Middle Watch Musings
• Apr. 26, 2007 - The Work
The real challenge of boat ownership comes when it is hauled out for its annual bit of husbandry. It is then that you really realize that the fun in a boat is inversely proportional to its size.
I have the mighty PLUMPER out of the water right now for a scrub, wax and coat of anti-fouling. Minor jobs really but still not the part of yachting that people who yearn for the briny deep are familiar with. The good news is my previous anti-fouling paint has done its job very well. A quick power wash got the slime off and the bottom looks quite good. The hull above the waterline was quite dirty and had some spots where the fenders had left gooey stuff and big rub marks but those all came off with a little elbow grease and she now looks half her age. (Is that why they refer to boats in the feminine? Because they look younger with a little paint and putty?)
I attacked the screw with a wire brush and razor blade and it looks brand new.
Less than a month now 'til our anticipated move aboard and departure. We have sublet our berth and are now committed to living aboard for the next few months.
As part of our "sail-training" program, we spent the last couple weekends away. Both turned out to be good learning experiences.
The first weekend, Easter, was a pleasant sail into the Gulf Islands but a challenging beat back to Victoria in a south east gale. We took down the jib, double reefed the main and motor-sailed across the Victoria waterfront with the wind on the nose gusting to 40 knots. PLUMPER was comfortable and felt strong and solid while working upwind. Although the swell was only about a meter and a half, little came aboard and once over the noise we were quite happy onboard.
The second was a beat home from Sooke with the 15 knot wind against a 6 knot tide resulting in steep and breaking seas. PLUMPER once again showed her good breeding and handled beautifully under all plain sail. Although the occasional spray came aboard and she did a little hobby horsing, she cruised through Race Passage with aplomb.
We both have a little more confidence in the old girl after those two exciting days at sea.
|
Post A Comment!
|
|
|
|
|
