Final sail of the season on the Walker Bay

I've sailed the Walker Bay several times since my last post and my opinion of it has evolved.

The first couple of times I sailed it the wind was too light for proper sailing. I've had some much better wind (5-10 mph) and one perfect day (10-15 mph). For my final sail for the season, the wind was probably too strong (5-28 mph).

I'd mentioned before about sitting on the seat instead of on the floor. With enough wind, that's the appropriate place to sit. That moves the center of gravity forward and changes the feel of the boat.

The sail has a window in it which works well with a proper wind. The tiller extends the appropriate length for sitting here, too.

I've changed my initial impression of the Walker Bay as a rowboat with a sail. It is a decent sailboat. It is easy to sail and control.

Given a perfect day and I could race back and forth on the lake.

It was less fun in high winds. Today had 25+ mph gusts. I probably should have skipped sailing but I doubt that I'll have a warm enough day again this year.

I would not recommend sailing in winds like these but I didn't get into any trouble. I was able to sail downwind at speed. The wind pushed the bow down a bit and I had to fight the tiller a bit to go straight but it wasn't difficult.

Tacking was much more difficult with so much wind. It stopped the boat cold. I also had the top of the sail tangle itself. A couple of more tacks freed it.

I'm pretty strong so someone younger might have had problems holding the sail in place against all that pressure.

All told, the Walker Bay was exactly what I wanted - an inexpensive sailboat that I can set up and take down easily by myself.

I look forward to next year's sailing season.