Mid-life Crisis? Go buy a boat

A Season is here

2010-05-01T20:01:00.003+01:00

Bad planning I missed to Commodore's cup race, this is an all in pursuit race the is a good pot for a Merlin to win. But I made the first Monday series race. Just a shame that Andy E is off to Poole to campaign an osprey.

Monday
Got down early and preped the boat. Was a little worried about sailing, like I have forgotten it all. Well we set off and the wind god was kind, a nice run down the river to get started :+)

We started well and then sailed without event to the back of the fleet. The breeze started to dropped to nothing and at the end of the send circuit I diverted over to the committee boat to retire only to get a finish. ARRG REMEMBER cross the line Then retire ! I would have got a better result.

The wind dropped to nothing and we paddled home.

Thursday
Turned up it was rainy and gusty. Nobody sailed dinghies but I met Ian and Nigel, Ian has a Weyfairer called Squiffi and we was looking for some coaching/support for his first sail in his boat for many years.
We had a beer and agreed to meet on Saturday.

Friday
YoBs was good. Too much wind for sailing and the club lifting machine had spillt its guts and hydraulic oil on the slipway. The comprimise was to find a clean it of water and practice capsizing.
I replaced the bungy on the righting lines of a couple of Fevas (4 more to do).

Saturday
9 AM start ! OK I was a bit late I met Ian and Nigel to the club and helped rig the boat Squiffi. Then we went down the slip and Ian helmed the boat out. With only a little coaching the were both sailing well.
They tacked back up the river and home. Ian said he was not confident enough to try it on his own.
I kind of asked then to finish early so I could get back and have lunch then race in the afternoon. This was regretable as they were both having such a good time.

After lunch I helped Tom R rig his Merlin White Whale and we made the start on time. We had a few practice tack and jibes.
We sailed well but the rudder came off twice causing us to slow down to RS600 speed. Nick was capsizing just to be sporting I think. On the 3rd rudder event the lower pintel became bent. Game over tow in :+(
On the whole Tom loved the boat speed. We planed on 3 sail reaches and next time we will fit the circlip to the pintle that holds the rudder on, that was lying in the boat, when we set off. We didn't capsize and the only major mistake was me not putting the centre board down so we couldn't overtake Galiard.
Tom has the same spinnaker pole issues that I have so I don't feel so bad now. :+)

I'm now knackered !

Roll on Monday !

End of the season

2009-10-10T18:13:00.003+01:00

Well It's been a crap summer again. I have sailed in Ospreys, Wayfarers, my Merlin, RS fevas, Laser 4000 and the club Laser. I've sailed single handed and crewed in my own boat as well as crewed for my mates.

Mostly too much wind or no crew !

I took Nickel Coin out with Norman and Lyn a few weeks ago and my back went. No more big boats ! and no more Plum Crazy this year.

The back injury is just old age, I am approaching my die by age (50) and the disc in my spine is ground away. Just means permanent back pain and no big boats. Such is life.

Not a bad season. I sailed with the YoBs and the old gits I have even finished a few races.

We'll see what next year brings.

Odd catchup

2009-07-02T22:36:00.002+01:00

Thursday
Had to stay in to See the gas man. Was not sure I would get a sail :+(
When he had finished I raced down to the Club.
Hot day not much wind So I rigged the Laser again. I got out this time ! I pootled about way early as I wanted to use the breeze. It was dripping and I needed to get out. I was offered a tow but it was apparent that there was going to the world's dullest race. I went back in early and chilled out.
Laser vs Pico No contest!

Saturday
Couldn't sail but picked up cable for Nickel Coin for the windex.

Monday
Was called home urgently to breath life into a dead printer. Tanja had an assignment to hand in and no scanner or printer. 1 Hero to the rescue.

Thursday
Tough week more redundancies but I survived. Delivered my Planning presentation and then took my team down The Lugger for a beer. Knocked off before 5 to get a parking space on the Nothe. No crew about I was ready to go out in the laser again. Then Liz (Meric's mother) said she didn't have a crew so she came out with me on Plum Crazy.
Gentle breeze and a run out to see. We had agreed this was a jolly so we sayed near the beach and had a bimble about. Some people had gone home without rigging a boat "'cos there was no wind". Well guys it picked up and we had a hoot !

YoBs tomorrow lets hope it's as much fun.

Ups and downs

2009-06-23T21:46:00.003+01:00

Thursday
Not good. I turned up and nobody to play with! Apparently the new Osprey did a turn round the bay. but that was after I went home in disgust (Another round of redundancies today in the offing)

Friday YoBs
Great turn out ! Lots of wind (too much) but we all knew it would drop. Michelle was just back from holiday and a little worse for ware. But we waited and then the wind dropped and we were off. I took a lad out and we had a great time. I got pulled out of the boat and the kids did the rest. Its good to see so many of the older kids instinctively training the new guys.
Makes you proud to have guided them to this point in their sailing career. But as they are teenagers it will all be forgotten instantly but I don't expect thanks that's OK.
Afterwards I had a grumble to Tom R and Tom L about Thursday and they bit my arm off for a sail in my Merlin. OH YES crew !

Saturday
Tom L turned up on time and we prepped the boat. I had a quick half in the bar and a chat with Lyn M About the Squibb Nationals coming up. I stocked up on Mars bars and got changed.

I sailed off the slip on a run down the river.
Tom was given the helm ASAP but as this was his first Merlin experience he was not too happy. He sat in the middle of the boat holding the tiller and the mail sheet right by the jammer. The jammer is a pig as it releases in the down direction ! Well after a bit I said sit on the windward side and I'll Balance the boat.
It was a gusty 15 knots so he had to flick the jammer all the time BUT he very soon got the hang of it. We sailed about trying tacks. jibes and spinnaker runs. We even jibed the the spinnaker. Well Tom's confidence was on the up. The cock sure little scab. Fed him the Mars bars and told him to stop scooping the water as I didn't want to right the boat.
Our race start was knobbled by the rudder down-haul coming off just before the start (gun/horn). We started late (1 minute) but we started the race.
On the windward leg Tom decided we had had enough serious stuff and we quit. He wanted to play so we had a few planning reaches and then headed to home.
I would have liked to have finished a race but Tom was on the helm. Maybe next Saturday.

Sunday
No sailing but it was my mother's Birthday party. We drove up to Portishead and I then eat and drank too much. FAB. We went for a walk and watched the local sailing club race. I am in awe of these guys. I only have to deal with 2 knots of current the have much more all of the time. Guys come and sail in a tranquil bay !

