June 19 - Sailing with Alex out of Provincetown

My granddaughter, Alex, smiling on the rail and all serious at the helm. At age ten, her first time sailing and she can steer, including through the tacks.  (Hence she has one of the three qualifications of an "Able Seaman" of the Royal Navy. They have to be able to "Hand (handle lines), Reef (work aloft reefing sails) and Steer." My fear: "Bring a book for her as defense against potential boredom," was completely unfounded. She lives on the west coast and the only other time she was aboard, perhaps five years ago, it was blowing 30 knots plus. So I wisely did not leave the mooring at the Harlem YC that day and have waited a long time for this day.

With winds at about 15 knots from the north we stayed close to a beam reach, on a westerly course toward Plymouth, on the mainland, and then back. We made speeds of about 6 - 7 knots under reefed main and small jib. A beautiful 4.5 hour sail.

Others on board included Ilene, in her new Block Island hoodie,

Peewee (Alex's other grandfather, from England, who is an experienced sailor),

Alex's father Mark, shown here later, on land,

and Mark's sister, Kate (also from England and a first time sailor).

After we docked (to get water), Mark returned and chauffeured us to the supermarket and back, and then to the home they rented here with a view of the Harbor. (This photo fails to do the view justice.)

for a delicious dinner with all of them and the rest of the party which included, left to right: Alex's grandmother, Eileen, Mark's wife, Sarah,the aforementioned  Kate and Sarah's cousin Christina.

I was ecstatic the whole day. Alex can steer and enjoys sailing!!