The never-ending project to fill my hole in the ocean while bailing it out

Sailing Season '09 Officially Begins
Launching Chip Ahoy
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Description

The big day had finally arrived -- with at long last a break in the unusually miserable spring-into-summer. My usual launch crew -- Wally Riddle and Michael Sullivan, Barbara as the official photographer -- arrived at my house at 10 am. We lifted the mast aboard, loaded the outboard and rudder into the back of Wally's pickup, and headed for Riverhead Beach with the sun shining. On arrival, we found the parking lot empty, entirely to our use.  (Jun. 25 2009)

Michael (left), Wally (right) and I (center) hold our planning meet -- "Do we all remember how this goes?"

The great thing about this crew is that we all know our jobs by now -- more or less. Though I put the mast up but once a year, take it down once in the fall for winter storage, the ritual usually comes off without a hitch, everyone knowing what needs to be done without direction. First, free the mast for raising . . .

Mike frees the roller furler as I look on.

I attach the hauling line to the furler drum with its shackle. Note the bottom paint, this season merely sanded and patched where needed. The bottom was painted for last season; I didn't want to bother with it this year. It's hard to believe the paint is the same -- last season's had faded more than I'd anticipated, a poor match but what the heck, it's out-of-sight underwater and it's protected.

Okay, what are we forgetting -- oh yeah . . .

The Windex weathervane at the top of the mast, right. Now we should be good to go!

While we were busy, the fog had crept in over the harbor. I'm glad we're not intending to launch any time soon but on tomorrow's tide.

Alright, all the moving parts are in place, we're good to go . . .

As usual, Wally does the heavy lifting as I move the mast forward to its step, Michael on the furler's hauling line, keeping it from hitting the ground.

Bring'er up me maties, heave ho!