If you suffered through yesterday's post, great news! This one will be shorter. Yesterday, after a morning of cleaning decks, grocery shopping, buying a longer water hose, etc, I cast off for a shake down cruise. I wound my way out through Lake Macatawa, a slow process because boats longer than 36 feet are not allowed to get up on a plane, and, exceedingly slow the last half mile out to Lake Michigan which is headway speed only for everyone. Katahdin joined a huge parade of boats enjoying what will probably be the last terrific summer Saturday of the year (it's rainy, windy and glowery this morning) and we bumped in and out of gear for that stretch.
Once out on Lake Michigan, we tested our efficient cruise speed (12 knots) our let's get there cruise speed (20 knots) and worked out the most efficient trim tab setting for each one. I'm happy to report:
Trim tabs worked!
AIS worked!
VHF read the GPS!
Auto pilot worked!
Dinghy did not fall off the davits!
I did not fall off the boat!
Once back at the marina, I experienced my first failed docking attempt. Not a biggy, we just exited the fairway and got it right the second time.
Yesterday, I moved onto Katahdin and last night was my first night. I celebrated with an after dinner martini and found the lapping of the water, slight rock of the boat, our V-berth queen size, and the pleasant hum of the generator and AC all to be highly conducive to a great night's sleep.
My morning wake up picture is attached. Jackie and bosun, Rascal (our cat), arrive tomorrow night. We'll provision on Tuesday and, weather allowing, say goodbye to Holland, MI, until this time next year.
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