Odalisque - September 7, 2003 Log

Log 2003 – September 7th

September 7, 2003

There was a brilliant September day that was filled with sunshine and high clouds that we decided to take "Odalisque" out for a sunset sail. It was a classic late Summer day with almost no wind in the upper trees, but we were determined. We got to Stepping Stone marina and walked down the pier towards the launch boat at 6:15 pm. We started the engine and motored out of the mooring field at about 6:30 or so. The A4 engine was humming and we were making about 4 or 5 knots. A very close by Mars and an almost full moon were due in the skies tonight.

We motored out with Jessica at the helm. She negotiated some swells and wake admirably and even took us about under motor. We tried a little genoa action after the waters surface indicated a 5 knots or less wind speed. Minutes later we restarted the engine and made straight for our mooring. The twilight breeze that had blown up was not enough to get us back in good time.

The afterglow of sunset over the Bronx was beautifully stratified by high clouds. The view of New York City with the bridges and the clouds and rainbow inspires us to bring a better camera next time.

There was little wind as we put the engine into neutral and let our momentum take us up to the mooring stick. I ran up afore deck after cutting the engine to neutral: Jessie took the helm to steer me in. The wind was so light that we did it right the first time.

Beautiful scenery, beautiful day, beautiful people having fun.

— Caleb Davison