Below is a picture of Flight, Kathy and Bob's Valiant 40.
In six hours we covered 35 miles to Marco Island. The sun came out and the wind varied from light to 19-20 mph. The wind direction changed from a broad reach to a tight reach (across the boat). In lay language, someone had to keep an eye on the wind and adjust the auto pilot or actually skipper Catrina.
However, the wind was in a great range for our spinnaker which we used frequently. But then the wind would get over 15 knots or the direction would change to a beat (toward the front) and the spinnaker would start wildly flapping. So we found ourselves continually putting up and taking down the spinnaker. If you were racing, this would be great practice and I am sure we needed practice but it was also work. We just wished to sit and look at our beautiful spinnaker!
We could see "Flight" in the distance behind us as we dropped sail and motored up Marco River. We dropped anchor farther up the River in a spot we had used last April where the River was wider and within dingy distance of a good restaurant! Flight anchored just behind us.
Tom was our chauffeur to Snook Inn for dinner. Our dingy fits two easily, is tight with three and underwater with four!
When we got to the Shook Inn, we hunted for steps but found none. Docks were built high above the water to accommodate boats. Finally we found some rocks that we could reach and climb up to the top! I guess guests did not usually arrive by dingy!
Conversation, drinks, fish sandwiches and salad bar were enjoyed by all. Tom escorted Kathy and Don to Flight by dingy and we all said good night. Hope to see you at Marathon - Boot Key!