Monday
Nat didn't want to crew so I went for the "learn to sail a Laser" option. BUT we had a new classic International 14 so even though I had rigged the club Laser Tim B asked me to crew his Osprey again. Didn't he learn from last time ?
Well the conditions were flat and the 14's (2 off) walked it. I only bothered the wire on one tack!
All in all it was more fun than screwing around on a Laser. (I only say that because I have never sailed one)

BTW the Laser interest is because I want/need to finish my RYA DI training.

Odd week

2009-06-11T22:34:00.002+01:00

Monday
Dinghies were canceled much to my disgust. Lets not get into club politics and the them and us stuff.

Wednesday
Took the kids from Portland and Weymouth Housing Association for the last sail that was agreed to take place after they bought us a training dinghy.
I took Jack for a plod around the bay. We played with the spinnaker nad had a good race home.

Thursday
More wind than Monday but not cancelled :+)
I rigged a Feva for a single handed race. I was a bit daunted at the conditions but I was up for a sail. (New bloke) Simon brought his dinghy to the club this week so when Tim saw a new Osprey he wanted to race it with his one.

Well I gave the rigged Feva to Martin and his son James (or Tom, old joke) and I crewed for Tim. Now I have never trapezed before and it was a gusty old night. OK a steady run down the river with Tim doing an information over load on what to do.... We got to the start with 2 minutes to spare, Just like Tim !

Well I didn't do too badly thanks to Tim's expert boat handling. We had a few moments mostly due to me. But I thoroughly enjoyed it 18 gusting to 24 knots with huge hole in the wind in and out on the wire. My instinctive reactions to boat movements working to our advantage. Tim was pleased that I didn't do too badly and we won the race.

It was a great sail. Thanks Tim !

Tana's First sail of the year and YoBs

2009-06-05T22:51:00.003+01:00

Thursday
Sunny day, forecast wind to drop away and a day off. Go sailing early and stuff the race in the evening when it would be formation bobbing.
Tanja and I took one of the club RS Fevas for a spin.

Forgot my gloves and T got wet and cold jumping out as we sailed back for them. BUT with in 5 mins she was warm again in the sun no probs ! Had a lovely sail in 6-8 knots of wind for 1 and a half hours. Then we headed home to tack up the river. Now the dropping wind was a pain.

On the good side we had a lovely sail and this has built Tanja's confidance. On the bad side we struggled up the rivr, I could have headed home earlier (But it was fun with Tanja in a small boat tucked up to geather for trim)

Friday YoBs
Biggest turn out so far I think. 23 Kids plus some big kids wanting to play with their toys.

I rigged a few of the kids boats and eventually I got to my boat. Bit of a rush but was rigged and ready in time. I launched with Martin, a MR sailor of old ! He took over to demonstrate roll tacking and then he went on to coach his son James who was sailing an Opi'. After a while I took over and I was shown a way to pop the battern.
We talked at leangth about the rig and sails. I think I need to change the main sheet jammer and play the main more.

A great sail. Thanks Martin.

Summary of events

2009-05-23T22:02:00.004+01:00

Now to address the back log of events.

YoBs took the Weymouth and Portland Housing Association kids out for a sail. I took Plum Crazy with one small boy and Simon T. Simon is one of the Olympic squad and he joins us to teach the kids and support our efforts with WPHA.
I learned a new training tip that I will use one day soon. Thanks to Simon and all the helpers, it was a lovely evening.

Saturday race
Very gusty and not too warm. But with plenty of layers I was OK. Pnly problem was as I was single handed I got knocked about this knocked my confidence.

Thursday
Monday was blown out for Dinghies. Thursday was much better even steady wind

That trip to France

2009-05-13T22:20:00.006+01:00

So we called off France as the wind was in the East.
Lets go to the West, say Brixham or Dartmouth ? Well that was the plan until we got the extreame weather warning.
So we are ready to run West until we talk to Steve Fraser on the mooring as we are about to set off.
"rounding Portland Bill into the teeth of a gale ? Hell !" so we decide to go East into the wind so we can get back on Thursday for work.

Now we were set to round the Bill with favourable tides but going for pool to East we had tide and wind against us. So where to stop that is sheltered ? Lulworth Cove !

It took us 4 and a half hours to sail the 8 nautical miles ! We had a fresh 5 to 6 against us and the swell was not too bad. We motored into Lulworth and dropped the hook. This was a first for me as I have always tied up for the night. On the East side of the cove the is great shelter from the Easterly winds and we had a great night's sleep.

Next morning there is dread warning of Force 9s in our area. We climb to the top of the cliff and have a look. Well the wind had dropped a bit so rigged a deep reef, we pulled the hook and off we went.
We dropped the main in about 2 mins as the swell was going to cause killer jibes. Plan B we unfurled half the jib and shot back home with the wind and tide. Only took 1 hour and twenty minutes to get back.

Vice Commodor's Cup

2009-05-04T19:29:00.003+01:00

Saturday I was out in a Feva solo. I didn't do very well coming last. But I bumped in to Ian Jones and he was putting Celia on the board as crew for Monday's race. So I said hey lets Merlin !
Later I meet Celia and I tell her she is on helm. I think she was a bit taken aback.

Sunday I was helping Adrian with the mast on Amarosa this is important as I'm off to France with Adrian on her next week ! I got the high water time wrong and Tanja went mental. After a rant all was fine :+)

Monday I took all my sails down to the club to check I have the best ones on the boat. Celia, I think, had adjusted to the idea of her helming and we were up for it. The wind was from the North and a little East but 16 gusting 19/20. Now that would be too much for me on helm and Nat but Celia has more experience than I.

We ran down to the start with little trouble. Checking transits (new to me) went OK them we tacked and scooped a bath full. This was a theme of the day...
We started 46 seconds late ;+) OK by me. I am not ready yet for "all in" starts. Then we headed up to "D". It turned into a slog, very gusty and we capsized 4 or 5 time on the first circuit.

We called it a day as I was getting very tired after righting the boat and Celia was too. So crossed the line and headed home. But as we were half full of water it was slow going.

All in all not a great first outing for Plum Crazy but we are back on the water !

Thanks Celia for a good sail.

P.S. We got DNF but it is the first race result here for Plum Crazy :+)

Monday Series 1

2009-04-27T22:50:00.002+01:00

Met Nat at the club and the wind was 18 gusting 22 from the West.
As this is top whack for me and my level of experience in a Merlin. I must have put out a vibe as Nat was not happy too. I have been out with Nick in worse but he was driving and the fact that he is mental helps

I didn't want to push my luck with my crew so we took the soft option of one of the club's RS Fevas.
Now this is a fine line here. Too windy for my dinghy but its OK to take a club boat ? Well it was not wind speed but the confidence of my crew.

