Reefing Lessons

A late breakfast sitting in the nook with the doors open and we were joined by the daughter who was out for a run. And then MrSitting arrived, looking slim, fit, and resplendent in his pull-on docs.
So off we went boatwards, wary of the conditions - gusting strongly 30mph+ - but we thought we'd give it a go. So, two reefs in the main, no foresail and off we blew out the harbour. Very blowy! And then I realise, never having had two reefs in before, that the sail isn't flat enough to make any windward progress. Erk. We slowly beat backwards. Thank gawd for engines. Back safely on the mooring, we set to, adjusting fixings, and got the sail nicely flattened, so it was far from a wasted experience. And then my deck shoe went overboard! Gagh. I'd never looked at Mr Sitting's boots so enviously. So ashore we went, rag wrapped round my foot. Luckily it's a short walk home - shoes on, bikes mounted and to the Dreadnought for a pint - and the two Spurs goals.
And later, out to the Kweilin with L&P (and F) for a commemorative meal for the old man, as it was a favourite restaurant of his. And I do believe he paid.