First 'event'

Boat prep for a dry sailed "maxi dinghy" is pretty straight forward. You don't have to worry about plumbing; no anti fouling, just re-rigging. The mast is keel stepped. I need three people to help out: one to operate the crane; one above deck; and one below deck, to guide the mast into the step. I like to wait until the big boats have launched (usually on the first weekend in May). One of the great things about sailing is that you get to meet a lot of people. You can't have everyone on the boat at the same time. The solution is to divide the season into different events and sort out crew for each of those events. For the first event of the new season, 'mast step' , Claudiu and Nick were the crew.

I wanted a sunny day with little wind. I also wanted to give the crew enough warning for them to be able to make a commitment. There is a conflict here; the more warning, the less reliable the forecast. Wednesday seemed like a good day. Claudiu was able to help in the afternoon. If all went according to plan we would be ready to step the mast when Nick arrived. We have a plan!

Claudiu and I reattached the life lines. The only mishap was that I broke the windex (again!) and I had to rush over to get a new one. Windexes and I seem to have a problem forming a longterm relationship. Nick arrived just as we were ready to move the boat over to the crane. One of Nick's first comments was about the dark clouds to the west. He figured we would have about an hour. I felt the first drop of rain as I attached the sling to the mast. The stepping went quickly except that the starboard inner shroud was askew. I had to use the bosun's chair to adjust it. We were able to get the mast secured before we got completely drenched! My tradeoff between reliable forecast and planning lead time was a bit off.

Thanks Claudiu and Nick. The first event of the 2010 season was successfully completed.

Harbourside Reunion 2010

Judith and Anthony look over a Shark painted by Harbourside Centre: "It looks like Splash!"

Last Sunday I attended the annual 'Harbourside reunion'. I was a member of Harbourside Sailing Club (now Harbourfront Sailing and Powerboating) from 1992 to 1997. A very good experience; I learned how to race there. A few years ago I thought of holding a 'reunion', a. k. a. a minimum billing event, in April, just before sailing season begins. National Yacht Club requires a minimum restaurant tab of $45 every month. I have established a series of events in the off season to cover this: November, Mark's Birthday; Dec., ABYC/NYC exchange; Jan., boat show; Feb., AHMEN Awards night; April, the Reunion. That leaves only March! The April MBE is a great excuse to hold a 'reunion' and renew old friendships.

Most of my friends have their own boats (my name for this group is BOC, the Boat Owner's Club). We have chosen different boating options. I own a J24, so my emphasis has been on improving my racing skills at NYC. Anthony's boat a 27' foot Jeaneau, which is used as a 'family' day cruiser and is sailed from ABYC. Karen has a 42 foot leviathan for extended cruising (a project boat?) and is sailed from EYC. Judith has a 30 footer, which is used as a live aboard and is sailed from the Island Marina. Donna is only non boat owner. She has continued as a member at the successor club. From a common port, each of us has set a different course.