YoBs were cancelled as it was a bit blowy.

Well we togged up and pulled out a Feva that was not pre booked by one of the kids. We launched and ran down the river in a nice breeze. Out in the bay is was just the same. No swell and a kind breeze. Not what the wind indicator said 40 mins earlier. Why didn't we take Plum Crazy ?

Well we were the only dinghy out so 10 mins before our start we were ready to pack it in and head home when out comes a dinghy with spinaker up coming our way. It was James and Nick in a classic Int 14. They casually dropper the kite, read the course, turned to starboard and started on time. So now we had to race as they had made the effort.

Well a training dingy with small sails and a mast head float against a racing dinghy... we lost them in the setting sun. We did one circuit and were jolly glad to finish as we were both getting cold.
A long(ish) beat back didn't help in dropping winds. Oh thank the club for awsome hot showers.

In the end the club computer program was playing up and I don't know the result.

Very tired. Need to go to bed now. :+)

The Boat is Back

2009-04-26T20:20:00.002+01:00

Finished fitting the rudder fitting to the transom and I applied the sealing tape.
The tape does not look good :+( We may have a leak.

Nathan and I pached the boat and we drove down to the club on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Met Phil Norris down there rigging his Weyfairer and James and Helen with a National 12 (?).
I was then introduced to a couple that have a nice shiny Merlin and they were very friendly.

We got the mast up and all the control lines connected. I even worked out how to fit the shrouds with less trouble.

Cover on and all set to sail tomorrow. We drove home it style because I had forgotten the trailer ! Will pick it up tomorrow.

The road to glory begins right here !

Winter Maintenance 06

2009-04-23T22:24:00.002+01:00

OK time to get the boat in the water. Plum Crazy is looking OK. I didn't get the centre board sorted nor the mast gate or the transom flaps. But it IS ready to sail. Well I need to fit the flaps.

I tried to locate free perspex all winter but no luck. I had an offer of board used for signs but it is opaque and I need (want) transparent. The it turns out my Step Father has some. Cheers David.

Too late I need to fit the old ones (one leaks as it is cracked) I need to launch the boat and start sailing. I will pick up the perspex and make a flap when I get time.

Friday we take the Yob's boats out of storage and get them ready for the season and Saturday I am assistant R.O. Let the fun begin. Oh and its my birthday tomorrow too :+)

Winter Maintenance 05

2009-03-21T21:51:00.003Z

Got to put some varnish on the transom today. Thinned down I misjudged the volume and had to slap some on the deck. This was no bad thing as the decks are ready I just need to pull out the sheets.
I will not remove the deck fitings this year as the varnish is sound. I plan to just build up the layers this year and next then strip it all back the following year.

The back end is looking good and in this dry weather I got 2 coats on today. Trouble is the thinners is playing havoc with me chest. Must look into getting the name on the back ASAP.

Nat and Chops were working on the club boat Little Wing today. It was very busy down the club with pontoons being gas axed for maintenance and yachies feverishly working to get their boats ready for the Easter put in.

Foot Note: Little Wing was broken when we did our Dinghy Instructor course. I didn't do it, it was him ! Nick is doing a great job on the boat, the deck looks great we just need support post below the mast fitting and we are ready to sail again.

Roll on the new season !

Transom ready (Maintenance 03/04)

2009-03-10T19:08:00.005Z

Spent short stints on Saturday and Sunday sanding the transom of Plum Crazy. The detail round the fittings was fiddly but what mostly stopped me was the cold.

Thinned down some varnish and got the first coat on :+) Loads left over so I slapped it on the deck that is all rubbed down. I used flower paper only as it is not as bad as I first thought.

The dink on the hull bottom is also smaller than I thought and just needs sealing up :+)))

Just need some good weather to finish it all off.

Sunday Sail on Nickel Coin was blown out so Lyn popped round for lunch and a chat.

A few weeks ago Nathan and I attended an RYA approved First aid course. We passed so that is one step closer to being a D.I.

First sail of the year

2009-03-01T18:43:00.002Z

Went down to the Sailing Academy for a gathering on club instructors for a chat, a coffee and a sail.
Light winds and sunny.

Well after realizing I had forgotten my dinghy boots I was a little worried about the water temp. Not to worry the feet went numb while rigging the boat. We took an RS Bahia (or what is called) and I found out what Winter Skill Fade is ! Nothing worked on the first 2 tacks then the chap I was sailing with switched to teacher mode and I got it together.

We swapped to an RS Vago and as the winds were light we didn't neet to use the trapize ! I improved my jybing with the spinnaker up.

On the boots "No Worries Mate" I'm hard core me.

Winter Maintenance 02

2009-02-14T18:09:00.003Z

Sanded off the transom. and I spotted a dink in the Hull that needs filling and painting :+(

The deck looks not too bad but the transom needs a bit more work before the varnish goes on. But I got cold and ran out of sand paper so I did some gardening instead.

Can't wait to get back on the water.

Winter Maintenance 01

2008-12-07T21:47:00.002Z

Pulled Plum Crazy out of the garage and stripped the transom fittings as this is my first job this winter.
The varnish below the water line has de-laminated and the drain holes are grey and need some T.L.C.
All the fittings are in good condition and the craftsmanship of the fitter is excellent. I only hope my work is up to his standards.
I need to replace the big drain flaps as one is badly cracked. It would leak if you didn't move the pieces about until they sat flat. A more significant leak was noticed once when we forgot the bungs :+)

The deck is not looking as good as I hoped. Some patches need more varnish and it has weathered badly where the sun gets to the deck. Sanding and varnish is all that is required so no panic (yet).

Ijust hope for nice weather for the Christmas shut-down.

Gentle Saturday

2008-09-27T22:29:00.002+01:00

It was a glorious day. Nat had been out late so I woke him up at 11.
We tipped up at the club to find Mel off to play Commodore at Limington so could I let Norman know...
We sat in the sun chatting to Lyn. Her with a cuppa and me with a half of Dorset Gold (deliberate product placement, I just might get a free gift). We told Norm and he was not too chuffed as he was up for a sail. But with Lyn squibbing, no Mel and I don't do Saturdays it was a non starter.

Well Nat and I prepped Plum Crazy then got changed and the set off.
6 knots blowing up the river required some gentle tacks to get out to the bay. Not many Brummy Navy boats so it was quite pleasant (stress free). We had trouble getting the boat moving fast enough to get the auto-bailers working so we splashed round in 2" or so of sea water most of the time.

