Featured Blog Posts - SeaKnots2024-03-19T08:56:37Zhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profiles/blog/feed?promoted=1&xn_auth=noOur Blog? You wanna know about our blog?tag:seaknots.ning.com,2008-09-25:900123:BlogPost:333292008-09-25T02:44:36.000ZMorgan Famhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/MorganFamily
just check out http://sailmorgan.blogspot.com
just check out http://sailmorgan.blogspot.comSave a Tancook Whaler in San Pedro Californiatag:seaknots.ning.com,2009-03-28:900123:BlogPost:746382009-03-28T16:34:25.000ZPat Dalyhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/PatDaly
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" height="289" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539792312?profile=RESIZE_320x320" width="300"></img></p>
As an old Tancook whaler owner I hope someone from our SeaKnots community will buy and "save" this absolutely wonderful boat. It's a piece of art and they sail like a dream! Very fast boat.<br />
Believe me, everyone welcomes you and gives you high 5's in a Tancook.<br />
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this is not my boat; I found her surfing for wooden sailboats for sale last night... after a few glasses of Jack Daniels.<br />
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As far as I know there are ony 2 Tancook Whalers on the West Coast of…
<p style="text-align: left;"><img width="300" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539792312?profile=RESIZE_320x320" alt="" width="300" height="289"/></p>
As an old Tancook whaler owner I hope someone from our SeaKnots community will buy and "save" this absolutely wonderful boat. It's a piece of art and they sail like a dream! Very fast boat.<br />
Believe me, everyone welcomes you and gives you high 5's in a Tancook.<br />
<br />
this is not my boat; I found her surfing for wooden sailboats for sale last night... after a few glasses of Jack Daniels.<br />
<br />
As far as I know there are ony 2 Tancook Whalers on the West Coast of the US... Tara/Mara and this one.<br />
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Anyone know of another??<br />
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She's at San Pedro Yacht sales... and can probably be purchased for a lot less .... woodend classics are sooo misunderstood.<br />
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The listing should show with this link... I hope: <a href="http://www.marinesource.com/buyerslistings/details.cfm?listingNMB=100394225">Tancook Whaler</a><br />
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I an NOT a broker, just another romantic who loves classic sail.<br />
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Let me know if you "save" her from someon who will probably buy her for some lowball price and then start chopping up the wood, drilling holes and using "bondo" as boat repair.Sailing in the Bufftag:seaknots.ning.com,2015-09-20:900123:BlogPost:2179732015-09-20T13:30:43.000ZJohnhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/JohnRocheleau
<p>Lou, for some unknown reason the group has mysteriously vanished. It no longer appears on my page either. Hope it wasn't something we said!</p>
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<p>Lou, for some unknown reason the group has mysteriously vanished. It no longer appears on my page either. Hope it wasn't something we said!</p>
<p></p>Beneteau 43 two cabin slip coverstag:seaknots.ning.com,2015-11-23:900123:BlogPost:2195302015-11-23T23:08:04.000ZJohn Hanrahanhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/JohnHanrahan
<p>We are taking out cat Genny to the Bahamas this year and I am fearful of the beautiful white leatherette salon cushions. If anyone has had cushions made could you please give us a name of the maker. We can make them ourselves if we had the dimensions but would be happy if there was a custom supplier. The boat is in the Abacos and we are in Halifax so we can't go and measure.</p>
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<p>Many thanks, John</p>
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<p>We are taking out cat Genny to the Bahamas this year and I am fearful of the beautiful white leatherette salon cushions. If anyone has had cushions made could you please give us a name of the maker. We can make them ourselves if we had the dimensions but would be happy if there was a custom supplier. The boat is in the Abacos and we are in Halifax so we can't go and measure.</p>
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<p>Many thanks, John</p>
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<p></p>Driving East in the Westbound Lanetag:seaknots.ning.com,2014-04-24:900123:BlogPost:2095992014-04-24T14:57:26.000ZMarlene Anne Sassamanhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/MarleneAnneSassaman
<p>Only in the Dominican Republic have I experienced the challenge of driving in an easterly direction on the shoulder of the west bound lane. This occurs where Highway #5 from Semana merges with Hwy #3 to Punta Cana. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539802809?profile=original" target="_self"><br></br></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539806906?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539806906?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p>NOTE: Van on the left was traveling east,…</p>
