Dare I? (Chesapeake Bay)

[hugosalt]

Tow insurance is good, carry some myself...In time to come try to be as self sufficient as possible...no wind? no motor? try anchoring, out of channel, and wait it out...big confidence builder...knowing you can work it out and get home safely.
Need adequate ground tackle and even if your going out for
a few hour day sail...working navigation lights...trust me I know..
Test the waters when weather cooperates.

[SkiprJohn]

Pick a day when winds will be less than 15k and sail with your mainsail only for any upwind legs for a few miles. With the main you'll be able to sail both upwind and downind but not as efficiently as including the jib or genoa. Sailing upwind you'll want to keep the sail sheeted in and when going downwind you'll want to ease the sail out a bit. Do not try to point too high into the wind. Your boat speed will suffer and you might end up "in irons." With just using the jib or genoa without the mainsail you'll have a hard time pointing upwind at all.
Try to find "Start Sailing Right!" for a very good primer on sail trim.
It is good that you are willing to experiment.
regards,

[captain ed]

Boat U.S is the prefered towing company on the Chesapeake Bay. Coverage everywhere you may end up.

[barnakiel]

If the weather is fine (light) and if you know how to furl the sails and if the engine is fine then why worry?

Be careful, be prepared, but go for it.

b.

[Chief Engineer]

Don't use Vessel Assist/Deckleman

[David M]

Go out in light airs and bring along someone who already knows how to sail. ...and don't forget to put up your fenders!

[Chief Engineer]

We have a four letter word that sends Marylanders into a panic.....

Snow........this weekend.......

The newsspeakers are already showing the salt-titties (salt domes that have pointed tops)...trucks loaded with salt......this year they are mixing it with molasses....they probably got that idea from???????

Seriously......check the weather......go for a light air day......practice raising an dlowering your sails.......take your time and don't rush around....that will get you hurt.

Check around....there are probably a few people who would be glad to show you the ropes.....I've done it a few times.....I come cheap....coffee sandwiches and you let me smoke a cigarrete or 12

[BubbleHeadMd]

Hey Chief,

I've seen the forecast... the snow doesn't bode well. It's not going to stick, but I wouldn't risk slipping on it. Sunday looks much better. Sunny and in the 40's but winds in the 20's.

I'll probably just experiment at the slip.