Update

Not much to report in the way of sailing but I have been working on a few items worth a post. I found some really cool sites that I linked too that not only forecast the upcoming wind patterns and strength but also provide a 24 history of the wind speeds and direction. I thought this was pretty cool since it would provide a method of seeing a trend for a specific day. I have saved the links in my local area where I race and day sail where I think this information will come in very handy.

On another note, I received a CD yesterday from George Bailey with some more pictures from the Key West sailing adventure. If there is no sailing planned for this weekend, I'll spend some time organizing the photos to publish and update the links section with some of the links I found of use and value. Who knows, I may even post a past report on the Key West sailing adventure from my recollection.

I attended one of Tampa Power Squadron meetings last night and it seems, or at least there is talk of, the start of a coastal piloting class and a weather class by the end of the year. I haven't admitted this but if I don't start getting more educational benefit from the squadron, I'm leaning towards no involvement other then membership so I can take the classes I'm interested in taking. I have hesitated from taking the classes at other squadron further away because my car is in need of repair or replacement, but money is tight. I think the next hit of cash will go towards a repair to buy me some more time with this faithful car. If that happens then I can take these and other classes at other squadrons in my area. I'd be very happy to get Piloting I and Weather completed this year so that in 2011 I can focus on Piloting II, Navigation and Advanced Navigation.

I think that those courses will give me the knowledge necessary to move towards future plans of my own boat and coastal cruising. Hopefully the next post involves at least a bit of sailing in it.