Jackie Gay

The waters of Biscayne Bay hold many secrets and surprises.
Out sailing a couple of days ago in fitful, fluky and spooky light airs we saw what looked like plastic bags looming out of the water, then realised that the ominous blue frill around them indicated deadly poison.

Then into the dock came this creature

A manatee, or sea cow. They are the size of cows too! They come into the dock for a drink of fresh water from the hose pipes, very endearing with their big seal-like eyes; but the propellor scars and barnacles on their backs tell a different story.

Then yesterday we were hooning downwind in 20+ knots and came to a juddering halt as we hooked a lobster pot with our keel. Fortunately no damage that we can see but it was a heart-stopping moment.

Day off today (although I am don’t think I’ll be able to keep away from a bit of boat tweaking…), then registration for the regatta tomorrow, boats back in the water and a test sail before racing starts on Monday.

This is it!