And it seems the winds in Penobscot Bay have been lighter than usual and we've still sailed more. When we've had to power when winds have left us completely, we've been more likely to start sailing again, even in less than 5 knots, if it's a good angle for us. I'm so pleased to be sailing so much in so little wind.

All for one reason, a mainsail that's beginning to go up and down like a Venetian blind. Gone is the drudgery of what to do with the pile of main on the cabin top. The lazy jacks allow me to drop it, anchor under sail easier, sail off the anchor easier, and simply go from sailing to power-and back to sailing, with less effort. I still have my hands full stropping it down and covering, but that's becoming easier. And we'll get measured for new covers this fall with more cloth to cover the bulky sail. It's time to consider replacing the wire winch.

Another reason that may not reduce labor as much, but is making sailing easier, is the added navigation ease on the ipad. The whole bay at my fingertips has made it easier to gunkhole, my favorite mode of coastal sailing.

And doing so much close to home sailing(which gives me strong G3 signal on my iphone), getting real time weather info has turned things into a more 'scientific' excercise. What is the wind were sailing in? Check the nearby NOAA buoy data 5.7 knts SW.

Another plus is these gizmos have cut power use from the laptop charging days. My batteries have never been so topped off this time of year.

Still using the onboard CP which now stays set with a good scale to hazards while the ipad adds planning, changing your mind, tacking strategy, distancing, exploring.

The biggest problem is, where to put the ipad. I'm re thinking all of my onboard gizmos. I can actually see freeing up a few circuits in the future and simplifying onboard electronics. Granted, I love simplicity in sailing, it's a freeing thing for me.

We'll be heading off for a few weeks in a couple days and I look forward to a sailing vacation.