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"Don't plan it all. Let life surprise you a little." -- Julia Alvarez

348--Mexico: Seal Kisses & Spinnaker Flying @ CherieSpotting     Apr 07 2006 - 18:51 PST cherie writes: Want to learn how to spinnaker fly? Why not turn your ‘chute into a ride the whole family can enjoy? For a sailor, the necessary “spinnaker flying” ingredients are probably tucked into the v-berth: a spinnaker and some line. Mother Nature needs to cough up a bit of wind and then the fun begins. We went spinnaker flying in Banderas Bay off “Rocket”, a Santa Cruz 50. Carl, the skipper, rigged a sling with some line and a foam noodle and then ran the contraption between the clews of a spinnaker. With 3 young daughters eager to ride, Carl and Kary were concerned about safety first. The Fullers attached a dousing line to one of the clews to snuff the spinnaker in case the wind increased or the spinnaker blew out-of-control. Parents typically don’t like to see their own children launched over the mast of a 50-ft racing yacht. Sally, Kappy and Seneca were all eager to jump off the bow and climb into the spinnaker sling. In turn, each of the girls stood up, did tricks, and even dunked their heads into the sea. Once airborne, the girls found they could slightly control their own movement by manipulating the sheets. But really, once you’ve become a participant and climbed into the spinnaker sling, you are at the mercy of the wind. Luckily, this ride is built for kids of all ages. Sailors that are kids-at-heart—hoist your spinnakers and prepare to fly: Click on each picture to see it full size. read comments (0) | write comment| views: 4979    | rated: 0.0    printer-friendly version   There's a big sloppy wet kiss from Monaco, the sea lion. Seneca dives in. The youngest in the Fuller family, she can't wait to spinnaker sail. Sisters Kappy and Sally Fuller. How do you keep your family in shape while cruising Mexico? Ask Carl! Sally in the sling. How Sally washes her hair away from home. Sally gazes into the deep blue yonder. Admiring the horizon in Banderas Bay. There's that famous Sally smile. Thar she blows! There goes Aleen. She's prepared to make a stand. Swinging in the wind. Cherie's ready to fly. Spinnaker sailing is fun for all ages (and weights!) That must have been a big gust. Bruce on S/V Mirgation. Bruce demonstrates how to exit the spinnaker sling properly. Kappy leaps off "Rocket". Ready to be airborn Kappy flashes a smile. Here's how to make Kappy happy. Kappy's return to the sea. There's no keeping this young mom away from all the fun! Kary flying high. Greg's ready to sail, but where is the wind? Karl, Kary and Seneca. The trick to winning races is to put the youngest at the helm. Which way is up, wonders Kappy. Is that a sea lion running down the dock at me? "Hello Cherie!" waves Monaco, the sea lion. Free kisses to all wet mammals! Come on in, the water's great! Monaco, the sea lion. Monaco might be able to get more kisses if he did something about his fish breath. Monaco splashes aboard the dock. Monaco goes for a boat ride. Haven't you ever seen a sea lion in a dinghy before? A bit tired, Monaco prefers to take the boat, rather than swim. Cherie and Donna make a splash in Punta de Mita. Cherie and Donna could stay in this pool infinately. Cherie soaking up the sun in an infinity pool. Touch down! Seneca flies away. Dustin and Anne. The bull is no match for Dustin. Greg saddles up to the mechanical bull. Did the 5-gallon cowboy hat help Dustin win the drinking contest? Saki-bombs for Whitney, Laura and Dustin. Down the hatch! The race is on...who can finish first?