Mud Flying at Smith Creek, Nevada

To alleviate sore hands and shoulders from holding the sheet, I screwed a V Cleat (Ronstan) to the front rail, within easy reach, angled toward the front ratchet block. Worked like a dream. About 80% of the physical effort of sailing just dissapeared - poof. Had an hour or so of intense sailing in a driving sleet/dust storm before losing all traction. The boat and I were pretty well covered in mud. Woke up after a night of rain to find myself on a little island surrounded by miles of standing water. Fortunately the clay remained firm even under several inches of water and driving out was no problem.