Mel, I am a sailor as well. My brother-in-law and I at one time raced a 26ft.
Ranger out of Holland Michigan. We spent most of those days two handed, that
is only two people allowed on the boat. Most trips where from Holland to
Chicago, Milwaukee, or up to Sleeping Bear, all on Lake Michigan. There is
nothing quite so solitary as spending your turn at the rudder on a star
filled night on a large body of water. Lake Michigan is about 100 miles
across from Holland to Milwaukee. There are several hours where no do not see
land, birds, planes, or other boats. The last such trip was filled with a
storm, 6-8ft. waves, loss of a spinnaker, and blown off course to Racine. As
the winds finally died and we staggered into Racine Harbor, we found the
Catholic church was having mass at the waterside. After two more days of
liquid courage, we finally had the nerve to return to Holland. I have not
been on the boat since. I have much respect for Laura Zolo and Cpt'n Jack.
I'm sure they have better stories than I.
Donald Sinclair, Indianapolis