After a perfect shakedown sail from our winter storage to our summer dock, we loaded provisions and got ready for a several-weeks-long cruise. The goal was to explore the Great Lakes, but more importantly to simply try out live aboard life to see if it suits us.
In addition to food, supplies, and equipment, the cabin got a bit of a makeover. A few last-minute projects involved a lot of varnish. The first was to clean up the sole—which came out much better than I expected. The original cork flooring material had been abandoned under some ratty carpet for years, and I wasn’t sure if it was even salvageable. But it’s amazing what a little cleaning, sanding, and sealing can do.
The second was an upgrade of the original formica table to a lovely maple hardwood version. I can’t take credit for this other than varnishing and installing it—the real praise goes to the previous owner—but it is a beauty and a worthy centerpiece for the cabin now.
We started up the Detroit River at just before 8:30 am. The wind was forecasted to be behind us most of the journey, and we were on schedule to reach the end of the river where a slip was waiting for us before some evening thunderstorms. Things looked beautiful as we turned into the main channel.
However, it didn’t stay that way. The wind died as some cool rainclouds crept in. The engine kept us moving and our raincoats kept us dry as we continued upriver. After about half an hour of that, the wind came back and brought the sun with it. We were able to continue with the sails and cover ground quickly.
This was our second big passage, but our first time in the busy waters of the Detroit River. Between commercial traffic and the landmarks, there was always something interesting to look at.
Nate took the helm through downtown.
Toward the end of our passage, cameras were tucked away as wind accelerated. We reefed, but in hindsight maybe not enough. Whether it was an error by the captain or damaged equipment, the roller furler wouldn’t bring in the remaining foresail as we came into the wind. Battling gale-force gusts, the sail fully unfurled and needed to be dropped to the deck. The wind made for a rough ride as well as a rough time on the sail and sheets. Eventually we got things back under control, but egos (at least) were slightly bruised.
We docked in time for dinner and well before the forecasted thunderstorms—and good thing, because they came with tornado warnings just to our west. In the calm of the evening we took stock, and we realized it might be foolish to press on in our condition. Two main systems needed attention: the furler and the head. We didn’t want to be without either, and although we had come with some tools to address these kinds of things, we decided that the best course of action was to fix them at our (still nearby) home dock. So, the next morning, we turned around. The wind had shifted so it was still behind us, and this time we were traveling with the current. Only two days in, we were back where we started.
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