Limited but not trounced by BP oil spill

Yes it's really very hot down here in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region. And, yes the massive BP oil spill has dampened our plans to sail off into the Gulf for the time being (eight weeks into this mess). But we still have Lake Pontchartrain and the surrounding communities/playgrounds. If we really want to, we can travel down the Rigolets and into the Gulf but not move beyond Cat Island. We're contemplating that possibility, that is if the current weather and other trends keep the oil away.

In the meantime, we'll do what most sailors do down here. We'll avoid the intense heat of the day and opt for sailing late afternoon and/or evening. Our new friend George has a neat Cat he keeps at South Shore Marina.

Oh, I need to mention that we moved back to this our old marina, refurbished since Hurricane Katrina ('05). It's where we lost our first sailboat, a C&C 27 - Mark V, to the storm. South Shore is beautiful (like spanking new), great price and closer to the exit for the Rigolets (hence Gulf of Mexico). We're happy to have brought over our current 1979 Pearson 365 ketch, "Talisman," and look forward to more coastal cruising from this strategic point.

So George invited us on his 1993 Juntot Cat, 40 ft., and we sailed off around the Lake along with a friend of his. What a treat! The Cat sailed well in light winds, responding really very quickly, no matter how relaxed the sail plan. Multihulls feel lighter and more stable, given their beaminess and less weight below water. Talk about space - wow! Lots of comfort. Mike and I experienced more enjoyment with less effort. Would that be the case in trickier weather? We plan to test that further. Thanks, George!