The close of the 2016 season is upon us.  Chris, Pat, Bear and Dave have had the longest timeframe of an uninterrupted partnership in our 10 year history, going on 3 seasons.  The new anchor windless is great, I love using a winch to pull anchor, so does my back.  It was so warm this summer that Elayne and I went swimming 3 different times in the bay this summer, once at midnight.  We saw whales bubble feeding, lots of dolphins, enjoyed exploring the coves and using the almost new 130 genoa  was awesome.  The day we had 25 knot winds we reefed it to about a storm configuration and the boat's healing was manageable, though at times when blue water cascaded over the bow and splashed onto the dodger we were holding on tight and decided to depower the boat even more and just reduced the jib's shape again.  All in all, I think when the winds are predicted to run at 20 and gusting to 25, we will stay on the hook if in a cove or in the harbor.  All in all it was lots of fun.
Closing down the boat on Oct 8th.

2016 auto pilot.

Our autopilot, powered by bungy cords, and it works great!

Spring sailing 2012 has arrived, departed Seward May 21st, returned May 23rd with Elayne and Barb. Saw 2 whales while anchored in Thumb cove on the 2nd nite.  15-20 knot north wind while returning home, easier sailing with the main reefed and there were a dozen dolphins  crossing our bow.   Alas, no chance of popping the chute on the return, maybe next time.

End of 2011

We departed Seward at 8PM, Friday, aug 12th, wanting to get to Thumb Cove before dark. It was dark upon our arrival but thanks to our GPS, we enjoyed it.



Elayne showing off her new gloves. Being the owner of the 2010 Alaska Governors cup sailing championship, Elayne can do what ever she wants to.

Beam reaching from Sunny Cove all the way to town, wow! We had to jibe once and did it smooth as silk.

View from the bow during our chute run back to Seward. We got back in about 5 PM, shut her down and were back in Anchorage by about 10. It was a wonderful weekend.

Start of the 2011 season

After installing the wind vane and the repaired stove, off we went to Thumb cove. Sailing out in nice weather (no rain) and even had a BBQ dinner on in the cockpit. A little later the rain started and continued through the next day. We did intend to sail 3 days but hearing of 70 degrees and Sun back home helped us decide what to do.

The boat is ready for another season and the sun will be out during our next trip.

Stove boxed up and Tiller clamped off

Jay & Melissa Finally Out on The Boat

Melissa and I and our Friend Sharon finally get out on the Rhapsody this year. Everything starts out great with sunny skies.



Then turned a bit wet. But we still had a great time!

Check ride for 2010, Early June

Kite ride home from Thumb in 8 knots of wind from the south, generating 6 knots of boat speed with the chute, 3.5 without it. Notice the pole downhaul, hum, got to be a better system
This was day 3 of the trip.



Day 2 rained most of the time and we spent the day at anchor in thumb, exploring the beach and chillen.

Day 1, Friday nite, 7PM, heading out of Seward towards Thumb cove. Started with the main reefed in 15 knot south winds but after a bit let the main out and we zipped along at 5.5 knots. Very nice sail.