We get the sails reversed and change course, now heading back toward the mainland. Since we now need to steer further into the wind than the square sails can handle, we furl them. This actually is beginning to work well. Most of us now have some idea which line we are hauling or easing, and why. The final step is to go aloft and gasket the sails.
Seas are still rough with large swells, so being aloft is quite a roller-coaster ride.
May 15 Morning. Messy, messy, messy. We cover the entire deck of the ship with canvas, climb the rope ladders and coat them with fresh tar to preserve them. We're in the Chesapeake Bay now. It's actually warm.