<p>Only in the Dominican Republic have I experienced the challenge of driving in an easterly direction on the shoulder of the west bound lane. This occurs where Highway #5 from Semana merges with Hwy #3 to Punta Cana. <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539802809?profile=original" target="_self"><br/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539806906?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539806906?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p>NOTE: Van on the left was traveling east, we were following. It is not a parked vehicle. To the right on the bridge type road is the east bound highway lane. We eventually had to cross the westbound lane to get onto the eastbound lane. Confused???? Imagine navigating this with a two pronged stake in the center of my aisle. Attached to each prong was a bag of blue crabs. It is difficult to see in the pix but it is under the walk over bridge.</p>
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<p></p>A sweet day with my daughter.tag:seaknots.ning.com,2013-04-10:900123:BlogPost:2030252013-04-10T17:30:00.000ZJohn V. G. Maytonhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/JohnVGMayton
<p><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5165a50518b142596504927">I awoke at 0600 and after making the needed head call I returned to my bunk to check out the weather on my Kindle, read the USA Today news, and listen to Pandora’s comedy channel for a bit. Tim, my friend from the marina, had invited me to <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">join him to get breakfast so I got…</span></div>
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<div id="id_5165a50518b142596504927" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">I awoke at 0600 and after making the needed head call I returned to my bunk to check out the weather on my Kindle, read the USA Today news, and listen to Pandora’s comedy channel for a bit. Tim, my friend from the marina, had invited me to <span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">join him to get breakfast so I got up after about 30 minutes, stuffed shorts, tee shirt and underwear along with other toiletries into my gym bag and walked up to the captain’s lounge to take a shower. That done I went into the TV room to wait for Tim and watch the morning news. I had forgotten a comb so I kept running my fingers through my hair in an attempt to obtain some modicum of order out of the tangled mess. Tim showed up early asking if I were ready to eat and where I’d like to go. “I don’t care,” I responded. Then Tim suggested Bo jangles which was okay with me. We drove over to New Bern just across the bridge as the sun was coming up over the water and it was lovely. I ordered two beacon, egg and cheese biscuits and a coffee and realized that one was more than enough about half way through the first one so I asked for a bag figuring I’d save the leftovers for later that night. Tim had to get to work so he drove me back to the harbor where I got busy getting the boat ready for the day’s sailing. I started up the engine to warm it up and then went below to gather up the usual sailing stuff, such as the hand held GPS, local chart, binoculars, and the VHF radio receiver/microphone. I put all that on the cockpit table which folds up from the helm stand and then got busy leading the genoa sail sheets aft through the snatch blocks to the winches. I opened up the lazaret and got out the winch handles attaching one to the starboard winch and the other on the mizzen sail’s halyard winch that is attached to the mizzen mast. While up on the aft cabin top I removed the mizzen sail cover, folded it up and tossed it into the cockpit to be stowed away later. I removed the bungee cord that I use to keep the halyard from clanging against the mast when the wind blows and attached the mizzen halyard to the head board of the sail then took a couple of turns around the winch and cleated the halyard off. I shut down the engine as it was warm enough and got busy changing out the propane tank which I had emptied a couple of weeks earlier while attempting to boil water for tea. I removed the cover from the top of the vented storage locker where I stow the three propane tanks that are used for the stove and sometimes to heat the boat when it is freezing out at night. Taking the up the wrench that that I have attached to the locker’s side with a lanyard I loosened the hose fitting and removed the empty tank. Then I remove the other two containers only to discover that one of them was empty as well. Swapping the last full tank for the newly emptied one I hooked the hose up and then put the two empties back into the locker thinking that I’ll have to make a propane gas run the next time at back down to the boat. It was getting close to 1000 hours, which was our designated departure time, so I gave Marina a call to find out how close she was to New Bern. Marina admitted that she had gotten a late start and was just leaving so she would be an hour late. No problem, it was a lovely day so I rode my bike up to the shop building and used the head there and afterwards I took some time and visited with Tony, who runs a sailing school. Tony has been busy charting sailing hazards in the area and marking them with buoys that he makes himself. He said once he gets all the GPS coordinates doubled checked he will post them in the marina’s office so that they will be available to everyone. What a classy endeavor on his part. Tony said he had contacted the US Coastguard, but they only deal with hazards to navigation in the more frequently utilized waterways, not the back waters of the Neuss and shallow parts of the sound. As it was getting close to 1100 hours I returned to the boat where I disconnected the shore power cord and coiled it up on the bow in preparation for getting underway. Just as I was coiling up the secondary bow mooring line Marina showed up and she started helping me by passing me the power cord coil which I left on the dock. Restarting the engine I told Marina to cast