Makina Sea Log : Aug 27, 2026
Published on HivePostify by @novacadian · Thu Aug 27 2026
Well yesterday was fairly sunny yet with very little wind. For some reason my body wanted rest as well. Even with an afternoon nap the bunk was inviting well before midnight. With a little better wind and a sunny sky in the afternoon forecast, today seemed the day for some solo sailing.
At mooring at the Mahone Bay Civic Marina
In hindsight it seems bizarre that with over 2000 nautical miles under my belt with Makina that there has never been a time when sailing her alone. There have been long passages done solo under power, yet it seems life has blessed me with many good sailors and fine people to accompany me during times with the canvas up; powered only by the wind. Today was a day that would change all that.
Although this was my first time solo sailing Makina it was by no means my first time of solo sailing; however the memory of the experience was so far back that it seemed new. It also seemed empowering. A crew member could get hurt or suffer some medical issue and one might be forced to do what had been done today with great pleasure.
https://youtube.com/shorts/nOHLSVvN2NI
Solo sailing in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
In the above video the break neck speed of 3.15 knots was mentioned. As the afternoon progressed at one point out in the bay she reached 5 knots. Not bad without the genoa up; her hull speed is listed as 7 knots though we have done a might better than that at times. So 5 knots was good enough for me.
With a nice wind on my back quarter and towards the end of the day's passage with it on my back, the Bay was eventually crossed by late afternoon.
Route across Mahone Bay
Wind at my back with the mainsail and yankee jib
Feeling like a school boy playing hooky it was decided to take one of MICA's mooring balls off Snake Island.
Having not eaten since breakfast, as soon as the sails were secured it was down to the galley to whip up an Indoneasian Peanut Satay (with broccoli added) on rice. So hungry that a foodie was forgotten.
Tomorrow may warrant some exploring of Snake Island. Tonight is chillin' on the mooring ball, with a relaxing swell rocking me like a baby.
May the wind be at your back! A listing of my sailing posts
https://hive.blog/blog/@novacadian/categories-of-novacadian-s-sailing-seasons
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