Posted by Monty
The headsail is furled.
For those of you who don't know how a sailboat works, this is a big deal. On a sloop rigged boat like Sea Bird, there are basically two sails. Most of the power to move the boat comes from the "main" sail (hence the name). There is a sail forward of the main called various things like the head sail, genoa, jenny, etc. Basically this sail turbocharges the main, making it much more efficient. In addition, it is very helpful if this sail can be easily adjusted. Modern boats have a furling system which winds this sail around the forestay (the steel cable that runs from the forward point of the boat to the top of the mast) allowing for almost infinite adjustment of this sail from the cockpit.
This is the system that failed on sea trials before we bought the boat, so we knew it would have to be replaced and is what has been the main reason we have spent the past week in the yard at Deaton Yachts in Oriental, NC. (Finer service and people one could not find.)
Today all of the parts came together and the system went up, as did the headsail. Carol took some pictures.
For those of you who don't know how a sailboat works, this is a big deal. On a sloop rigged boat like Sea Bird, there are basically two sails. Most of the power to move the boat comes from the "main" sail (hence the name). There is a sail forward of the main called various things like the head sail, genoa, jenny, etc. Basically this sail turbocharges the main, making it much more efficient. In addition, it is very helpful if this sail can be easily adjusted. Modern boats have a furling system which winds this sail around the forestay (the steel cable that runs from the forward point of the boat to the top of the mast) allowing for almost infinite adjustment of this sail from the cockpit.
This is the system that failed on sea trials before we bought the boat, so we knew it would have to be replaced and is what has been the main reason we have spent the past week in the yard at Deaton Yachts in Oriental, NC. (Finer service and people one could not find.)
Today all of the parts came together and the system went up, as did the headsail. Carol took some pictures.
The guy on the left is our rigger extraordinaire. The guy on the boat is explaining the facts of sailing life.
I got two things accomplished today, in addition to my limited contributions toward headsail installation. One was repairing the anchor light, located
I got two things accomplished today, in addition to my limited contributions toward headsail installation. One was repairing the anchor light, located
WAY UP HERE, on top of the mast. This is 60 ft. off of the water. The "lift" was provided courtesy of the rigger. Great guy. He let me make the repairs, which consisted of actually installing the bulb which was in the fixture but not making contact as it should.
This is what Sea Bird looks like to the actual sea birds.
Nice view out to sea.
View back down the creek.
This is what Carol looks like to actual sea birds.
As stellar as this was, it was not all good news today. The shift linkage has been stubborn since the first time I tried it. "Knuckle buster" is the term that comes to mind. While I could probably deal with it, it is not something that I want Carol to have to contend with as she brings the boat around to pick me up during a man overboard situation. I assumed it was a control cable problem due to lack of use, but had it checked out by the boatyard today. Turns out the cable is fine. Hummm...transmission? Not good. Further research tomorrow.
Remember I told you I did two things today? The second one is delicious. I got the grill installed and grilled pork chops.
Carol declared it good.
Remember I told you I did two things today? The second one is delicious. I got the grill installed and grilled pork chops.
Carol declared it good.