As most of you are aware, we have been tackling some bigger projects this year in order to get the boat ready for the sailing season. Although it has been a long process, the light at the end of the tunnel no longer appears to be a train and SOON we'll be back in the water. The current launch date is now May 6th at 10:30 but I am going to try and push that back a bit more to see if I can get one more full weekend of work on it before we splash. I'll keep you posted.There was some rotted balsa core in the deck around the chainplates on both the port and starboard sides. In addition, I removed and replaced the divider up in the bow. ( I just can't seem to eat enough fiberglass dust)
Currently, I'm in the process of re-glassing everything in under the much appreciated direction of Joe Parker from the Gougeon Brothers. (All of you need to keep him in beer for the forseeable future) Joe has generously supplied both materials and advice throughout this project and his help has been indispensible. In addition, I'd like to thank all of you that have contributed your time and effort helping to see this project through.
Although the repairs this year have gone way beyond our normal bottom prep, wax and cleaning routine, they were needed and we were fortunate to properly address them in time to avoid an even bigger project down the road. There is still much to do. After I finish the fiberglass, we need to paint, re-install the cabinets and stereo, re-install new bilge pumps and throttle and two deck winches, rig the mast and refinish the floor. Then clean, clean. clean and re-oil all the wood below. The bottom is pretty much done and the hull is waxed and we have a BRAND NEW Light #1 headsail that Turbo from Dolphin is building (Yaaaaaay!!!!!!) (Thank you Meme!!!)We're going to call it "The Turbonator".
We're getting close. This should be a GREAT year and I'm looking forward to sailing with all of you. Also, there is a meeting this Wednesday night at the Bay City Yacht Club. (6 ish?) If you feel inclined, stop by and join Meme and I for a cocktail or two. There should be a good turnout as it is the last "meeting" before the start of the racing season.
