[CharlieCobra]

All these theories are cool but all I really know is what I see and feel on the water. I mean, that's what it all boils down to. Where's the old girl's groove? Why do I consistently run off from newer boats with longer waterlines in 15 knots and above? Why do I still sail away from these newer boats in light air? Why is the motion of my old boat slower and more comfortable than the newer boats I've sailed in the same conditions? Granted, the newer boats are a helluva lot more comfy in port but I really like the fact that if/when I lose my balance, I ain't got far to go before I can grab or lean on something.

Before I got this old boat, I'd have said, Why would anybody want one? My wife would've turned her nose up at it. Now that we have it and have sailed it in all kinds of conditions, neither of us would trade her for a newer boat.

I do know this. I'll be out there hard on the wind Saturday in the showers and back out there just cruising in the sunshine on Sunday. I got most of my boat work done last weekend, it's time to go sailing.