off the bow line first, then the forward spring line and then the stern line saving the aft spring line until last as I was using it and the engine in reverse to hold the boat next to the dock until she could get back on board. Once free of the dock we backed out of the slip and putting the engine in forward I cranked the helm over hard to port to pivot the boat’s bow around to head down the water way between the docks aiming for the harbor entrance. Once clear of the harbor I checked the GPS in order to set a course across the river to avoid the two shallow spots and pick up the channel near the red marker number 11 along the New Bern shore. Motoring along at a leisurely three knots we passed by some of the lovely shore side homes in this quaint historical village. Marina finished securing the fenders and mooring lines and joined me in the cockpit. We briefly held hands smiling at each other in our enjoyment and pleasure at being out on the water again. After passing beneath the bridges I slowed the boat and we hoisted the mizzen sail first and then released the genoa cranking in on its sheet as it began to fill. Turning the engine off the quite pleasure of a wind driven sailboat replaced the rumble from below. Setting the auto helm I tweaked the sail trim a touch and we ghosted along at a modest four knots. There were a few other sailboat out on the water and as many small crab boats tending their pots so traffic was light and I felt no need to do anything other than sail a straight course and relax in the cockpit keeping an eye on the water ahead. Marina went below to make lunch and soon returned topside with two plates that had turkey sandwiches, chips and fruit cups on them. I quickly finished my serving off and chased it with chilled water from the fridge. The weather man had predicted 10 to 20 mile an hour winds but it seemed to be much less than that to me as we barely got above three knots per the GPS. There were a few small clouds in the sky but it was mostly sunny and it felt so very good to have the warmth of sun soaking into my old bones. Thinking that with so little wind it would take a long while to return to the harbor we came about and set the sails up on the other side to head back home. Marina got a cushion and lay down on the starboard cockpit seat with a sigh. “Sailing makes you sleepy doesn’t sweetheart,” I said to her; Marina just hummed a little. We sailed along heading north west with me making slight adjustments to the sail trim to compensate for shifting wind angles, but for the most part it was relaxing in the cockpit keeping an eye out for other boats. Just before getting to the bridge we took in the sails and started up the engine. Marina got busy setting up the mooring lines while I attempted to raise the harbor master on the radio for help docking. I tried a couple of times but failing in that I called on the cell phone and Tom, the harbor master said he was away from the marina so he couldn’t help. No problem, we have done this scores of times so we would just do it on our own. Angling into the slip Marina stepped on to the dock to quickly take a turn around the cleat with the forward spring line as I put the helm over to the right. With the boat snug against the dock we finished tying up and shut off the engine. Because Marina had to get back to Goldsboro we quickly secured the boat by putting away the gear, covering the sails, and shutting off the through hull valves and the electrical panel. I left the shore power disconnected figuring that for a week the solar panels would keep the batteries topped off easily. Marina and I had a pleasant drive home together. All in all it was a perfect day.</span><span class="text_exposed_hide"><span class="text_exposed_link"><a>See More</a></span></span></div>
<p><span class="userContentSecondary fcg">— with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mjmayton?viewer_id=565832416">Marina Mayton</a> in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Bern-North-Carolina/104112689626566?ref=stream&viewer_id=565832416">New Bern, NC</a>.</span></p>Bliss it is....tag:seaknots.ning.com,2013-04-15:900123:BlogPost:2030532013-04-15T15:48:34.000ZMarlene Anne Sassamanhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/MarleneAnneSassaman
<p>January 11, 2013 seems like eons ago. The frenetic pace that moved me from a comfortably numb existence to living the dream is overwhelming. Where have I been these past three months, where am I now, and where am I going are the questions I am learning to answer in the present tense. Following the philosophy of Eckhart Toll in his books about the "Power of Now" it is clear that doing so empowers one to enjoy the roses along life's twists and turns.</p>
<p>Weaving philosophy throughout my…</p>
<p>January 11, 2013 seems like eons ago. The frenetic pace that moved me from a comfortably numb existence to living the dream is overwhelming. Where have I been these past three months, where am I now, and where am I going are the questions I am learning to answer in the present tense. Following the philosophy of Eckhart Toll in his books about the "Power of Now" it is clear that doing so empowers one to enjoy the roses along life's twists and turns.</p>
<p>Weaving philosophy throughout my adventures continues to enlighten my thoughts. For those more curious as to my physical whereabouts here is quick summary.</p>
<p>Palm Bay, Florida (home dock of friends Linda and Mike McGarry)</p>
<p>Dinner Key, Miami (cruised the ICW with #1 sailing mate Maryanne Schaumann - you should have seen our superbly professional docking at the Ft. Lauderdale Yacht Club)</p>
<p>Bimini, Bahamas</p>
<p>Cat Island</p>
<p>Berry Islands (Bullock Harbor, Great Stirrup Cay, Flo's Restaurant, Hoffman Cay - Blue Hole)</p>
