It seems like the rainclouds roll in every time I take a day off. At least my "big bird" foul-weather gear is getting a workout. Ken, Darci, Skot and I took the boat to port today for fuel and water, and I suppose just the thrill of slicing through the whitecaps. Soon enough, we will be confident enough to set the sails in fresh winds and 5ft waves. A late, hungry morning is not the time to try.
The Bayside solved the issue with our stomachs. Skot remarked at one point that even though we were in such a familiar place, the process of commuting over water makes the experience much more novel, almost foreign. Roeder Avenue was within sight, but the place felt new.
I thought it might be useful to share some of the details on our renovation of the sailboat. When Ken purchased she was called Endorphin and had seen better days. The previous owner was an overwhelmed live-aboard with a short budget and busy life. The following is a list of our improvements, as complete as my memory allows.
We:
replaced corroded deck joints
replaced vang, traveler, and main sheet lines
replaced masthead light
installed new forward hatch
equipped ground tackle (200ft rode, 20ft chain, bruce, lightweight)
compiled sail repair kit & repaired sails/added telltales
canvas repair
installed weather station
installed GPS
installed depth/speed device
installed radio/cd/mp3 software
installed VHF
replaced dome lighting
upholstered galley & birth cushions
upholstered sidings
revitalized teak woodwork
built folding, freestanding galley table (chart 18421 under glass)
repaired wood stove & replaced chimney
replaced plumbing & fixtures
purchased skiff & second outboard
repaired companionway slats
installed second battery & power inverter
rewired entirely (thanks Chuck)
installed compass
compiled USCG requirements (extinguishers, pfds etc.)
added art! (impressive acrylic paintings on the chest slats; contributions from Darci, Josh, Ken, and myself)
In addition, we worked endlessly on learning the basics (took a safety & navigation class, I even read an entire textbook). We purchased PFDs, harnesses, and every personal preparation and safety supply imaginable. We outfitted our rigging, toolkits, and spare parts. We cleaned nonstop.
Some of these things may seem trivial, but I am very proud of the commitment it took to pull it all together, and am content knowing that we are prepared for any situation, even those that we may never have to deal with.
~e.w.
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