RainDog

Raindog, are you stopping by my boat this weekend? It's Tony's B-day and thought we could go for a night time sail to celebrate. Sorry I bailed on you again, my friend is a bit nervous about storms and I didn't want her first experience to be wet. She is game for next time.
Erika

Where are you sending your sails to be worked on?

Purchased mine at Lowes for $99, it a fridgidare(spell??) "mini a/c" 5000BTU. Next time you are down you are welcome to come over and look at mine.

Thanks for the great sail, you have a beautiful boat. If you ever want crew again I'm in
Erika

Hey
RD, I notice that you are generously providing the brisket. As mentioned I am bringing my 22" wok with lid and insert grill, with heater. Makes warming up meat a breeze with steam, keeps its mositure. You are welcome to it when the tribe gathers. I am bringing some smoked pork butt and pintos. Looking foreward to meeting you.

Thanks for joining the Texas group
Erika

Are you gonna bring crabs like that to our first Texas group BBQ? hehe

Night sailing rocks BUT I'm afraid you have a healthy fear. Galveston bay is bad but I don't have the current knowledge. The first 100 miles out into the gulf has lots of rigs, crew boats, survey vessels, ships, etc etc. When ever I went out in the Gulf I don't linger I got as far from land as possible as fast as possible. The survey vessels are the worst, they are lit up like Chirstmas trees and drag a 2-3 mile cable with a strobe on the end while going in circles (I think, maybe figure eights). Not all rigs are lit either. I don't really relax till I'm a good 100 miles out.

Its not foolish, but I do think it would be prudent to bring a chart to someone who goes out all the time, they could tell you where the bad spots in the bay are. I Have been away for eight years so I am going by my own experience so it is a little out dated. Take the chart to a dock party, everybody loves to share local knowledge.

Hope this helps,
Erika

I'm a bit rusty, and ,as any good sailor would, sound smarter than I really am So with that in mind I'll be gald to help.

Howdy Raindog
That was a great link about How Sailboats work. Welcome to the forum