<p>Nassau, New Providencia</p>
<p>Rose Island</p>
<p>Hatchett Bay</p>
<p>Glass Window</p>
<p>Rock Sound Harbor</p>
<p>Powell Harbor</p>
<p>Norman's Pond (ooh, la, la, best in a narrow width, shoal draft)</p>
<p>Norman's Cut</p>
<p>West New Providencia</p>
<p>Dinner Cay</p>
<p>Rodriquez Key</p>
<p>Boot Key</p>
<p>Everglades City (first stop)</p>
<p>Yipe. my first stop around the globe is Everglades City, Florida. Not the end as it may seem, this secluded little town at the edge of Florida's southwest coast, offers a culturally diverse, hurricane hold up - not to mention a blissfully romantic encounter. Afterall, before setting sail, I teased my girlfriends about maybe finding a good looking sailor to embrace in some far away port. Little did I know a tall, smiling healthy 'deckhand' would capture my attention before leaving my home port. Where to next? Looks like some land sailing the sea of happiness...</p>battered but still in the gametag:seaknots.ning.com,2013-05-14:900123:BlogPost:2035932013-05-14T00:06:54.000ZJohn V. G. Maytonhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/JohnVGMayton
<p>Before heading off to work on Friday I packed my stuff for a weekend on the boat and stowed it in the car; gym bag, toiletries and laptop. At 5:30 I check out of the office and headed east towards New Bern, stopping briefly to fuel up at Sam’s Club. Arriving at the dock it was still light out as I loaded my gear in a dock cart and proceeded to the boat. Climbing aboard I settled in after a quick check of the bilges and other routine tasks such as opening the thru hull valves for the…</p>
<p>Before heading off to work on Friday I packed my stuff for a weekend on the boat and stowed it in the car; gym bag, toiletries and laptop. At 5:30 I check out of the office and headed east towards New Bern, stopping briefly to fuel up at Sam’s Club. Arriving at the dock it was still light out as I loaded my gear in a dock cart and proceeded to the boat. Climbing aboard I settled in after a quick check of the bilges and other routine tasks such as opening the thru hull valves for the engine and head. I ate a cheese sandwich for supper and walked up to the Captain’s lounge to see if anyone was about. It was empty so I looked over the book lending library and spotted a Jack Reacher novel that I thought I’d like to read. Back aboard I listened to NPR for a bit and then hit the sack. I read for awhile and then shutting off the reading lamp in the aft cabin I snuggled beneath my sheets and fell asleep. The creak of the mooring lines and the gentle motion of the boat woke me about 0300 so I got up, made a quick head call, poked my head out of the hatch and looked around. The wind had picked up quite a bit but everything seemed secure so I went back to bed. Come morning I remained in bed relaxing and read for a while, played a few rounds of Mahjong on my Kindle Fire, checked the weather, read some more of the Jack Reacher novel and finely got up. I had a large list of boat chore to attend to but the wind and rain was going to keep some of the thing restricted to inside the boat. I put on some water to heat and got out the oatmeal, powdered milk, and a tea bag. While the water was heating I turned on the laptop and searched out the IRS site to see what I needed to do to pay them off. Seems I have to fill out some forms and I’ll need some numbers to do that which are all back at the house. With one final payment left to send to Kenny, who loaned me most of the money for the purchase of the boat, I’ll own it free and clear by the end of this month. With that out of the way I’ll be able to pay off the IRS quickly and still have some money left over to start making what I think are upgrades and fixes needed before heading south in the Fall. If we dodge the hurricanes this year I’ll have the boat out of the water at Duck Creek to clean and paint the hull with antifouling paint. The good stuff costs about $230 a gallon and I figure it will take at least two gallons to do a good job. I want it to last a couple of years before I have to haul it out again. I had talked with a local sail and canvas man about taking a look at my main sail this weekend so I gave him a call to pinpoint a time. No luck, just an answering machine. It was 9:30 by the time I finished breakfast and the light rain that accompanied the wind had stopped so I drove over to Hurricane Jack’s to see if I could catch the sail dude. Sign on the door said open at 10:00 so I sat listening to the radio in the car. Lots of folks stopping in to check if Jack’s was open yet. At last they opened up but the sail guy was not coming in for a while so I, feeling a bit frustrated, drove up to road and bought a turnover and a cup of coffee to go. Back at Jack’s I ate my apple turnover and sipped the coffee. At eleven he still had not shown up and was not answering the phone so I drove back to the marina. Tim yelled at me from the office but I couldn’t make out what he was saying so he just waved and went inside. Me, I walked down to the boat and started trying to unfasten the straps holding the folding dinghy to the port lifelines. I had just finished that and had moved the dink over thinking that I could slide it over the railing to the dock and get it set up there. I went below and started moving the dinghy seats, transom, and fasteners to the cockpit when Tim came over. “What’s new and exciting”, he asked. I told him about the dinghy project and he confessed that he had seen them around the Bahamas but had never taken a good look at one before. Then he asked if I had any plans for lunch and would I like to go get some. I gave his invite a brief consideration and said I’d be glad to join him. On the way