Thanks for joining me!
“There’s nothing––absolutely nothing––half so much worth doing as messing about in boats.” –Kenneth Grahame, The Wind In The Willows
Somerville Solo Sail
Friday November 23rd brought 10-15 mph winds with temperature highs in the 70’s. I have been dreaming of taking my boat on a solo camping trip ever since I got her. This was my opportunity, as it was Thanksgiving holiday and I was free from the duties of work. I packed up all of my things that I thought I might need and set off to Lake Somerville, a 40 minute drive from my house. It was a big lake for Guppy to explore and stretch out.
I arrived at the lake and was consumed with nerves. This was my first time completely setting her up and getting her into the water alone, without assistance or company. To add to my nerves the gusts of wind howled through my rigging as I stepped her mast using the mast crutch system that my dad devised.
I successfully backed her down the boat ramp in Welsh Park and secured her to the dock cleats. I then parked and locked my car for the night. I returned to Guppy and prepared to take off. I ensured all of my sails were set and had added a reef in the mainsail due to the gusty weather. I untied the stern line, released from the dock, and used the motor to back me out onto the lake. It was a seamless take off, even though I was a mess of nerves. I have learned from previous experiences, when it comes to docking and undocking to always use my motor.
We set off! The awkwardness of land and docking disintegrated, and the elegance of sailing took over. Guppy sliced through the water and we sailed a beautiful 2 hours to a cove for the night. The reef seemed to be too prudent and the winds had slacked in the evening. I had to use my little motor to nestle into a cove before dropping anchor in time for a beautiful sunset.
I had ducks as neighbors and was peacefully alone in my cove. I stretched out and relaxed some. My little portable one burner stove was started up, and I made a dinner of chicken and rice. I paired my meal with a cup of wine. I watched a full moon rise over the starboard side of Guppy. It was so peaceful and still; the water was a mirror for the moon. A feeling of utter gratitude filled me.
For such a small boat, my little 13 foot claimed that a 6’ 8” person could stretch out in her cabin. This may be true, but it was snug fit for me (5” 7”). I prepped her cabin for sleep. It was chilly and temperatures were to drop into the 40’s. I bundled up, closed the hatch, read a little, and listened to the stillness. I slept decent for my first night alone on Guppy.
The morning brought fog. The stillness and beauty of the lake was magical. I had a lazy morning and made coffee and oatmeal. I watched a few fishermen try their luck around the cove. With big fish jumping around me, I was surprised not to see any of them make a catch.
By 10 am I was itching to go. I had my big Genoa headsail raised and my full mainsail. I waited for wind. I thought maybe the main lake had more wind, so I started up my Cruise n Carry and headed out. I caught a little wind, but was going less then one knot. Then the wind completely died. I sat and waited. I made lunch and kept checking the weather on my phone. My app said it was 8 mph winds at 12:00. I scoffed, it was almost 12 and there was barely anything! Not such a smart phone, I thought. Then, looking out at the main body of Somerville in front of us, I saw the water change and that change was approaching us fast. Then the waves and wind engulfed us! I had never seen the wind begin like that. It made me wonder where does wind come from?
Then, Guppy and I took off. Her large headsail made us move and for a moment I felt like I forgotten how to sail. My nerves returned full force, but I got a handle of them and Guppy. We zoomed across the lake. We sailed a good hour and half, dodging fishing buoys, all the way past Snake Island. We were the only sailboat on the lake, but there were many bass boats passing by. It was a thrilling sail with gusts, white caps, and splashes.
The wind was unrelenting, and I decided to head back. The downwind sail was spectacular and just as exciting. We were making about 4 knots and surfing with the waves. As I approached the inlet to Welsh Park, I dropped the mainsail. Right after doing this, the gusts had slowed. We had a smooth sail back. A little bee landed on Guppy and after trying to shoo it away without success, I decided he could join me, just so long as he didn’t sting me. He didn’t seem interested in messing with me and he provided a little company. He flew off in time for docking.
Once the dock was in my sight, I turned the bow into the wind and dropped my Genoa. I then climbed back into the cockpit and started up my little motor. She started up noisily, and we cruised slowly to the dock. I was nervous again and doubted my docking skills completely on my own. The docking went so smoothly that if anyone had been watching, they may have thought I’d been doing that my whole life. What a success!
