the heat output far easier to control. However, for reheating a pot of food the spirit burner does the job easily and the fuel is far cheaper to buy, It's also very simple and easy to operate, safer inside the enclosed cabin.
Tested some new equipment. Coleman LED lantern, Kings LED worklight, handpump shower, Optimus 111T hiker, "Carac" handbearing compass.
There was a specacular clear sky sunset and overnight minimum of 15C not too bad for early "winter".