up to the parking lot we came upon Dave, the dock master, and I asked him if it would be alright if I moved my boat to slip B77 a little farther in and closer to some more of the live-aboards. He said sure no problem. I asked Tim is he would be willing to give me a hand tying up and he agreed. After lunch we returned to the dock and after I got the engine started and some mooring lines rigged up on the starboard side and a couple of fenders hung there as well, Tim helped me cast off as I backed the boat out of the slip and maneuvered it around to head north up the channel between A and B docks. My first try was a bit off so I spun the boat around in the channel and made another run at it. This time I was spot on and brought the boat to a complete stop right where I wanted it. With Tim’s help we got the mooring lines set and the shore power cable hooked up. I was ready for a nap then so I went below and crashed in the solon. I woke up some time later and could hear folks up at the Captain’s lounge deck talking and it looked like a cookout was going on. In as much as I hadn’t taken the time to shower that morning I didn’t feel much like being social so I ate the leftover half of my lunch sandwich and was going to internet for a bit. I switched on the AC electrical panel and an alarm went off somewhere, so I shut it off and the alarm stopped. Thinking that the power cable had not been connected properly I set about checking all the connections. Trying the power again I got the alarm going off once more. I doubled check the connections to no avail; I still got the alarm. Now the thing had worked at the other dock so I didn’t think the problem was on my boat so I went looking for Dave to see if there was a problem with the dock power tower. I ran into a fellow who had helped me with some electrical concerns earlier in the year and told him what was going on and asked him if he would take a look. He came aboard and had me switch a few things on and he determined that the alarm was on the dock, not in my engine room as I had suspected. He borrowed my circuit tester and poked about in the back of the electrical panel and said there was a ground fault somewhere but he didn’t know where and it was beyond him and suggested that I talk with Patty and Pet about it as they knew a better electrician then he was. Now, I don’t need AC power because I can do most everything on 12 volts and I have a inverter if I really need 120 volts for the laptop or the phone charger, but my house batteries are old and need replacing so I don’t want to use them up before I get enough money to replace them. Oh well, bed time and I don’t need to be messing about on the computer tonight anyhow. One of the joys of owning a sailboat is that there is always something that needs fixing or some sort of maintenance to be done; kind of like being in a relationship, if you know what I mean. I went to bed and started reading the Jack Reacher novel again and before too long it was midnight and I forced myself to put it down and turn off the light. Light coming in the hatch above my bunk convinced me that it was morning and I needed to get up if I wanted to get busy. First things first, I went up and took a shower. Back at the boat I did the oatmeal and tea thing again for breakfast. I then got busy rechecking the power cable connections again and noticed a bit of corrosion on some of them. I got out some small wire brushes, a tiny file, and some emery paper and busied myself cleaning them up. Tim came by to see what I was up to and he took a look at what I had going on. We messed around with the system for a while with no luck, but he didn’t like the look of the 50 to 30 amp reducer that I had on the end of the shore power cable. He said the connectors inside were too small and might not be connecting right. He had checked the continuity of everything and it seemed good. Pete, from across the dock brought over another reducer and we hooked it up. Turning the power on the alarm didn’t go off so we thought we had it fixed. With that out of the way I got busy moving the dinghy out to the dock and then got the seats and other stuff moved out there as well. The dinghy is a “fold boat” and it has four long panels that fold out, with the seats and transom holding everything in shape when it is all put together. Following the directions I pushed the starboard side out while standing on the two port panels, it was much harder than I expected. Bending over I tried to lift the starboard outer panel up but it too was very hard to do so I got a hold of the wooden bar that is supposed to facilitate the unfolding process and place one notched end on the starboard gunwale and wedging my right calf against the thing to keep it open I bent over to pry the port side panel up thinking to wedge the wooden bar in it to hold the two sides apart while I installed the seats. I was unsteady standing inside the boat with one side pressing against my leg and just as I got a hand on the port side the boat tilted and the panel I was holding with my right leg catapulted me clear out of the boat onto the dock. I landed on my knees and almost went off into the water. With a grunt I got to my feet only to see blood flowing down my right leg. Wincing in pain and some chagrin at the comedy of the whole fiasco, I went below to patch myself up. Back on the dock I studied the situation and decided that if I sat down on the left sides and used my legs to push the right side open at least if it popped me out again I’d not land on my already damaged knees. Pressing with my legs I got one side open and then sliding my butt forward I reached behind me to pick up the other gunwale and wedged it up to the middle of my back. Pulling the wooden