No Failure To Launch

Come Thursday the good ship Sparkle Plenty will be in her home turf.  I'll sink the trailer in 6 feet of water (stern to bow).  That's what it takes to float my boat.

Then I'll motor across the lake to the marina where SP will be moored for the season.  Once there the mainsail boom will be attached to the mast, the mainsail fitted to the boom and the furling jib wound tightly around the headstay.  All Greek to you?

Top photo:  Newly purchased Nissan outboard.  To the right and above the OB is what's called a "catbird" seat.  There are two (one portside and one starboard).  They're right in between where the skipper stands while driving the sailboat.  The Catbird seat affords a wonderful view of the lake and the operation of the boat.  Note the drink holder attached to the rail alongside the catbird seat.  Pretty handy.

This photo:  Teak/Holly flooring installed inside the cabin several weeks ago.  It takes the place of carpet. 

I've missed sailing and look forward to many hours tacking to and fro, back and forth on the lake.  SP has been out of the water since October.  That's far too long for a sailor to be on dry land.

Several weeks ago a friend of Gracie's was over for a "playdate".  Her father came along and remained for the length of the visit (what had been planned as being a two hour playdate ended up lasting from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.......grrrrrrr, the guy just wouldn't leave).    The father seemed impressed with SP and with what it took to sail her.  I've sailed since I was 9.  Many boats and hundreds of hours on the water later skippering most any size boat is no big deal.  Elementary, my dear Watson. . . .as the saying goes. 

If you're not afraid of water, like wind in your face and don't mind the boat tipping side to side, the rest is easy.  To make the boat move just pay attention to the wind and how much of it the sails catch. 

Nothing to it.