Monday, July 3, 2023

A Sailing Flotilla On Green Bay

We're finally getting some beautiful weather here in Marinette. In spite of the light winds at the dock, we decided to take advantage of the gorgeous conditions and head out to the bay for a day of sailing, or bobbing if we had to. Dan and Nena aboard Shoo Fly joined us. Kathy and Ric aboard Suzi Q said they would catch up to us on the bay. After slipping under the Ogden Street Bridge and passing the Menomonee Lighthouse, Shoo Fly and Mystic raised full sail and pointed north. 

Shoo fly coming under the Ogden Street Bridge

Passing the Menomonee Light

Much to our surprise, the wind was stronger on the bay. Our boats sailed in tandem for about two hours, moving at a gentle pace from 4 to 5.5 mph. We were so close that we could hear each other's voices and the water lapping at our bow. It became an exhilarating dance and an exciting shared experience.

Mystic under full sail

Dan & Nena aboard Shoo Fly

Big fluffy cotton ball clouds formed above us, creating the perfect canvas backdrop for photos. After moving a good 10 miles underway we hit a dead spot and the biting flies found us. Dave called Dan on the radio and asked if they were ready for the down wind run home. Ric heard the call and chimed in. SuziQ was behind us and gaining ground. We tacked only a few times to get on a perfect course to connect with Suzi Q. Ric and Kathy slipped into the pack and we became a flotilla of three. Suzi Q flying the American Flag off the top of her mast. The photos we took were dramatic!

When we got back to the dock, we all agreed that this was a fabulous day of some of the best sailing we could remember! We can't wait to get back out there. Maybe next time the entire sailboat fleet at Nestegg will join us.

Mystic flying the AGLCA Gold

Shoo Fly behind us


Shoo Fly beside us

Our first glimpse of Suzi Q

Suzi Q joining the flotilla

Shoo Fly

Suzi Q on the down wind run

Kathy in the princess seat

Tandem Tack - Shoo Fly & Suzi Q

Shoo Fly & Mystic
Photo by Ric & Kathy Mellon


Shoo Fly & Mystic Dancing on Green Bay
Video by Ric & Kathy Mellon

3 comments:

Ric Mellon said...

An epic day of sailing on one of America's Greatest Lakes! The weather was perfect, your photography is exceptional!

Thank You for the wonderful images!

S/V Suzi Q

Cruising - Team Rogers said...

@Ric Mellon, what a day! Looking forward to the rest of summer. We really enjoy the time we spend with you and Kathy!

DPMooney said...

It was such a fantastic day of sailing with good friends. Nena and I are looking forward to do more of the same...

Thank you for the beautiful pics and posts of the day...they certainly capture the spirit.

Shoo Fly