[jephotog]

This thread reminds me of an experience I had. I had a neighbor that I took out on my Chrysler 22 back when i had it. He had a good time. He was an interesting, tough guy ex-marine MP, had been a private investigator and had just got his PHD and was teaching at the local University.

I moved to another place a little later. He called me a few months later, he had bought his own boat a 30 footer. We went out with him and his girlfriend. He talked about the work he had done and the plans to move aboard soon. I was impressed he was hooked on sailing. We sailed around a bit and I asked to steer to see how a boat that size felt. I started to head up and bring in the sails. They both started getting fidgety and he asked to take back the helm. He immediately fell off the wind and eased the sails. He explained they did not like the boat when it leaned over. I asked how did he plan on getting back to the marina. He said "with the motor". So another option is to sail only downwind and fire up the motor for the upwind legs.