Heave-to practice in a dying breeze
Conditions: SE 3 to 7 knots, 77 to 83°F, mostly clear; lake 5.2 ft below full pool
I sailed the Capri 22 Hot Dog solo from Holiday Marina, about 2 nm northwest up the lake and back. The forecast called for a southeast wind of 5 to 8 knots. On the water, it was lighter, kept dying, and felt like it came from the north or northwest, with a few sustained gusts.
The light air was good for practicing heave-tos. I hove to several times and got out two ways: releasing the backwinded jib and sailing off with the bow through the wind, and turning the stern through it with a jibe.
I should heave to a lot more than I do. It’s an easy way to stop and sort things out, like turning the camera.
I also rescued a yellow pool noodle.
Wind, temperature, and sky are from the Gainesville airport weather station (KGVL). Lake level is from the USGS gauge at Buford Dam; full pool is 1,071 ft.
Track
- Upwind 28%
- Reaching 8%
- Downwind 34%
- Under 1 knot 31%
Wind SE 3–7 kt
Arrows show the direction of travel. Point of sail compares the boat's course with the wind measured at KGVL, so short stretches can be off when the wind on the water differs. Shoreline: USGS National Hydrography Dataset.
With a typical wind of 5 knots, this sail was calmer than 53 of my 63 Lake Lanier sails. See them all on Sailing Lake Lanier.