Balance

[GreenLake]

Ideal conditions last night. Full moon, clear sky, warm night and a steady breeze.

I set the sails, hooked my bungee to the tiller, and for the next hour had to touch neither one. The boat was perfectly balanced on a close reach and even seemed to luff up in the gusts and fall off in the lulls all by itself.

Magical.

[K.C. Walker]

Perfect!

I raced on a sunfish last night. We had a light breeze and a strong current in the harbor. It sure did make me appreciate my DaySailer all the more.

[GreenLake]

No comparison. Race nights are quicker on a V15, but whenever the wind kicks up into the upper registers or is gusty (or too low to allow sitting on the side of the boat) I'd rather have the DS around. With practice, I might adjust a bit more to the different style of sailing - but those other boats require much more "technique", it seems and not having to bring that to the table each time makes the DS so much more relaxing.

One of my favorite activities is "ghosting" in nearly non-existing breezes under a starry or moonlit night, with no pressure to arrive anywhere at any specific time. Try that on any of the "tippy" dinghies.

[K.C. Walker]

I also enjoy ghosting. Though, I've never tried it by starlight. Maybe I should get some lights. The UPS sail has added a new element to ghosting that has been enjoyable. I've been getting out for early before breakfast sailing. It's so nice to be on the lake with no other boats and perfectly smooth water.

[GreenLake]

Because the DS is under 7m, you really aren't required to mount any lights under the navigation rules (unless you are motoring). If you do, there are convenient sets of navigation lights that are sold for Kayakers. Get the LED version and find a way to mount them at the bow and stern. That's what I do.

You might need a strong flashlight if you have to pick your way through rocks, pilings, unlit docks or moorings...

Night sailing has it's own attractions, although it makes some people nervous. Beating against current into a rising wind as night falls is probably not the best starting point. Moderate winds, a good full moon, and the lights from a well-populated lake shore can ease the transition.

A UPS might have made a nice difference on my return leg, because it was nearly all close reach. On the way out, it was more like a broad reach turning into downwind as the evening progressed, and I flew a regular spinnaker. I find that in moderate winds, singlehanding a spinnaker isn't rocket science, even had a hand free to take some pictures.