We got the spinnaker up and in the light airs we jibed it without drama. then Nat had a go driving. We then ran into Avisa, Phil was fishing Daf driving and Michelle grinding the winches. We waved our cans of beer at them and had a chat.

The we headed across the bay to try and catch up with Nick, he had taken a Scorpion out single handed. Then we shot off before the race started. I took over and wesailed back to the river mouth. The wind had swung over 90 degrees so it was afew dog leg tacks to get home.
Nat jumped in and then promtly fell over a step between the 2 ramps cutting his shin.

All in all a fantastic sail, we were out there for over 2 and a half hours in warm sunny weather. Looks like Nat has better memory of the Merlin last time he swore never again !

Happy days !

Last Friday YoBs

2008-08-31T20:28:00.002+01:00

Took Plum Crazy out with Meric for the last YoBs evening sailing session of the year. There is one Saturday morning then that's it :+(
With little wind I tacked down the river into the bay. Meric took over and we headed over to Viking for some short practice races. All 6 RS Fevas and 3 Wayfarers were out too.

The breeze picked up and the auto bailers started to drain the boat. Guess who for got to fit the bungs ? :+) We made
some good starts and one stinker, we popped round the end of Viking to find Alice in a Feva on Port and in irons. Meric squeezed through but before we made gentle contact I pushed the Feva away at which point they disqualified me for a laugh.

I'm going to miss the Kids in the Fevas as it is a lot of fun just enough summer left to get some big kids sailing in and then pack the boats away.

2 lots of sailing and Yobs Night

2008-08-17T17:31:00.003+01:00

Events of Friday 15th
Sail No. 1
A week off work in the middle of August and it has rained every day ! OK most days. BUT today was good. S0 Tanja and I headed off for a little sail in a Feva.
We get ready in an empty club house, it feels like we are trespassing, being oddly quiet and deserted.

I tell Tanja again there is not too much wind and we set off. Ideal run out into the bay force 2 to 3 and sunny. Happy Days!

Being Friday there a few visiting boats turning up and you just hope they are looking out for dinghies.
We pass O and P heading away from the river mouth into the bay. Not a lot of swell and very few power boats kicking up wash. Tranquil sailing on warm water, I just love it.

After 40 mins we head home as we have more things to do. Dash home pick up Nathan and head back to the club picking up a dry towel on the way (Douglass Adams would be proud)

Sail No. 2
The Y0bs (Youths On Boats) had a good turn out considering it is summer hols and all that.
All 6 Fevas were in use and Phil S had them doing practice starts and then 3 mini races.
Michelle S had a new megaphone and she was having fun yelling with it :+)

Nick and I took Plum Crazy out for a blast round the bay. I sailed out of the river into the bay on a gentle run. Nick put up the spinnaker and started to adjust the port pole down haul as the spinney was not flying right. I am still having trouble sailing up wind balancing the boat during gusts with out Nick throwing himself about.

After scooping a bath full we head off down wind to clear the water. I hand over to Nick and the craziness begins. We capsize and recover then while adjusting the rig the mast gate (angle Ali bracket) is ripped out of the deck by the Mainsail out-haul pulley. Then the the transom flap crack opens up so we are slowly filling up but not as fast as the self bailers are empting.
The Main out-haul appears non functional and during a prolonged spell of capsizing and recovery the bungee on the port pole pinged off the mast and appeared to be another casualty :+(
The pole had flipped over and the missing bungee hook was trailing in the water so we sorted that one.

I grabbed the mast gate bits and stowed them in my bouncy aid pocket and carried on. We tacked and "sank" a few times then we sailed back to the fleet.
At which point Nick asked what would happen if he (on helm) fell out ? I said the usual reply "Man overboard" and he flipped backwards out of the boat. I managed to recover him on the 3rd attempt to mock cheers from the committee boat Viking. I did try to run down Nick a few times to make up for his silliness.

Time to head for home so one last race up the river to the club. We joined in and I started about 3rd but in no time we had over hauled the training boat. Time for a tack and I capsized AGAIN. To make matters worse all the kids passed us :+(
We got P.C. back up and the safety boat gave us a bucket to bail with. Very hard trying to race while Nick bailed a half full boat. We swapped over, me chucking water as we passed the kids up the river and Nick timing his tacks so as to almost hit the harbour wall or moored boats.
In the end we were 2nd or 3rd as the finish of the race was the boat on its trolley on dry land.

Quick shower and then it is off to party. We dropped Nathan off for his party and then we went to Hause (its Spanish and I can't spell sorry).
We park up and We meet the Nickel Coin crew as Hause is sailing with us while he is over here. He has left Spain for month to learn English by working in bars. This is where Norman "picked him up".
We have a great time exchanging stories of drunkenness and stupidity. What I did at the regatta party etc.......
Eventually I drag a merry Tanja home at 1:15. We have to get up a 6 to fetch the other kids from a holiday with their Nan. To cap it all off Nathan is locked out and wakes me at 2 AM after he gets back from his party !

A very busy day.

Crazy Friday

2008-08-02T09:43:00.002+01:00

Friday Night was a yobs night. But the wind was gusting over 20 mph and had been 20 gusting 26 !
So the bigger kids were restricted to sailing in the river and only 3 boats were needed.
This freed me up to go sailing :+) Most of the (smaller) kids elected to do games in the yard with Michael S.

Nick innocently suggested that we take the Merlin ! OK I said, trip No 6 in Plum Crazy. We had dire warning from the safety boat crew and much mickey taking from Phil S. about death and carnage.

Nice run out into the bay. But the rudder was pulling like pit-bull. I turned on to a broad reach and we scooped a bath full. We nearly capsized there and then as I has trouble dumping the main. Much scrabbling about and wallowing in the swell followed.
We set off down wind and away from the river water draining as we went. The further from base the less I felt comfortable. (I'm such a wuss)

Then Nick took over and he got the beast plaining. In the gusty conditions I was popping up and down or fully out. Crazy. The waves were hitting the bow and the swooping curves of the hull threw the spray over me but not Nick. (now I know why I am crew)

Then Nicked turned for home and we flipped over. I managed to dry capsize but Nick got dunked then I slipped and fell in :+) We got the old girl up and dry them we turned more carefully for home and it was OK.

We crashed the waves all the way back to the river mouth. Ripping Fun then we sailed up and down the river with the Yobs.
In the calmer winds we played with the spinnaker but it was rigged wrong so we had little control. At this point I was on helm and hauling the kite up while steering is something I need to work on ! Well just add that to the list.

