Romp Across the Strait

We got what we asked for a few days ago, crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Twenty-plus knots of wind against a couple of knots of current raised a surprisingly nasty sea, giving us a good spanking.  But what a great, romping ride, close reaching at hull speed under only jib, staysail and mizzen, waves exploding on the bow sending spray everywhere.  I would have reduced sail further, with no loss of speed, except that I wanted to drive her as hard as possible that day -- a good test of the new rig.

She clearly prefers the new sail plan with the smaller, fractional jib; she points higher, drives harder, yet heels less.  The balance is a little different now with the smaller jib, so I'll probably reef the mizzen more often.  She is so easily driven, though, that that won't cost any speed.

We also got to use the topsail again for a bit before the wind piped up.  That is going to be a very useful sail.

Another high pressure is over us now here in Friday Harbor, with no wind to speak of for a few days, so it's back to doing chores.