I ran up to get my car and got her loaded back up in the trailer. I started taking her down and an indescribable feeling came over me. It was a mixture of sadness that it was over and awe that I finally did it and all on my own. This is hopefully the first of many solo adventures for Guppy and me.
Adventures of Guppy 
It all sounds so wonderful! When I read about the wind coming after the stillness, it gave me chills! Bravo, my daughter!!
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Thank you Mom! It was an exciting moment for sure!
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Don’t let your nerves get the better of you. Just keep sailing. The more tiller time you can get the better. Look for a sailing club or Meetup group. It’s more fun with other boats around.
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Thanks for your feedback Dave! I know with more experience I will conquer those nerves. I’m part of the Aggie Yacht Club and they are great company to sail with too!
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Very nice trip sounds like! Felt like I was there! Keep it going
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Thank you Matt! I appreciate your comment 🙂 Fair winds!
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Not at all surprised by the success of your first solo overnight camping trip especially after surviving Day 1 of the TX 200!
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Thank you Eric! It was a breeze compared to the T200 😜
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Beautiful blog!!! Cant wait for the next piece. Also cant wait for next years TX 200! Hope to see you there!
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Thank you Joy!! Wonderful to hear from you! Guppy and I are planning on it. The ultimate adventure… TX 200 🙂
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Congratulations, Rachel! Very inspiring and well-told story. I hope to read more of your adventures with Guppy. Maybe a couple of photos next time? The TX 200, wow! I’ve watched some vids of that and am impressed that you stuck it out. I’ve had my 17-foot boat Polywog for four years now, and have yet to do an overnighter, but am looking forward to it.Your tale will help me get launched! Cheers from Northern CA where I sail a bit with a fine group called the Potter Yachters. You would enjoy their newsletter at potteryachters.com.
BTW. I agree with Mr. Doss, but now I am wondering who said it first. I am more familiar with A. A. Milnes, ““there is nothing —absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”
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Hi Tony! Thank you for the feedback and I am happy you enjoyed it! I LOVE the name of your boat— my dads boat is named that too. And yes, I have now discovered that is the original quote. I only remember my dad saying it and this way as well. I will check out Potter yachters, sounds like a great group! It is wonderful hearing from you and I wish you luck with all of your adventures as well.
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Your well written story took me back to my early sailing experiences. I remember the same nervousness, excitement, serenity and feeling of accomplishment. Keep sailing and keep writing! Fair winds!
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Thank you Jacob for the feedback and compliment! I’m glad you connected with my story 🙂 Fair winds to you as well!
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Wonderful Blog! Keep it up. Looking forward to your future posts. I have an identical Guppy 13 too. Not to many sailing adventures yet, but a few quick ones in the Puget Sound. Mine’s in the shop for the winter getting a few fun upgrade for next spring. Would like to keep up on what your doing to your little yacht too if your up for it. Fair winds and safe harbors! 🙂 Cheers.
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Thank you Casey. I’m so happy you enjoyed. Ah, the Puget Sound… a dream of mine to go and sail one day. If I’m ever out there, we should get the Guppies together for a fun sail! I will keep y’all posted. Fair winds and safe harbors to you as well! 🙂
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Way to go kiddo,
I’m at the other end of the age group of our band of tiny sailers, boats that is. We have a few guppies, Brian is 6ft 6in+ and still fits although his guppy has lots of mods during a total rebuild. Better than new now.
Can-am dinghy cruising asoc on yahoo. Just look at the guppy and NC cruise albums.
All my kids grew up in dinghys and cruisers, now its their kids turn.
Peter, beach cruiser Whisper, Mariner, and now 14ft Bumblebee. Ex potter Gus.
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Hi Peter!! Thank you for the feedback. I will definitely check out the yahoo group- sounds right up my alley! Fair winds!
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Great adventures. Enjoyed your posts. You should consider a few income generating videos at youtube.com to help in paying your sailing expenses. Loved your sailboat. The perfect size and with a place to sleep out o the rain. Easily trailered behind almost any vehicle. Keep on writing so others can enjoy your trips.Think twice before going larger. We always miss the first “cruising”sailboat we owned
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Hi Louis! Thank you for the comment and for reaching out to me. I am so glad you enjoyed my posts! I have definitely been toying with the idea of making YouTube videos but it is not an easy job, and I’m not sure making videos is a natural thing for me, like writing. I love writing and especially about my boat! I’ll be with her for hopefully a lifetime… she is my dream boat! The only thing that may get me to go bigger is to cross an ocean.
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