Generally it was wrong to go out into the bay, I was concerned for my boat and myself while out there but it was still fun. Nothing broke and nobody died !
I need to work on my boat handling skills (those Fevas are far too forgiving) and my leg strength.
I just want to do it again in slightly less wind.

Thanks Nick, lets do it again.

Kids BBQ

2008-07-31T22:50:00.006+01:00

The Yobs BBQ was on Sunday but I was too tired....

The plan was to sail dinghies and keel boats across the bay the Red Cliff beach, play team games, chill out, BBQ then sail back. The big boats provide tows as required.

Phil S organised the keel boats and went off in Evisa and Michael set the kids off then she went off to show them the way to go and with me at the back to complete the fleet launch and watch over the "big kids".

At first I didn't have a crew but Tom R was persuaded to try a go in a Merlin. He could sail a laser back. I sailed off the ramp and down the river then handed the boat over to a 16 year old kid !

Tom dun good. It was a light breeze and a flat sea so we over took some stragglers in their RS Fevas on a run. The auto homing centre board was tied in the down position and after a bit I decided to launch the spinnaker !
Well this was the first time for me in a tricky boat. But it worked and we soon passed the middle of the fleet.

The sun beat down and just before we reached the mooring point Tom passed the last Feva. Not having a suitable towing point I tied a rope to the mast behind Nickel Coin. We jumped off Plum Crazy, Tom swam to Sapphire where his mum was drinking a cold one and I swam to the floppy ladder on N.C. to meat up with Tanja.

We then transferred to the beach where we played games with teams of adults and Yobs. We had a BBQ and wine then started the silly water games.

We had a great time the atmosphere was relaxed with the biggest kid (Phil S) getting all sorts of people wet.

In the end we packed up and Michael sailed my boat back with me crewing again. The wind had picked up to make it a nice beat back to Weymouth. Again we were the first boat home. I packed P.C. away and Michael organised the kids.

This was the best day of the year so far. The weather was perfect. The beach empty (no tourists) and the company wonderful. Thanks to the kids for an excuse for a fun day, Phil and Daf for all their input, the keel boats for their support and finally to my 2 helms that let me play with the spinnaker and let me get Plum Crazy out again.

WSC link

First Sail Post Mortem

2008-06-15T12:50:00.003+01:00

BAD

Boat :

Main Jammer can't hold at full power.
Sinnaker not yet fitted or tried
Centre Board popps up when it feels like it
Main Out Haul popped off dropping the boom to trepanning height

Crew :

Not ready for big winds
Need to know how to depower rig
Need to know how to tack up river full of water

GOOD

Boat :

Can be sailed under water (bouancy test complete)
GREAT FUN
Lots to learn

Crew :

Stamina enough to sail up river
Mad enough
We did it !

We had fun but the fun stopped when the boat tipped over in the river mouth. Then it was a slog. I pushed Nat too hard physically and he was not right until he was fed and watered.

Can't wait to do it again.

First Sail

2008-06-14T20:42:00.003+01:00

Nathan, Ben and I tipped at the Sailing Club about 11. Ben went off with Mel (the commodore) to fix a blocked impeller on Nickel Coin.

Nat and I fiddled about with the rigging on Plum Crazy. We still don't know how to set up the spinnaker. Lots of people said I should have entered the MR open tomorrow BUT I only have sailed the P.C. 3 times I was not ready to humiliate my self.

Boat rigged the usual wags asked if we were racing today again NO we are not ready.

So we launched and ran out the river. Nice breeze and flat sea looks good for a nice sail.
After a bit we got to the start line and then headed off down wind away from the race. We were playing rock-and-roll down wind until we put the centre board down. The wind slowly freshened until we were struggling and didn't know why.

I spotted white horses and that was the time to head home. Nat had a school leaver's party to go to so that was it.
Well I have not yet got the balance between dumping the main and sailing just off the wind. So as we headed back to Weymouth we lost it big style ! MR turtle as my first capsize. It was not quite so funny now. We recovered it and the auto bailers did their job and we headed home.

The wind was up and I was still struggling with sailing just off the wind to get home and not dumping power to stop scooping water. All was going well until we reached the river.

We met a Dutch Yacht that didn't have a clue. I dipped behind him then scooped a boat full. I tried to turn and no go. I failed to dump the mail and we capsized in the river mouth. This was the start of a very slow up river passage.

As we were full of water and only 50 mm of free-board and healing on power would swamp the boat. The steering was a dog and the river busy. All in all not a fun experience.
Eventually we got in, Tanja watched the painful progress for 40 minutes. We had an altercation with a day fishing boat and I ignored the Squibbs as I was not in a position to avoid them even on Port.

Jim caught the bow and Tanja had the trolley. Stress off, we drained PC and then watched the maroon for the life boat go off. Some other bugger was getting worse than we did.

Nat was knackered and he pushed off while I de-rigged the boat. We parked up and had a chat with Ian's wife. She agreed that Rockets don't turn when full of water, MRs don't play fair when it gets up a bit and 2 tons of water cannot no matter how had you try be balanced against by 2 blokes.

MR Open meeting tomorrow. I got chatting to a bloke who parked next to Plum Crazy, his boat is also painted purple !

Plum Crazy is Back

2008-06-10T20:53:00.003+01:00

My MR is back at the sailing club. Some committee meeting was going on so a few people admired the boat.

We tried to drop P.C. off on Saturday but it was the Lark Open and the road was closed for a folk festival ! So I came home again a bit miffed.

Today the boys helped me unpack the dinghy, step the mast and sort some of the knitting bag that is the rigging. I Had the spinnaker up before the ropes were pulled off to varnish the beastie.

I took photos to help re-rig the boat but...
Well Martin says he knows how it all works so we can play Thursday night.

Monday Fair

2007-08-07T07:23:00.000+01:00

We all met at the club, for once Mark was there early. He had taken half a day off.
Sunny blowing 22 gusting 26. No Linda but new bloke Kurt joined us.
Norman had found yet another small sail and we rigged a No. 3 as it was gusty, the High Aspect was in the sail shop and it was Lady's race so Mel was on the tiller.
Off went the Squibs and it was an all in start for the "Laydees" 10 minutes later. About 17 boats churning about for the start with less experienced helms, interesting.
We beat to the windward mark, launched the spinnaker then changed the under powered head sail for the old 2001 No. 1. Yes this boat has more sails than crew. And more No. 1s that is right.
The wind was dropping but they didn't shorten the coarse so eventually we ran out of time which was a shame as we were catching some of the fast boats.
Firefly people all over the club with a pig race in the long shed ! There is a buzz about the club for the regatta that starts Friday. Tanja and I are going to the Caribbean party Saturday night ! !

