Our firs sail in "Luna" our Sanibel 18

Posted By: Jose P15 #2045 "Witty"
Date: 6/25/09 4:51a.m.

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Sunday evening was our first outing into our local lakes with our lovely "Luna" (Our new Sanibel 18). AND what a BLAST we had! WE absolutely loved this boat! The day was miserably hot. I have never rigged a boat with backstay and the genoa with roller furling was longer than my little P15. I raised the mast without using the Gin Pole that should help. I was impatient and I wanted to launch. I am glad that I got some Gatorade to recover from that heat. After going through some "lines crossing each other" and few other mishaps here and there I got her ready and I launched on our local lake (Lake Summit)...It was so easy that it was almost like launching the P15 (in this regard). I pushed with one hand while holding a docking line with the other. After she was out of the trailer I push it back to the sand on the ramp side. I went back into the car in the ramp, pulled out, parked the trailer and boarded the boat that was beached there...SIMPLE. I went sailing and OH MY!! IT WAS AWESOME!!! The wind was light (measured 5-6 knots) but I was moving fast. I was making always more than 3.5 knots and have her above 5 knots several times. I assume that it will not be difficult to keep her there once I get a good hand of it. The Genoa is huge and gave the boat a lot of power. The best sail was at 10-15o of healing. I wanted to test her stability, so in gusts I had her sheet in and she went up to 20o. I freaked out there and did not attempt to heal her any further..I don't know if she would much more...I think she wouldn't. For my standards this boat is like having a condominium that moves as a Formula 1 (sorry...Indy) car. I absolutely loved her. SHE is not a dog and while I will still be slow comparing with the Sea Pearls that I sail with, I will move at a nice speed and let the SP friends to take pictures of us from all angles . The most important thing is that the four of us felt very comfortable. The cockpit is huge and very roomy. Inside is not an apartment but it's very comfortable and plenty for us. I did not take pictures as I was more focused on getting acquainted with the different points of sail. I just wanted to drop this first impressions and share with you guys. I am so so GLAD that I bought this boat. Jose "Luna" Sanibel 18 and "Witty" P15 #2045