before putting the vessel in service." A good nautical term. Going for a shakedown sail means putting all the sails up, and down, running the engine long enough to check it, turning gizmos on, seeing what works and what doesn't. There's no sense in finding simple problems as you depart for a few days, that's what the shakedown is for.

Me and my dog volunteered to complete the task. Full sails and a beat across the bay went without a hitch. With a forecast of 15 to 20 coming the next day, we hardened up on a nice 5 to 10 Southeasterly to go as far south as the boat could pinch. That gave us several options for the night. Onboard systems all worked.

Next day we sailed home under jib and jigger. I toyed with raising the main with one reef, and then cancelled the idea. It really needed 2 and I haven't installed the #2 reef turning block and cleat(both sitting in a drawer from last year - its time,...).

I had the new cockpit to check out under sail as well. The only problem I found was the new wider trapezoid lids hit the dodger. You have to now loosen the tails. Not a big deal, you do that for winch access under sail. Maybe add a wear patch.

We both spent time moving around the cockpit and seeing how it 'sits' under sail. The new bullnose edge with rounded inside corners, is easier on the back of your legs.

The traveler track is now moved aft to the mizzen. It used to be on the forward edge. I found this makes better seating - under sail, aft and in the corners. And he finds it easier to move around with the mainsheet blocks now out of the way.

Sure enough, as forecast, we ended up with 15 knots and gusts to 20 (it takes 20 to raise his ears). The old WP(turns 16 this season) did all the steering broad reaching at 6 to 7 knots. Jib and jigger is light on the helm.

Tough job, the shakedown sail, but somebody has to do it.