Bonus Saturday

2007-08-04T19:55:00.000+01:00

Our German visitors liked the look of the RS Favas, who am I to stop them ? Tanja, Charlotte,the visitors and I drove into a crowded Weymouth.
Only problem are the 54 Fireflies doing their nationals from our club.
Well I got past them with a Feva after 10 mins. Rigged the boat and took Sara out into the bay.
10 gusting 11 was not great but we pottered about, it was hot and sunny so I didn't care.
Tacking up the river in the light airs and heavy traffic was slow work and eventually I resorted to the paddle.
I then had a half while Sara changed and Caddy put on Tanja's wetsuit. then we left the slip with the first of the Fireflies. The breeze had picked up a little and after a bit I asked Caddy if she wanted a go. She was a natural pointing the boat without being directed. I was working the jib, main and balance but she could sail a straight coarse and loved it. Being in the front seat I stuck up the Spinnaker and that went well for a bit but I got it tangled because I didn't cleat it correctly on the hoist. Hanging over the front of the dinghy again.
Abandoning the jenniker we continued for a bit. Caddy eventually let me take the boat back up the river. Again more paddling and more traffic with the keel boat fleet going out for their Saturday race. Just Norm and Mark on Nickel Coin today.
Both Sara and Caddy preferred the space and quiet of the bay to the town beach covered in the tourists. The sea front looks great from the bay. The tacky junk is just too small compared to the stately architecture.
Quick shower and home to pick up the boys then off Moonfleet Manor for a spritza and a chill out.

Cadets Friday

2007-08-04T10:45:00.000+01:00

Nice breeze and sunny Merlin Rocket weather.
I got to club with my kids (no Essie) and the kids cousin from Bremmen and her friend. We had fish and chips as this is "So English", to be honest it is the only time I eat F & C.
Tanja, Nat and the older girls watched as Ben and Charlotte helped rig the RS Fevas. Phil S vetoed the MR as it was too gust for Cadets :+(
I took Oliver out. Her hopped straight on to the tiller so I was balancing and jib. He made it down the river then told me he didn't know what he was doing. Ha just a lack of confidence Oliver you did great ! We puttled about then Phil set a coarse for us to sail. The other kids were doing capsize drill with Mark Bugler. Ben & Chops had to do it this time and they did.
I put up the jenneker and that was fun . I had a go on the helm for a bit. Oliver put up the jenneker but it didn't come down well, it went under the boat. Phil came over in his tender and pulled it out. It was now wet.
Oliver back on the helm and I up the jenneker and we had a good blast. Getting it down didn't work. The wet sail stuck to every thing it could and wrapped round the bow sprit. Imagine a 40 year old bloke hanging off the front of a little dingy with a novice helm, we managed to recover it but didn't spinnaker after that.
They swapped Oliver for Edwin so Edwin could tack up the river. He didn't do too badly and got us up the river without incident.
Chips beer and home.

Thursday with light breezes

2007-08-04T10:13:00.000+01:00

We had Mel, Mark, Norm, Pete and I so a not a bad crew.
The new front hatch cover had been fitted now we don't have to worry about standing on the cardboard substitute. This was a nag in the back of your mind when leaping about the small fore deck.
Again the light weight No. 1 and the Big yellow spinnaker.
With Mel on the helm we had a mid fleet start, let try that again as it sounded too negative. Out of 3 boats we were second over the line. Chasing Fred on Idis to the windward mark we adjusted the blocks to get a better shape to the Genoa. On the spinnaker leg we started to catch Fred until a miscommunication when I started the 2 pole jibe early. But this time we didn't loose control of the Genoa sheet, it has a passion for wrapping itself round the dropped spinnaker pole.
The wind was dropping so they shortened the coarse after one round.
On returning we left the mooring early to par take of the RNLI BBQ. A pint of Palmer's Copper and a Crew Berger and a chat.
Life is good.

We got the Big Boy out !

2007-07-31T07:18:00.001+01:00

Full crew last night, Mel, Norman, Mark, Peter, Linda and me. We played about with sail choices, saving the big No 1 for the regatta.
Nice breeze in the bay required a quick sail change as Pete and I were fore deck we sorted that. Norman made a good start. Fred on Ibis made a better one so we were duck hunting again. Eventually we got past Ibis going to the windward mark and we felt good about that.
On the down wind leg Norm jokingly asked about the Big. Mel had it out ready and we were running round looking for a sheet. In 5 years of sailing on Nickel Coin I have never seen this legendary sail. Fred headed away off wind and got a head while we were going dead down wind with the Big Boy. We got the Boy in and jibbed the spinnaker (correct me if I'm wrong) but the race was over. Fred had won and we were doing a Post Mortem on the Jibe.
Well it was good practice for the regatta and now Norm wants us to practice head sail changes with the spinnaker up :+) More fun. Not a bad night.
I have mixed feeling as it was a perfect evening for Plum Crazy and Jim was up for a blast in a propper dingy. We swapped handy numbers so I'll catch up with him mid week.

CONFACIMUS NAVEGEMUS (Fuck it -- let's go sailing)

Mad Thursday

2007-07-27T17:33:00.000+01:00

A bright and blowy night. The R.O. Steve Ives quickly cancelled the dinghies and then the squibs. At Portland Harbour there was a gust of 51 knots at lunchtime. Bad omen 1.
Norman turned up after I had launched the rubber dinghy so he strolled up to the moorings and I rowed into the teeth of a gale, OK strong wind.
Linda turned up and eventually Mark, so off we go. But disaster! we got the aft spring round the rudder. So I'm holding the boat on to the slipper rope between the piles while they unhook us. Bad omen 2.
Then its a quick run down the river and out into the bay. 22 gusting 33. High aspect ratio No. 2 no reef in the main.
We made a good start and beat La Salmo across the line but they got up wind and past us. Then on the down wind leg those mad fools put a kite up but we didn't. The following sea was rolling so L.S. was doing the cork screw of death and not getting away from us very much.
The next leg was a reach and we caught up with them then a beat back to the committee boat. On this leg we over took L.S. and we were tanking along in a fine manner right up until the No. 2 exploded. So I gathered the rags and hanked on a storm jib. We finished a shortened race minutes down after leading it :+(
I sailed N.C. across the bay then motor sailed on the main up the river home. we needed the sail as the engine would have been very slow into the rising wind.

The the Omens ! And remember its unlucky to be superstitious !

