Скачать или смотреть Very Windy Day Sailing -- Clear Lake, CA, 04 APR 23

Headed out of Briato's Marina. Weather prediction for 12-4 p.m. was 15 to 25 MPH steady winds from the West/ Northwest; Gusts in the range of 34 to 40 MPH. We initially probed the wind in the narrows as too sketchy for my tiller training, so then practiced hiding from the wind among terrain block to the area northwest and west of Anderson Island and waited for the wind to settle down a bit. Then, we ventured north into the narrows again and found the winds and gusts about the same, but tolerable...so proceeded north into the big lake and west into Soda Bay where we encountered even bigger roller-swells than in this video, but more stable winds. Had a great couple hours sailing through chop and short-period swells, working for the sweet spot angles and surfing, adjusting rudder over the peaks, sail trimming, and headed home downwind greatly surfing the waves. Winds and crazy gusts from all over settled down by late afternoon return. Conditions were among the most unusual seen by anyone in many years. Almost ocean coastal conditions, but worse due to the short-period waves and unstable winds the lake provides. Excellent training experience yet sadly makes most lesser wind and waves a bit boring. Felt almost like the opening scene of Gilligan's Island where Skipper and Gilligan worked the helm while taking cold splashes of water in the face! A very exciting day out, double-handed. We reached 9.4 knots (10.8 MPH). Normal for the boat is around 5.8 to 6 knots max.