First Sail of the Season

It’s been a couple of weeks, and sadly, we haven’t done much actual sailing. Complications with the new lithium batteries slowed us down. Something isn’t quite working—something something inverter—and apparently we need another part… or maybe another inverter. We’ve made so many trips to Marine Outfitters in Kingston that I’m pretty sure they know us by name now. I don’t think that’s a good thing.

While the electrical gremlins kept us dock-bound, we did manage a few upgrades. One big one was our anchor and chain. I couldn’t tell you what our old anchor was—just that it met the bare minimum requirements with about 30 feet of chain and 100 feet of rode. We’ve now upgraded to bigger anchor, 100 feet of chain and 150 feet of rode, giving us a much better anchoring scope. Hopefully that means less dragging and a steadier Agra2 when wind and current decide to test us.

Tom's made it to the top

Tom’s friend Pat came by to help, mostly to help Tom climb the mast. I wanted no part in being responsible if Tom fell. The goal was to inspect the mast and check that everything was still working. Unsurprisingly, some things weren’t. Lights and fixtures, including the anchor light, need replacing. Equipment is aging, and at times it feels like Agra2 is slowly falling apart… or maybe I’m being a little dramatic 😉

With sailing still on pause, we gave Agra2 a good bath, inside and out. Then set off on a short trip back home for a family get-together. We planned a week for what would normally be a two-day trip, hoping to leave space for weather delays and unrushed family time. We're fair weather sailors!

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Our first stop was Picton, where we spent time with my cousin Diane and her daughter. We visited her treehouse, spent time on the boat, and took them out to watch the sailboat races. At one point, we accidentally got very close to the race, close enough that I felt like I could reach out and touch the sails. It was exhilarating… maybe a little dangerous… but in the eyes of a child, it was pure fun.

It was also kind of special to see two boats from our yacht club there with us. There was a comforting sense of home—being surrounded by both family and boat family.

We spent our 31st wedding anniversary in Picton. I had originally made a reservation at a fancy restaurant, but I cancelled it. Tom and I have a tradition: every year, he makes spaghetti and meatballs for our anniversary, with the exception of the years when the military needed him more. No fancy restaurant can compete with that. It’s comfort, tradition, and exactly what my heart wants every year.

Thank goodness we planned extra time. The wind turned rough, with risks of tornadoes, and we stayed an extra day.

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We arrived in Trenton Friday, a day before the family get-together. We spent a lovely Saturday at Tom’s sister’s house. There was a BBQ, lots of visiting, and afterward we moved Agra2 to the town day docks so family could join us for Jim’s Pizza (Tomasso’s). For us, Jim’s pizza will always be the best, and sometimes I think we invent trips just to justify going there… and Reid’s Dairy. What a special treat to enjoy it on our floating home.

That night, we motored back to the CFB Trenton Yacht Club, and it turned into one of the roughest nights I’ve ever had whiile docked. Normally, I sleep just fine at docks and walls, but the wind howled. There was a piercing whistling sound, masts clanging, and the whole night felt tense and unsettled.

We were technically in a slip, but it was about ten feet too short for us. When the wind picked up, the strain on the lines was unmistakable. We were stern-in, and the bow kept swinging out. In the middle of the night, Tom grabbed a flashlight, checked the lines, and added more to secure us as best he could.

Being the worrywart I am, sleep was not happening. I took my weighted blanket, pillow, and eReader up to the cockpit to keep watch. Tom, sweet as ever, came up to stay with me. Even asleep, his presence was comforting. The wind was so strong it blew my 20-pound weighted blanket right off me. Rude.

As we waited out the storm, we saw other boat lights flick on, flashlights moving as owners checked their own lines. It was a rough night for many. By morning, we inspected for damage, thankfully none. And added another lesson learned: if we visit CFB Trenton Yacht Club again or other clubs, we need to ensure the dock is sufficient.

According to Environment Canada, wind gusts reached strong-gale force at about 90 km/h. No wonder it felt intense.

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Too tired to head home, and definitely not staying another night there, we made a short jaunt to Belleville Yacht Club. The heat was brutal, and I felt zero guilt closing up the boat and turning on the A/C.

The following day was perfect. Hot, yes. but cooler on the water. We finally headed home on a truly beautiful sailing day. The spinnaker went up, and we glided along effortlessly. This was our first time sailing with it, and it was absolutely stunning. So stunning, in fact, that we sailed right past Picton and continued all the way home to Kingston. No heeling. Five to seven knots almost the entire way. Just smooth, easy sailing. Dreamy.

These are the days I look forward to.

And when we finally secured Agra2 in her slip, I took a quiet moment of prid, I docked her stern-in for the very first time. I did that. With my mad backing-up skills… and maybe just a little guidance from the Captain. ⚓💙