Rainy Monday

2007-07-24T19:05:00.000+01:00

Well I could have gone sailing but ...
I left my phone at home and I was not sure what Mark was doing. Rig the boat and then nobody turn up on a drizzly night with no wind ?
No Mel in the club house so I decided to take the soft option and have a chat, a beer, and an early night.
Mark turned up at the last minute (dot com) I explained how I felt about the lack of wind and excess of rain and he rushed off to get a ride with Phil S.
As it turned out the wind got up and it was a Nickel Coin evening after all, just not enough crew.
It appears that Andy E is an utter boat tart ! He was sailing with Steve on C Seven but for once Steve has just got enough crew so Andy hopped on to Evisa with Phil S. Tghis is not good enough, TEAM DEK should all sail with Adrian on Amarosa. I will have to speak to him.

Cadet Sailing

2007-07-21T14:13:00.000+01:00

The cadet sailing was called off because the wind was gusting over 25 as the rain clouds passed over. So I had to de-rig the boats. The kids were going rowing instead.
Well all the kids ran off to the pontoon by the mast crane leaving me to cover the boats. This time I got some help.
Bolton Phil called out the window what was going on? I explained and we thought that they had made a bad call. So we rigged Plum Crazy for her second outing. Phil borrowed a paddle as there was no wind on the river. (Thanks Mike) We set off with Phil paddling until Richard turned up with the safety boat and we got a tow out into the bay.
I pooteled about for half an hour then I let Phil have a go. He already knew how tippy Plum Crazy is, Merlin Rockets are like that. But he was surprised at how quickly they turn compared to his Wayfarer. Anyway his head didn't do any damage to the boom. The rain was coming so we headed in on the rising wind. Phil took P.C. up the river and again there was no wind. For a moment I thought we were going to drift into RWH or Woolamoo (?) AGAIN but the man pumped the rudder and we sailed clear by them :+) Must try that next time!
I bought the kids drinks and chips so everybody has a great time.

Thursday

2007-07-21T13:17:00.000+01:00

Work is not going well TSP is a bit like having your teeth drilled without drugs.
So I was glad to get to the sailing club. Text from Mark, "No Mel 2nite". So it was just Me Mark and possibly Linda.
I rowed up the river to Nickel Coin and rigged the boat for racing ( big No. 1 ) Linda arrived to help finish off and as usual Mark turned up at the last moment.
Very light breeze so we were never going to win. To make matters worse we chose not to spinnaker as Linda does not know the boat well. A good call as there was a jibe on the down wind section.
We made a good start and off we went to the windward mark. We squeezed past 2 V class boats on port and almost squashed a Squib at the mark. Pheobe came steaming up to the mark on starboard from nowhere and then caused C seven to turn away. C seven lost boat speed and steerage and hit the 2 V class boats. BUT we didn't see anything !
We had a relaxing time and made it home safely. Mark ferried us ashore one at a time as there not a lot of air in the rubber dinghy. I waited for Mark but no sign, had he stopped for a chat at the moorings or been run down by a fishing boat ?
I had a chat and a beer then it was off to pick up Tanja. Should check for Mark... No tender no oars Oh dear. I walked up to the moorings there was Mark getting pissed with Len and Dave on Dave's boat !

Nickel Coin racing again

2007-07-17T07:00:00.000+01:00

Well we "actually" went racing. I showed up at 5:30, I was delayed at work Launching a maintenance team project.
Warm to start with and little breeze until we got out into the bay. Then I put my fleas on.
We didn't make a great start as we were sorting out missing ropes and the like. The course was OK with a good beat to I from X then a run back across the bay. We prayed for no spinnaker jibe as we were using the spare halyard for a spinnaker pole up haul and as we use a 2 pole system we would have to use the one off the Genoa.
Then it rained but it was not cold and we had plenty of warning to break out the oilies.
The race was shortened so the beer leg was back to the mooring. On the mooring we played hunt the hole in the spinnaker, patching tape at the ready. We stopped looking when we had run out of tape.
No idea of the result (we didn't win) but I don't care ! I enjoyed it.

P.S. 7th

Just a visit

2007-07-15T19:59:00.000+01:00

David and June popped down today so we went to the sailing club for lunch. So Tanja's parents Nathan and Charlotte and my parents arrived at the club.
We had a lovely meal, thanks Christian.
Then we went to see Plum Crazy. I put up the main for a photo shoot :+)
We tipped the water out packed it up and when went home.

Big boat Saturday

2007-07-15T19:14:00.000+01:00

I went down to the club early Saturday to wire up the electrics on the mast of Nickel Coin. The tails had been taped to the mast while the mast was off. One of the screws for the deck seal was missing, either I had lost it or it had come loose while racing. Into the rubber Dinghy and off to Bussells for a pair of new screws.
I expressed shock that N.C. had metric threads as the Spinner is 40 years old and British built. At this point the shop owner offered to put the 48 pence bill on Norman's account. :+) Well, as I possible had lost the screw I thought it only fair to shoulder the huge cost myself.
Normally I don't sail on a Saturday but I had my pass signed so I was going to make the most of it. Charlotte had decided not to go sailing with me (not surprising after Tuesday) so I was a bit miffed about that. Having finished on Nickel Coin I headed to the club for a drink. I met Len and Don heading the other way. "Would I like to sail on Galliard?" as Mel had gone home and Mark was not yet about N.C. was not going so I said yes. We then met Lyn by the ladder so that was 4, eventually Mark turned up and we had a crew.
We had a good race and the obligatory beer leg. Lyn was flapping as she had to be off the boat by 5 to go on holiday. We made it back it time, after the elder members had a few scoops of Lidl's best Scottish medicine we returned to club to find out we had won out race.
Got home tired but happy. A good day.

Gentel sail with Charlotte

2007-07-10T21:13:00.000+01:00

I picked Charlotte up at work and we wandered down to the sailing club.
We rigged Wrong Way Up the W&P Housing Association RS Feva and plodded (rather than dead running) out on a light breeze.

We sailed around the bay for a bit then I put Chops on the tiller and all was well for a while. We had a few gusts and she fluffed a tack and at this point Chops went to bit and flapped about.
Gone was the girl that loved to jump out of Laser Picos and swim more than sailed. In her stead was a would rather squeal and go in circles while moaning.

Well I took over and sailed for a bit but the fun was gone.
Note to self : I need to take over earlier so the crew can calm down.

Needless to say we didn't do capsize drill :+(

We will try again on Saturday.

Tired today

2007-07-09T18:27:00.000+01:00

Too tired today for sailin.
Nickle Coin is not ready to sail as the mast stays have not been tensioned up and the mast tuned. I would have liked to go on N.C. for a blast round the bay as there is a nice breeze but my body says no.

I still have to wire up the electrics on Nickle Coin's mast. Must try and do that this week...

