Ontario and the Boundary Waters area are burning.

Tied up to the city pier in Houghton, with a makeshift air purifier running in the boat. When I woke up yesterday my eyes were stinging from the smoke and everything was coated in a layer of ash. It smells like campfire everywhere.

The lift bridge is about a quarter mile from my position. Visibility can't be much more than half a mile.

Last summer the smoke went on for days but this is the first time I've noticed the ash. There have been days of smoke every summer since 2020 in the north country.

I asked my parents, both in their 70's if they remember days like this when they were growing up - just once, in 1980 when Mt. St. Helens erupted.

Since I am somewhat sensitive to it and I can hide in the cabin with my air purifier I'm waiting the smoke out before continuing to Marquette.

A nice day sail from Sand Island Wisconsin to the twin ports of if Duluth / Superior.

I snapped this photo with my phone last night, and thought I'd share. The potato-quality sensor and digital zoom give it a kind of hazy, painted effect. I have to say, the MacGregor 26X gets a lot of hate, but the owner of this boat was actually out on the water, taking advantage of the steady, northwest breeze, while most boats on the lake were still tied up to their moorings. The thunderstorm was about 40 miles away, so we were safe.

Does anybody know of sailing opportunities in the Florida panhandle, specifically nearer Tallahassee? I have a friend that I met through my sailing club who moved down there for work. She's really missing sailing. I'm thinking about going to visit soon, and we've been looking around for bareboat charters or rentals of monohulls, and not having much luck. (I'm finding mostly luxury catamaran charters further down the coast.) Beyond that, anybody know of clubs or organizations in the area?

Sailing out to Sand Island before making my jump to Duluth I was approached by a Coast Guard vessel! At first they wanted to board me while under sail but I told them I was just going to go around lighthouse point and anchor anyway. They let me anchor then hopped on to joke around and make sure I was being safe! Told me I was the only boat they'd seen out there all day, I'm glad we could make each other's days a little more exciting.

My 1982 Tartan 37 Caravel, anchored in Presque Isle Bay, Stockton Island, Wisconsin

Pic unrelated.

I will be participating in my first overnight race as crew this weekend. I've been told there won't be any cooking, so bring snacks. We do have a fridge. I am wondering what would be some good snacks to bring. Weather looks dry, but up here that can be an hour by hour basis. I am wondering if anyone has any advice, tips, or just general knowledge they would like to impart. I am very nervous. New boat, new crew just to make it extra fun. I think I have the basic gear down, all my typical sailing trip stuff + headlamp and tether for nighttime.

Just finished applying the second coat of bottom paint, launching Tuesday!

@sailing One of my goals for this year involves getting my SailCan coastal navigation + intermediate cruising certifications. Do any of you folks have advice on resources for learning the coastal nav stuff? I've heard that the "official" book & test is a bit of a mess. Incorrect info, incorrect *answers*. Looking for an improvement over that.

#sailing

Leilani anchored somewhere on the Mississippi near where the Kaskaski River meets the big river. As these barges would pass by I could hear the bottom being kicked up by their massive props. Looking forward to making this trip again (or maybe switching it up and going through the Erie Canal) this summer!

I would imagine that this drink is not very popular in the sailing community.

#sailing @sailing

A couple of Hunters and Tartans anchored in Little Sabine Bay, Winter 2021.

Westerly Centaur back in Ilfracombe Harbour, North Devon. After a winter in the carpark. Looking forward to the new season

Beautiful night, messing around before dropping anchor as both the wind and the sun went down.

My old boat Leilani under sail on Lake Pepin

Just a pre-race photo of a spicy Beneteau next to Madeline Island, near Bayfield, Wisconsin.