We have had a seemingly long winter and a dreary wet spring. I have been somewhat distracted with some important personal decisions. After a bit of a delay the season has finally started.
I was very happy the tarp covering the boat survived the winter. For the last two years I have used two Canadian Tire tarps. Last year the aft tarp failed. The problem was with the way it was tied. The modifications that were made with the tie down this year’s tarps were successful.
The traveller needed to be repaired. The ‘car’ broke during the second last race last season. The repair was a great example of boat repairs in general. The new car would not fit the old track; the new track was too short; the adjusted height required new bolts which had to be costumed made. It should have been a simple replacement of the car. Instead the car required some other new part which required some other new part etc. I was glad when the traveller was installed and everything worked!
I always worry about the motor. The spark plugs were replaced and the motor started OK. YES! I did have to use the internal tank. The hose on the external tank has hardened and needs to be replaced.
The only other repair that was made over the winter was to the main sail.
My first sail of the season was at the second regular Wednesday race. A late start for the season and we were late to the start. I misunderstood the sailing instructions; we are Division IV but in the first start! We actually decided to start during the sequence for the fourth start.
Winds were east at 15 (?) knots; choppy, a bit of rain and eventually lots of rain. It was good to be back on the water. A great way to see if someone is interested in sailing is to take them out in a day like this and see if they are smiling. All crew stated that they were looking forward to next week’s race. A good sign.
There was a bit of a foul up with the rigging of tweeker. The crew handled it well. The boat and crew worked well (if not perfectly).
The 2011 sailing season has started!
