I fear this is the last sail of the season - I'm on call next week and then it's really gonna start to get cool.
I launched today without mishap - no lines tangled in the trailer or anything!
A guest and I sailed out into Keyport harbor area and tested the balance of the boat. The sailboat pixies had not "magicked" the mast rake over the last week, so we went back to the dock.
(Note to self - do NOT try to dock under sails in a crosswind. It gets a little exciting!)
I adjusted the shrouds a bit and took her back out again. This time the balance felt much better - still not right but better.
We sailed towards Keansburg and anchored for lunch and a little break from all the strenuous work of sitting in a dry spot in the ocean and letting the wind push us around.
I adjusted the shrouds again and, since it was after 3:30, we started back to the dock. Everything seemed tp be fine until we got close to the moored boats in the Yacht Club basin. The Reenie K developed a LOT of lee helm, wouldn't turn into the wind and was heading for a really nice and really expensive sailboat.
On came the engine and we motored out of harms way. In retrospect, given my tendency to tack too soon and my desire to not put large gouges in a boat that cost more than my home, I think I was pinching the wind - trying to sail too close into the wind. I should have made one last tack. Unfortunately, in order to start making headway, I have had to steer closer to the boat.
Next time, I'll hold my course longer before I make the final tack.