Entry #33: To view my blog’s first entry scroll down to ‘Entry # 1’. Sorry for the inconvenience, I will eventually figure out how to reverse entry order.
I remain on schedule for a May 8th launch – barely and I probably need more time….
I’m hoping no-one saw me spend two hours trying to hoist my new main sail for the first time before finally succeeding! Oh and I have ordered new jib battens as I found out they don’t float! I’ll go into more detail in a bit but first an update on my electronics and wiring….
Critical Item #1: Friday I focused on going over all my electronics, complete wiring and tests on my new electronics functions. I followed each set of wires I could reach and see and overall the wiring on the boat appears in good order. I did re-tape or add electrical tape to ensure integrity of connections. I do have to remember to buy spare bulbs and bring grease to apply to light sockets. I will do the latter during my journey. The new Garmin Depth Transducer and GPS Chartplotter function! Yes. The portable electric heater works great. To test my spare antennae with its new coupling I connected it to my VHF marine radio and it worked! I dis-connected the spare antennae and will find a place in the cabin to store it. I removed the shelve and oven for access to the new auto-pilot wiring. On the way home, I stopped at ACE Hardware and purchased electrical wiring to complete connections for my Watchman and Simrad Auto-Pilot. Though wiring remains incomplete, I’m feeling confident I will have it done in time.
Critical Item #2: OK back to my Laurel and Hardy imitation. Late last fall my new sails arrived. Before the new sails arrived, I replaced both mainsail and jib halyards. NS forgot to bring the four mainsail battens to the boat so we didn’t put the sails up or go for a test sail. (A caution light registered likely the result of having spent a career in the field of quality).
Saturday I brought both sails to the boat set the two sail bags and jib battens on deck. I decided to hoist the main sail first. Laurel & Hardy here we go. I never liked the way the halyards or blocks were set up when I purchased the boat and didn’t have the foresight to make adjustments before raising the mast. I decided to simply live with it the way it was set up. I now regret that decision. Nothing lethal, I’ll just have to live with it for now. But rest assured, my mast will be lowered and adjustments will be made in the fall.
As I am finally able to raise the main I looked around to grab and install the first batten when I realized I didn’t have them. NS and I had forgotten from last fall! While in panic mold I instinctively looked toward my jib battens. Where are they? The deck was wet and slippery, the boat was pitching while I was attempting to hoist the main and my jib battens had slid overboard into the deep blue! My mind was racing thinking of contingencies while calling North Sails in a panic. I’m laughing at myself writing this. I should have a new set of battens no later than Tuesday!
Before calling it a day, the night before I had made two canvas splash shields for the port and starboard sides of my deck. The idea is to place them strategically as needed to help shield me from cold winds and water intrusion from waves and winds. I was able to secure them to the deck posts. And with some additional adjustment to the hook openings, they should serve their purpose.
On my return home, access to my boat trailer was blocked and I was unable to trailer it to storage.
Critical Item #3: My efforts to solicit Welland Canal passage crew is progressing. I believe I have previously mentioned my frustration in regards to placing an ad on local university campuses. Well I also attempted to place an ad in a local newspaper. After being vetted (!), I was notified a four day ad would cost $356.14!!!! With this reality, I am very grateful for the two commitments I have received to date. Awaiting to firm up a third crew for the return passage from Lake Ontario to Lake Erie.
OK I know how all this sounds, but honestly I am confident it will all work out. Indeed as I have stated before, preparation and problem solving are the most challenging and (yes) fun part of any endeavour. I have to go, things to do.
Never Too Late For 