January 4, 2015.   Happy New Year to all.  When I was younger, I would celebrate the new year with a solo trip into the mountains to refocus.  Some of these trips were wonderful and a few involved packing up my tent @ 2:00 am and skiing out.  I have now aged/evolved to sailing, enjoying the company of other sailors and this year a Sunday brunch!

Sunday was the day for myself and several kindred spirits to gently celebrate the new year with a sail.  The celebration began at the Seattle Sailing Club where we gathered amongst discussions of the weather, tomato basil soup & toasted cheese sandwiches for those sailing with Margaret Pommert, and our destination.  At 09:30 hours with everyone aboard, Dolce Vita and Silver Girl left the marina for Bell St. marina in downtown Seattle.

Our crew consisted of Justin, Paul & Dylan Benson, Brian & Ann Heckman.  With a nice 5-10 kts from the south east we exchanged experiences and approached the Bell St marina in time for brunch at Anthonys.

After brunch some had a ride on the big wheel and with an increasing breeze from the south east we passed the Space Needle and headed to West Point.

We made nine knots on a downwind sail back to Shilshole.  The day was a gentle and pleasant experience with new sailors.