Trying 'Nick' downwind

We actually lowered the jib to build the deviation table for Elise's 2nd boat compass (we had a table only for one, and even though it was not a required item, we took the few minutes it took to build it as we could see land (thus landmarks...) all around us.

Nat then set up the spinnaker and hoisted it

This is Nick driving downwind and doing a good job. We had about 17 knots after we ended up in Racoon Straits...

And everything went well until the wind died on us in the lee of Angel Island. 'Nick' didn't react fast enough and a droopy spinnaker got wrapped around the forestay. Nat set up to take down the spinnaker since a heavier headsail would have better chances of carrying us through in light air...however, it wouldn't come down! The halyard was jammed somewhere, not quite sure how as both lines (jib and spinnaker) went up clear. In any case, after many attemps, we found ourselves a little close to Angel Island so I pulled out the engine. It wouldn't start...so we tried paddling a little bit, tough act against the current though! - we were getting ready to drop and anchor to secure the boat away from the rocks and have time to go aloft to unstuck things if need be)

Instead, we hailed a boat and got towed into Angel Island.

Serge holding on the spinnaker to make sure it doesn't fill up. Interesting, the halyard just came down once the wind filled the sail from forward.

Our towing boat set of saviors!

We met up w/ Nathan at Sam's for dinner (just across from Angel Island), the wind had dropped a bit to 14-15 knots in the Straight. It took us forever to cross back to the Saint Francis because of a heavy flood and a dying wind. It took a lot of tacking and good midwinter practice on the boat but we made it..finally. We were ready to drive home at 2:45am...