bar out from under my legs I set the two gunwale rails in the notches of the wooden bar and carefully stood up to survey my progress. Out of breath I returned to the boat and got myself a cold bottle of water from out of the ice box. Parking my butt in the shade of the bimini I pressed the water bottle against my forehead and then took a long drink as I leaned back against the cabin to catch my breath. Finishing off the water I got busy installing the seats and the transom. It was a little more difficult than expected but I finely got everything situated correctly and dragged the dinghy down the dock next to my boat. I took a fathom of line and looped it around to seat in the center of the boat thinking to use one of the halyards to hoist it aboard when my cell phone rang. It was Marina and she invited me over for dinner. Now I had planned to spend another night aboard but I couldn’t pass up a chance to spend some time with my daughter and son-in-law so I agreed to meet her at her house around 5:30 or so. It was about 3:30 so I needed to get a move on if I were to be ready to leave at 4:00. I got a wench handle out of the lazaret and undid a halyard from the rail and fastened it to the line I had attached to the dinghy. Cranking away on the winch I hoisted the dinghy to just above the lifelines and then lowered it to the foredeck. Tim came along and helped me flip it over which I thanked him for. With the dinghy aboard I hurried up and secured the halyards, gathered up my gear, shut all the thru hull valves and locked up the boat. I was hot, sweaty, and tired as I trudged up the ramp to the car where I dumped my gear in the trunk and started my drive back to Goldsboro. I am so looking forward to spending a whole ten days aboard the boat at the end of this month. Maybe I’ll make a little progress on those boat chores that I never seem to get all done.</p>oil slicks and things that go stink in the night....tag:seaknots.ning.com,2013-05-27:900123:BlogPost:2036482013-05-27T09:00:00.000Zzeehaghttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/zeehag
<p>there i sa bit of my engine that has been missing for over 2000 miles--and i donot remember ever seeing it in place. isnt something one would look for--is the plug or cap to the hole which is used to adjust the engine. could be for timing adjustments--i never had to have timing adjusted so i didnt think about the problem being something so simple.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"> this is a small plug or cap that covers a little adjustment port on the…</span></p>
<p>there i sa bit of my engine that has been missing for over 2000 miles--and i donot remember ever seeing it in place. isnt something one would look for--is the plug or cap to the hole which is used to adjust the engine. could be for timing adjustments--i never had to have timing adjusted so i didnt think about the problem being something so simple.</p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;"> this is a small plug or cap that covers a little adjustment port on the block near the area of the lift pump, only is in the block. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;">also during the purchase and payment prolongation, one of the members here decided to slander, libel and harass me for his own purposes--i had to make him unable to contact me . is nice to stand up for friends--but is also nice to know both sides of a story. try having years of oil not able to remain inside engine--lol--while sailing a rocky lee shore...while living on ssdi and having to hire a mechanic to make sure engine doesnt detonate due to lack of oil.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;">i have had to hire a mechanic to travel with me so i could learn why i could not hold oil in my engine. granted i make minimal income, as a disabled person---so the need for having a diesel mechanic travel with me at premium rates is not a fun idea. nor is it conducive of survival on a limited income.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;">i thankyou for the referral for the engine i so badly needed and still do need--as i have no idea what this plug or cap is or looks like, i have no idea for what to seek here in mexico so i can try to keep oil inside engine. </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif;">this little problem will not keep me from continuing with my sailing--repairs under way are what one does when cruising. .... however, after more than 3 yrs of trying to find the leak and finally learning it is due to a missing part we cannot locate under the engine .... at least we know why the oil doesnt remain inside engine while running. this has been a true challenge.</span></p>Getting things donetag:seaknots.ning.com,2013-04-09:900123:BlogPost:2031272013-04-09T12:32:04.000ZJohn V. G. Maytonhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/JohnVGMayton
