Why?

Yesterday, I was reminded of one key reason I want to go on this trip.  We sailed the boat for the first time since commencing the arduous process of upgrading it for blue water.  Before there was wind, we tested the new reefing lines.  They work just as expected.  Reefing the sail makes it smaller so that the boat is more controllable in high wind.  So we’re pretty happy with those. 

After a while, the wind picked up and we gladly turned off the motor after hoisting the sails.  At that point, Dave began to radiate happiness – and that lasted long after we returned to the dock.  It was as if the struggles of the last couple months vanished as he deftly handled the boat as it seems he was born to do.