Jay, Great story. I have sailed SF Bay as well and it can get rather "sporty" to say the least. After all the boats you have sailed, it warms the soul that you have come back to a beloved M17. I resist selling my M17 after finding and purchasing an M23 simply because I love the 17, have put a lot of work into her, I wish to have a trailer sailor, and she is SO much fun to sail. Keep the posts coming. Later, Bones