Sunday Crescendo

Sunday morning we found the winds were taking it easy at about 3 knots or less.

Two "Semi" (pronounced "seh-mee" - Japanese for cicada) were set up in hopes of attracting renters, but the only other sailboat that went out was a Sea Hopper (Yamaha version of Laser).

Soon after casting off, the wind picked up some to perhaps 5 knots, which made for some nice leisurely sailing. We made our way to the northeast corner of lake Hinuma, where it starts to narrow to become the Hinuma river.

A water skier was headed our way, so we changed tack to stay well out of the way. There was an accident involving a collision of two PWCs (aka Jet Ski) last week, so I'm being extra cautious about the proximity of power boats. Those cumulus building up was a sign of things to come later in the evening.

Near Hinuma Nursing Home (not a bad spot for one), the shore was lined with people looking for a place to cool off.




We took a break for lunch at Mama's. Didn't bring the camera, so you'll have to take our word for it. We had pasta with eggplant and tuna in tomato sauce, the salad bar and the desert which was a very light cheese cake with fresh fruit.

When we returned, Bluesette had been moved to the end of the dock to make room for stink pots other boats.

The all new "Belchfire 90"!
Bluesette looked so dainty next to these gas guzzling brutes.

We went out for another hour and a half. All the while, the wind kept increasing until it was up around 9 knots with higher gusts, but nothing really scary. On our way back in, we were often close to the Sea Hopper and I was glad for the windows in the new sails.


We had to tack a few times as we waited for the stink pots other boats which had returned ahead of us to be pulled out of the water. After giving Bluesette a bath and taking showers ourselves, we settled in the yacht club for a tall cool one.

Kimie had an interesting conversation with Mr. Hakuta who reminisced about his college days, cruising on sailboats around Japan and learning to sail dinghies on the lake using just sails, without touching the rudder, during winter when the air is more dense.

He showed us a copy of Minoru Saito's book, which he got when Mr. Saito visited Hinuma Yacht Harbor while raising funds for his present voyage around the world. (see my recent post about Saito-san "The Old Man and the Seas").

Later in the evening, the weather continued to crescendo until we had a full blown thunder storm. Our dog Momo asked to come inside, and soon thereafter we lost our internet connection and for a short while all electricity.

Winds and percussion. The great orchestra of the weather.

Until next, sweet sailing.