Day 14: Nazaré, Madeira and the Spinnaker Saga

Overnight sail started on the 11th from Porto to Nazaré. Huge winds 25-35 knots. We tried flying the spinnaker, but the wind was too much and we made a mistake causing the sail to wrap around the forestays on the boat. Two hours of struggle resulted in the sail in tatters and totally destroyed. Very demoralizing.Continue reading “Day 14: Nazaré, Madeira and the Spinnaker Saga”

Day 7: Launch from France and Docking in Porto, Portugal

The day has finally arrived! Steve, Beck, and the rest of the crew aboard the Pommes Frites saw their goodbyes to Sainte Marine, France, where we spent 3 days prepping the new Pogo 50. We push off for the open water of the Atlantic and their first port in Portugal. For a few of theContinue reading “Day 7: Launch from France and Docking in Porto, Portugal”

Day 0: Arriving in France and a Few Days of Practice

As the crew arrived in France after 24-hours of travel time, we were both tired and excited. Along the trip, it was fun to hear from the crew about how they were feeling. When we arrived at the Pommes Frites, Brian and I shared our thoughts about the marina, the new Pommes Frites, and theContinue reading “Day 0: Arriving in France and a Few Days of Practice”

Italy Part 2: Radda in Chianti

There’s just one thing that you need to know about Tuscany.  It tastes good.  The pasta is good.  The wine is good.  The vegetables are good. The mushrooms are good.  I’m pretty sure that the dirt tastes good, though my lovely bride would not help me perform  a scientific experiment on this hypothesis. Naturally, I wouldContinue reading “Italy Part 2: Radda in Chianti”

Winter Camping in Manistee 2010

I take a trip to Manistee, MI every January for a fricking cold winter camping extravaganza.  Getting away from work and everything for a couple of days is great.  The snow was so deep this year that it was a serious grind to get the 10.5 miles to the campsite.  Day 2 was tough, anotherContinue reading “Winter Camping in Manistee 2010”