The conditions could not have been better for our first day of practice here in Cowes, preparing for the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Bicentenary International Regatta.  After a drenching rain and high winds the previous night, we awoke to brilliant blue skies, flat water, and 10-15 knots of breeze.  We are worried that the St. Francis Yacht Club members joining us for the first time will think it's always so lovely aboard!  They include winner of the Saint Francis Foundation auction, David Chamberlain, and his brother in law Doug Hope, as well as Knarr sailor Mark Dahm.  Tomorrow will be another matter, as it's expected to blow and rain all day.  Looks like a brief honeymoon!