OK technically, it isn't blue water sailing. I went down to the Shrewsbury River and put the Reenie K in down there. The river is tidal, so the water is brackish - a mix of fresh and salt water.
I have to admit I was a little nervous about sailing there, even though the shore is visible. This was my first venture ever into tidal waters. All of my other sailing has been lakes.
First of all, the tide was out and the river is REALLY shallow. I spent half my time sailing with the centerboard half raised. THAT really affected how the Reenie K handles.
The wind was different too. No abrupt changes of direction! I tacked a lot, but to change my direction, not to accommodate a change in the winds.
More adjustments to the stays and shrouds too. I had a lot (A LOT) of windward helm when I was sailing down the wind. I'll keep playing with it, but next time, I strap my wrench down! I lost a wrench overboard!
I'm going back tomorrow with a friend and the crew. I'll take more pictures of some of the houses along the shore (My GOD!) One of the nearby towns is Rumson - where Jon Bon Jovi lives! Their utility sheds are bigger than my house!
Nice people and I'm going to check out joining the yacht club down there. I can see myself in the white slacks, blue suit coat and captain's cap standing around the clubhouse, discussing the latest sail to the Keys (yeah in my dreams).
All in all, it was a great day on the water, and I can't wait to go back.