Big Water, Big Bridge

Big Water, Big Bridge: Next time, we'll remember to reef down when 30+ knots are predicted. Later, headed east -- under more favorable conditions -- under the Mighty Mac, summer 2009.

At Anchor, South Manitou Sunset

Sunset, On the Hook at S. Manitou Island: Julie and I spent 2 nights at this lovely 'way station' harbor on our way up the lake late last summer, after a day of big wind and big water -- off our stern -- coming up from Manistee. In July, Dixon and another crew stopped  at S. Mantiou Harbor upbound and downbound. It is fast becoming a favorite place for on-the hook R&R.

Back In The Fast Lane

Back in the fast lane: Team Lochaber and The Big Girl entered their first offshore race in August, joining a fleet of over 45 boats in the annual Clipper Cup run from Muskegon to Port Washington, Wis. Even with old sails and a small, semi-inexperienced crew, we did very well. Sustained winds from the southwest, starting a.m. at around 8 knots and rising to as much as 22k out in the middle of the lake early afternoon, had us whooshing along at over 9k at times. ... Until our old, cruising asymmetrical spinnaker (The Pony) blew out. We then hoisted our old "Banana" staysail and were cutter-rigged three-sheets to the wind for half of the race. Lochaber finished well in 9:33 hrs/min, ahead of many boats, including some of the Spinnaker Class craft that started after us and were supposed to catch and pass us. Former owner/skipper and race veteran (many, many Macs, including several at the helm of our T41) Mike Jones joined us as honorary Skipper Emeritus. What a run; and the overnight night cruise back  at 5-6k --- under the moon and stars and, at dawn, into the sun rise --- was an amazing ride. 

Scoops 'N' Chutes

Scoops 'N' Chutes: Finally, after a year without it, we're able to set up and fly a spinnaker, this one being the "Little Horse" assymetrical cruiser. Later, The Big Horse?

New Girl In Town

Almost ready to dance: The old letters have been removed and Lochaber's new name now graces her stern. Re-naming ceremony coming up soon! Stay tuned ....

Springtime in the Boatyard! Smell the ...

Making ready: Veteran sailor and Waterman Sage Bill Danly, left, and son-law Chriz Zoladz work on the bottom of the T41. Next up, primer, fresh coats of bottom paint, a shinned up hull and -- perhaps -- a renaming ceremony! Watch for more photos.

Dining Out

Dining out: Jule, Chris, Katey and Julie Janes prepare to chow down after a tough day of sailing.