Hard Work!

About two years ago I was visiting family in San Francisco, which is a great place to go look at boats. My mother-in-law is a local and took me on a tour of the marinas and boat yards, where we came across this older gentleman working and sweating on an old wooden boat. I love these old boats and had many questions I wanted to ask but the man looked extremely busy. We watched for a few minutes and then moved on, not wanting to bother him. This past September we made another trip to the SF Bay Area. I knew I had to go check on this boat, and was glad to find the same older gentleman still hard at work on her. This time my curiosity got the better of me and I stopped his progress and inquired. This classic wooden boat was being restored. He had been the owner since the mid 1970's and he was happy to get into great detail. Apparently she has a rather rich racing history and was a well-known racing boat in the 1920's. I believe he said her original keel was laid in the 1890s.   

I hope to get back to see her finished up. I would also love to see her sailing across SF Bay. I really enjoy witnessing the work and craftsmanship that went into these old classics...especially considering the crude and fairly simple woodworking hand tools that were available at the time. No doubt she will sail again!

Still Busy, Sorry for the lack of Posts.

I have been super busy the last month or so, but I did manage to get out for a sail last Sunday. It was a nice brisk singlehanded sail/race. The chilly 49 degree and overcast weather was not going to deter us. Here are the videos I took. A bit boring I realize, kind of like watching steamrollers race around Daytona....only slower; however, very relaxing and fun. Check out my bungee cord self steering....NICE!

Quiet Christmas Day

I wanted to post these after making a trip to the marina Christmas morning and a great dinner but because my computer was sick I had to wait to get the pictures. Here are a few shots from a quiet peaceful Christmas.

 

 

It was a great day, while we were sad not to spend it with family, we did spend it it with some great friends, the Lisco's. A wonderful family who welcomes us into their home during holidays to enjoy wonderful food and laughs. Thank you guys!

 

 



 

 

 

 

A few shots from a quiet and peaceful marina. Earlier in the day before dinner I went to the marina to see how Sal was. It was a chance for me to reflect how good I have it. A couple of years earlier Sal and cruising was just a dream. In 2010 Crystal and I walked these very docks looking at boats and dreaming of someday owning and cruising on a sailboat. I am very happy and grateful that 2 years later we have our Sal and are working towards our goal of cruising. I would like to say I am grateful for all those that have helped up to this point. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas.

FBI Virus!

I got a damn virus on my computer here just before Xmas and just now got my PC up and running again. I got the FBI Virus that has been going around. Apparently there are different versions and I happened to get the lastest one which locked me out of my PC and told me my computer was in violation of federal law, but if I ran to CVS, Walmart or any other convient place I could buy a $400 card to unlock it......A bunch of BS! Anyway if you read this please be warned.....it sucks! 

We haven't forgotten about the blog!

Been really busy over the last few weeks. I have just finished up a semester at college and work somehow got out of control. All that and I am going for my General class FCC license that will allow me to use HF frequencies. My test is tomorrow night so I have been very busy studying in any and all free time. This weekend after a strong cold front passes it looks like I will be able to get out on the water for a much needed sail. I am planning on making a post here over the next week or so recapping the year and posting our achievemnts towards our goal of cruising. Everyone that follows don't give up, we are still here and have a lot to write about. Happy Holidays!

Memorable moments of 2012, more to come!



N4WIS, USS Wisconsin Radio Club

Remembering Pearl Harbor!

I was able to join a great group of amateur radio operators onboard BB-64, USS Wisconsin, over the weekend. They hold special events aboard her 4 times a year. Since I was a new member of the Wisconsin Radio Club , N4WIS, I was quite excited to be there. It was a great time and brought back very good memories of my Navy days. A fun and meaningful day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A30 Sail Repair

As all sailors know, paying someone else to fix our stuff is expensive. Since I am broke, all repairs and upgrades have to be done by me. I feel this is better for a few reasons: It not only saves money, it also provides me with the experience and gratification of repairing something on my own.

A few months ago while on a nice afternoon sail I noticed my sail looked torn. Upon further inspection I found it to be worn on the leech where the leech line rubbed the seam. See the pics below for the repair:

 Leech line sticking out of the leech of the 140% Genoa. Sal loves a bigger head sail, this is her favorite all aound headsail!



 The required materials from Sailrite....about $25

total. The local sail loft wanted $40 just to evaluate the sail.



A nice rolling hitch to create a new edge. BTW this caused some serious blisters on my fingers because of the thickness of the sail. I highly recommend and will be getting a sailor palm!

Some nice new sail tape over the repair. Looks good and lasts a long time!

I have yet to test the repair as the winds lately have just been too light for this sail. I have been using the No.1 genoa lately which I believe is a 163%...or something crazy like that. As I said, Sal really likes larger headsails. I think this may be because of her low aspect rig, but I am not too sure.

This head sail is in fair shape but could probably stand to be replaced. For now however, I will keep repairing and mending the sails myself to keep ol' Sal moving along as we prepare her for cruising.