Sail - Blue Fin, Shilshole Bay Marina

It was easy to park and meet up with the group at Shilshole Marina at 9:45 am, giving us plenty of time to stow our gear, go over safety procedures and get ready for the race at 11 am.

The sailing conditions were just right - moderate winds, some sun and not too cold. Our group didn't have a lot of experience, but that didn't phase our captain Alan and his assistant leader Stephanie. They made us feel welcome and capable  and  ready for a fun day.  We all got better working together with every tack and jibe and enjoyed racing in the midst of the fleet adorned with beautiful spinnakers. After the race, we rafted up with the rest of the boats in Port Madison to celebrate the day and the end of the  Duck Dodge racing season. That group is a very welcoming community!

We broke off from the raft a little early so we could get in some more sailing and practice and each took turns at the helm and cranking on the winches. When we had gone back the the dock, put everything away and headed to our cars, it started to sprinkle - it couldn't have been a better day -  except if we had won the race ;) ... next year.