Initram is lightning fast and sails like a dream

This morning we were up early to watch the sun rise, say goodbye to Leigh (who is off to NY for work and a little fun), and then out to the Toronto Islands for some sailing. After a quick look at a bilge pump that is acting up we rigged up the boat faster than ever. With Dad (Ian M. Wilson) at the helm, we motored quietly with our electric motor out into Toronto Harbour. Claire and her friend Tiffany raised the main and then jib in a very gentle breeze. Then we made directly for the eastern gap at a slow, some would say glacial pace, under very slow wind speeds. Towards the south end of the channel we got some wind, made a quick tack around south-west and started our slow sail through the gap out onto the lake.

The sun was shining, it was fairly warm, with a gentle breeze as we chitty chatted our way out, complaining mildly about how slow we were going, with other sailboats motoring by us in a hurry. Not us. We mostly kept to our sails and even if we did use a bit of electricity to drive the motor nobody would have known as we were pretty much silent. Rounding the second green buoy we caught some decent wind and starting making good steady progress towards Port Credit off somewhere in the distance. What a sight. Hundreds of sailboat out on the lake racing, a gentle light blue sky and sun. Nobody on the nude beach...perhaps a tad cold for no clothing.

We passed a couple of other larger sailboats on our way out feeling pretty cheeky. Then lunch at 12:14 as our stomachs started growling. You could actually hear them as the airs were light and the boat sailing smoothe and quiet. We enjoyed our Turkey sandwhiches and salads, with lemonade and iced tea...perfec! A few pretzels for veggies, then some delcious Aero chocolate balls for desert. 

About half way to Port Credit we decided to head back for port just before passing some more larger sailing boats...didn't want to embarass them. So, we did a quick tack right around and started heading east back to the islands. Half way back Claire Wilson took the helm with confidence and a subtle smile on her face. Up ahead was a beautiful forty footer under full sail making progress in the same direction as us. Hmmm, a race perhaps? Claire and crew, despite making any trimming of any sails started making good progress at making up the distance. As we neatly passed the larger vessel you could see the other helm looking in disbelief, up and down his sails, then back at us...how could Initram that young girl at helm be zipping past? Claire maintained a stern face, looking ahead mainly, not wanting to gloat, as we passed and then made more and more progress. Wow, Claire, you are doing great! A smile...yes, yes, she was.

Right into the eastern gap Claire maintained helm. Just before the turn in as John took helm, we made a perfect running jibe and under a beam reach zipped through the channel, lowered sails and were at the dock in no time. Ian M. Wilson took helm for the final docking procedure which was done to perfection. We even remember to put down the bumpers (no....actually they are "fenders"...so why can't I remember that?). 

A perfect day of sailing the likes of which I've been dreaming of for years. Get out and sail it is pure wonderous freedom.