Sunday Fun

2007-07-08T18:51:00.001+01:00

My little lad Ben didn't fancy the Merlin Rocket for his first sail with me so we took one of the club's RS Revas.
Light winds of 6 gusting 10, perfect for a nervous crew. Like Yesterday, we gull winged down the river and out into the bay.
With Ben on the tiller and me operating the main, jib and balancing the boat we started to do large circuits of a 3 masted tall ship anchored in the bay.
After 30 - 40 minutes it was time for the highlight of the day Ben's first capsize. He had been flapping about this all day. So when he was ready I capsized the boat. after the initial shock for Ben he was OK. I righted the boat and hauled him in and we headed home.

Tacking up the river has not fun the wind had picked up and was gusty with it. Well we missed the slipway on the first attempt but managed it on the second. When we were over the slip I jumped in as Ben was having trouble with the dagger board, the boats are only 3 months old and I don't want to be the first to break one.

Home safe and sound and best of all Ben is no longer afraid of capsizing :+)

Today we sailed

2007-07-07T18:27:00.000+01:00

A dry bright day. Nat and I went down to the club and rigged the boat.

James M-S was launching his Melgies 28 (Check length) and he was please I had a Melin. James and his wife popped down to the slipway just as were about to launch for the first time. With a few practical words (thanks for that) of advice from them we were off !

In a 10 gusting 15 we gull winged down the river and out into the bay. Nat and I were actually sailing Plum Crazy ! I have been dreaming and scheming for this day for over 2 years.

We mouched about the D mark for a bit and as the lifeboat went past turned smartly to cross its wake head on. The first large (ish) swell we had seen. we then headed towards the beach away from all the traffic heading into Weymouth.

The wind was picking up from a nice breaze to "oh dear this is a bit much". At this much we took on a lot of water and the baot was not so much fun. The self-bailers didn't appear to work very well. A little worried and a bit fatigued we headed home. Tacking up the river with motor boats coming down was OK and we got onto the slip without any trouble.

We went out, we sailed, we returned No capsize No Worries A Good Day !

Robin C-D popped by to see how we were going. I had rung him about the out haul problem...
He pointed out our mistake with the bailers and was very encouraging.

We helped my mate Phil get his Wayfairer up the slip while it was full of water. And we helped John with his mooring chains.

Well lets see what tomorrow brings we might get out again.

Progress

2007-07-05T22:07:00.000+01:00

Nigel answered my E-mail apparently there is a pulley block kicking around in the boat I have to tie the out haul to.

I will give it a try tomorrow, the kids have a cadet evening and I can pop down the yard to my boat for a few minutes.

Wet Thursday

2007-07-05T19:25:00.000+01:00

Race canceled wind too strong 35 gusting 45, so I had a chat a pint and went home.
Didn't bother to take the cover off the boat just tipped the water off it. :+(

No Progress today

2007-07-04T19:30:00.000+01:00

Went down to the boat and dragged the dinghy fleet captain over to look at the out haul problem. He said ring the Nigel the previous owner. So an E-mail was sent.

I had Tanja with me and so I only spent 20 minutes at the boat.

Will try again tomorrow.

Tuesday progress

2007-07-03T22:32:00.000+01:00

I bought a shackle for the kicking strap and a spare today. Also splashed out on some S-Steel split pins for the launch trolley as a bit of twisted wire will simply not do for my boat. (Note this mania will not last)

I rigged the jib after I worked out where the jib halyard muscle box tied on to. Note not many ropes left now, may be 100 k.

I just have to work out the main sail out haul and the spinnaker, the Cunningham is in the bag well I think I know how it goes. But out haul is first. I am not ready for the spinnaker so that can wait.

The cover had a puddle of water on it and there was water in the boat so I need to store it with the bow higher up in future. Beer crate any one ?

Monday progress

2007-07-03T22:06:00.000+01:00

I race on yachts on Mondays and Thursdays in the summer. So when I got the text message that Nickel Coin was not sailing I want round the office looking for a ride.

My mate Adrian was happy to have an extra pair of hands to help as the weather looked iffy. He also sailed a Scorpion in his youth so he offered to look at the 2M bit of rope before the race.

The missing shackle was from the kicking strap paraphernalia so we jury rigged it with a bit of string to trace the ropes. That sorted that load of rope so the covers went back on and we went off to have a race.

We had left it late so we rushed to the start line jeering at Cloe for having 2 reefs in her main. Well the furling genoa blew out and the main was too big. It was rough and I am covered in bruises from the gusty winds throwing the boat about.
We managed to put a second reef in and pull the genoa in but the race was lost :+(

Over a beer in the club house we talked about the 1 million remaining ropes. Phil S split his tiller so he retired. He therefore gained a valuable "war story" for future use. I told him of my acquisition and he said great one more boat taking the club cadets out on Friday. Remember there are still 1 million ropes to sort out AAAArgggg.

Sunday Fun

2007-07-03T21:23:00.000+01:00

Sunday was windy but dry. I headed to the sailing club with the youngest, the in-laws, Tanja and a boat in tow.

We pulled up at the sailing club and immediately upset the river ferry man. We found a place and then tried to separate the trailer from the launch trolley. This would have been easier if there was not 100 kg of boat on top !

Well I pulled a muscle in my back doing this. We then found out that I am not good at giving directions with a crowd of family watching.

Tanja and I managed to step the mast attach the shrouds and the forestay. We then fitted the over cover and went for a pint of Palmer's in the bar.

Thoes 2 million bits of rope still praying on my mind....

Driving it home

2007-07-03T20:44:00.001+01:00

Well this was not a good experience.
I bought the boat from an nice bloke called Nigel and he de-rigged it in front of me. We prepared it for the 250 mile drive home.

The only problem is that this Merlin Rocket has 2 million bit of rope and I just didn't take it all in. Well that is a problem for another day and another posting.

We set off at 13:30 in rain (normal for Manchester) and the rain didn't stop until after we got home at 19:30. On the way a shackle pin dropped off the mast on to the car roof, that woke up the kids in the back of the car. Now when the shackle hit the roof 3 minutes later we stopped the car. But no missing boat bits or damage to car could be seen so we continued home.

On arrival my in-laws had a look at the boat and said they liked it and that I am totally mad. We up ended the boat to tip out the 20 gallons of water collected on the drive home.

Well it all started with a boat

2007-07-03T20:25:00.001+01:00

Last Saturday I found myself at Leigh & Lowton sailing club. And I was buying a boat!

The build up to this has taken some years. This blog will try to explain it and log my progress in a 25 year old Merlin Rocket.