Muskegon to Harbor Springs and Back, 20-31 July 2008:

Early the morning of 20 July 2008 I began final preparation of “Crusader” (a Cal 39) for a solo cruise north, and at around 0900 I slipped the dock lines and headed west toward the Muskegon entrance channel. My plan was to intercept the Chicago-Mackinaw Race fleet as they sailed north - and then to meet Mike (racing in the Mac) and Meagan at a harbor somewhere along the way. The purpose of this sail was to get to know the boat as a solo sailor and do a bit of a “shake down” of all the rigging and systems.

Part of the “mission” was also to explore the potential of a sailing/kiting experience in the waters I was sailing thru. If I had more time and other crew it would have been awesome to ride at several spots along the way including the Sables, Frankfort, Little Manitou Island, East (Grand Traverse) Bay among others. Next time, next year, I will for sure make this happen!