So a couple of weeks ago I posted on here that I was preparing to make my first run in the gulf (via Destin,FL). I had asked for some advice, which several fellow sailors thankfully posted. So, I only felt obliged to post the aftermath to my first trip in the Gulf.

Well, it starts out, I didn't make it into the Gulf. Not because we had a Tropical Depression whipping in and the surf looked a little daunting, but because I couldn't find any beach access to launch my boat! I even called the local Code Enforcement (who patrol the beaches and grant access) and they couldn't tell me where I could launch my boat. So, I decided to just launch it in Choctawhatchee Bay, which is just on the other side of the island. After getting the boat in the water, we had very good wind. In fact, it's probably some of the strongest winds I have ever sailed in. I was having a blast blazing across the water, until during a beam reach, the zipper on my jib completely disintegrated. I don't know if it had dry rotted over the years or what, but the zipper teeth completely vanished. Let me tell you, a jib that is not connected to the jib stay is pretty much useless (to me anyway). Trying to tack into the strongest winds I have ever sailed in, without a jib, proved pretty much impossible. I tried for about 45 minutes, then gave up. I sailed to the nearest shore and hitched a ride back to the landing...via land. Then I had someone tow my cat back to the landing. Not the outing I was hoping for, but VERY thankful I was not in the Gulf!

So, a question I have is...is it possible to tack my cat without a jib sail?

Thankful, I'm not posting from Havanna!!!!!