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.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Gentle Saturday
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 !
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 !
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Last Friday YoBs
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.
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.
Sunday, 17 August 2008
2 lots of sailing and Yobs Night
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.
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.
Saturday, 2 August 2008
Crazy Friday
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.
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.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Kids BBQ
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
Sunday, 15 June 2008
First Sail Post Mortem
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.
Saturday, 14 June 2008
First Sail
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 !
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 !
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
Plum Crazy is Back
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.
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.
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