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5164093ed59455f85669439">Kai, one of my daughter’s very good friends, and I drove down to the boat Sunday morning with plans to do some maintenance and boat chores. Kai is interested in the boating life style and had asked several times to come along with me. It was fun to have his company as he talked about his studies in college, his aspiration to become a video game developer, as well as some of his opinions about a plethora of topics. It…</div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5164093ed59455f85669439">Kai, one of my daughter’s very good friends, and I drove down to the boat Sunday morning with plans to do some maintenance and boat chores. Kai is interested in the boating life style and had asked several times to come along with me. It was fun to have his company as he talked about his studies in college, his aspiration to become a video game developer, as well as some of his opinions about a plethora of topics. It seemed that in no time at all we were pulling into the p<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">arking lot next to the Captain’s Lounge at the Bridgton Harbor Marina and Yacht Club. We went inside to use the bathrooms and before leaving for the boat I was pleased to introduce Kai to Jim and Tim, two of my friends who live aboard their sailboat in the marina. Arriving at the boat I pointed out to Kai some of the things I always do when as I board the vessel such as checking the mooring lines for chafe. Inside I gave him a quick tour after which I got the lazaret key and opened up the aft cabin companion way; that is the ladder and hatch that leads down to my bunk and the workshop located abaft of engine room. I have a larger than double sized bunk along with a built in seat next to it, a dresser drawers, some book shelves and an nice teak wood surface on top of the drawers that I use like a desk; all this is in my cabin. Climbing up topside into the cockpit I opened up the lazaret and rummaged around to get to the deck scrubbing brush and a bucket. Leaving those in the cockpit I went back below to the V berth cabin up in the bow where I keep some of the various polishes that I use. I got the clear vinyl plastic cleaner and polish bottles out along with several soft rags. Grabbing a small red bucket from the head I also picked up a bottle of Joy dish soap and took them topside to give to Kai. Giving him the instructions for how to clean the clear vinyl windows on the dodger (that is similar to the windshield and roof of a large truck) and leaving him to that task I went about removing the canvas covers from the two forward hatches, one over the V berth cabin that is forward and one that is over the solon located slightly to the port, amidships. Going back below I opened up all the hatches to give the boat a good airing out. With Kai toiling away up topside I got busy with the number one task on my list; fix the toilet in the head. It had been filling up with sea water when it shouldn’t have and I had to shut off the two through hull valves just to prevent the boat from sinking. Collecting up a couple of box end wrenches that fit the bolts and nuts on the toilet pump and a flat head screwdriver, I got to work taking the pump apart. Let me explain a little about marine toilets so that you will have a better understanding of what I was about to get involved in. In your bathrooms at home you have a toilet with a tank on the back that fills up with water every time you flush it giving you the necessary quantity of water for the next use. This works well for you in as much as your water and waste disposal is provided by the city water and sewage utilities. In addition your domicile generally stays level and does not tilt or roll about, unless of course you live in California where occasionally an earthquake will empty your toilet tank on your bathroom floor. On a sailboat, which tilts and rolls due to wind, waves, and the wakes of passing boats or ships, having a tank like the one you have on your porcelain throne would be problematic. What we sailors do is pump sea water into the toilet from beneath the boat and then pump that and whatever else we have deposited in the bowel into a holding tank that has to be emptied every so often, or if we are out to sea, we just pump the sewage straight into the ocean. As you can imagine the pump gets a lot of use and for $85 you can buy a marine toilet pump repair kit to fix it when it fails to perform its duties in the required manner, which was the reason this task had become a priority for me. Now you must understand, my entire bathroom on the boat, which is call a “head” (and never a John) is about the same size as a small bathtub. In this miniscule space is a sink, bathroom counter, cabinets and the toilet. It also functions as the shower, which makes cleaning the head pretty easy if you don’t mind wiping the water off everything you have spayed it on while conducting your lavations. However it is not conducive to doing any kind of mechanical work because there is only room enough to stand at the sink or sit on the pot. No room for a 6 foot two inch, less than adequately flexible man, to fit enough of his body parts behind and beneath the toilet to make the undertaking comfortable in any way. If I position myself so that I can see what I’m doing I can’t reach what I need to. If I wiggle about so as to reach what I need to, I can’t see what I’m doing. In addition, the contortions I must endure to accomplish one or the other are very painful. Be that as it may, I persevere and remove the pump with only a few R rated expletives and take out the joker valve, which on inspection it appears obvious what the problem is. Now a failed joker valve is bad news, but on the other hand it is good because if replacing it is all it takes to fix the pump then I’m getting off easy. The distorted joker valve, see picture, is twisted into an “s” shape and gapping open which explains the leaking problem because the joker valve works as a “non return” valve preventing liquid from flowing backwards and normally is closed tight. So, with fingers crossed, I replace the distorted joker with a new one from the repair kit, contort myself and reinstall the pump by brail if you will. I can understand now why some creatures have their eyes on stalks as it sure would have been handy at a time like this. Now, with everything in order I open the two seacock’s and give the pump several pulls after switching the pump selector to “flush”, and then a few more pumps after switching the selector to “dry” as you can see in one of the photographs. Watching and waiting I was gratified to see everything seemed to be functioning well and the toilet remained dry. Collecting up my tools I stowed them in the workshop and looking at my watch I realized that it was way past lunch time so I suggested to Kai that he finish up what he was doing and we go get something to eat. After eating at Subway we went to the grocery store to pick up a few lunch items for my sailing trip with my daughter, Marina, which we were planning for Monday. Depositing the purchases in the back of the car I drove over to Duck Creek marina and boat yard so that Kai could see some of the yachts out of the water. He seemed to enjoy taking that side trip and admittedly I enjoyed showing him another aspect of the nautical life. Returning to the boat Kai got busy scrubbing the decks with Joy dish detergent and Oxiclean to get the mildew and oil stains off the decks and cabin tops. While Kai was working topside I went below and busied myself with stowing gear, rearranging tools and spare parts, putting the V birth cushions back in place, and generally making everything ship shape. Joining Kai as he finished up I gave him the keys to my car so that he could drive home in as much as he had school to attend in the morning. The boat was looking good so I rode my bike up to the captain’s lounge and visited with Tim until about 2000 hours when I returned to the boat, ate a few chips and drank a glass of milk before crawling into bed to read for a bit. It was a good day and we got a lot accomplished. Putting aside my Kindle that I was reading from I remove my glasses, switched off the light, pulled the covers up and fell asleep to the sound of water lapping on the hull and the gentle rock of the boat.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2313586868?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="640" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2313586868?profile=original"/></a><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539804319?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" class="align-left" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539804319?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></span></div>Anew sailing yeartag:seaknots.ning.com,2013-02-17:900123:BlogPost:2003052013-02-17T11:55:36.000ZJim Ashworthhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/JimAshworth
Another year has passed. We were one of the lucky ones who took their boat away from the shore the Saturday before sandy hit. We brought her home to sit the winter out in the back yard. I hope we get some nice weather so I can get some work done on her before the season comes. I will keep everyone posted as we progress.
Another year has passed. We were one of the lucky ones who took their boat away from the shore the Saturday before sandy hit. We brought her home to sit the winter out in the back yard. I hope we get some nice weather so I can get some work done on her before the season comes. I will keep everyone posted as we progress.strun tubetag:seaknots.ning.com,2013-03-06:900123:BlogPost:2013162013-03-06T01:11:08.000Zharry joe schwabhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/harryjoeschwab
<p>I have a hunter 33 model 1980 I've sailed this boat for about 30 years and love it. Now I've talked to the hunter people but haven't found the info that I need. I have to replace the strun tube and need info to have one buitl. Got new 2qm15 yanmar, new shaft, new stuffing box, new cutlass bearing and a new coupler for the shaft. In taking the old stuffing box out the strun tube was damaged. Anyone out thier having the info I need well be a great help.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Harry Joe AKA…</p>
<p>I have a hunter 33 model 1980 I've sailed this boat for about 30 years and love it. Now I've talked to the hunter people but haven't found the info that I need. I have to replace the strun tube and need info to have one buitl. Got new 2qm15 yanmar, new shaft, new stuffing box, new cutlass bearing and a new coupler for the shaft. In taking the old stuffing box out the strun tube was damaged. Anyone out thier having the info I need well be a great help.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Harry Joe AKA (sailfast)</p>
<p> </p>zihuatenejo!!!!tag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-12-19:900123:BlogPost:1980012012-12-19T20:12:07.000Zzeehaghttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/zeehag
<p><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; color: #000080;">zihuatenejo is a beautiful place. seems all the movies folks watch have some folks running away to zihuat--lol--is a gorgeous place with perfect weather.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; color: #000080;">the tourist industry is busy here, but in these days of bad market, there are fewer tourists here. seems no one in world is safe from this economic downfalling.…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; color: #000080;">zihuatenejo is a beautiful place. seems all the movies folks watch have some folks running away to zihuat--lol--is a gorgeous place with perfect weather.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; color: #000080;">the tourist industry is busy here, but in these days of bad market, there are fewer tourists here. seems no one in world is safe from this economic downfalling. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'comic sans ms', sans-serif; color: #000080;">is currrently the tourist season, but there are very few folks here enjoying this season, so far--is still early. </span></p>
<p><font color="#000080" face="comic sans ms, sans-serif">there is a form of income that folks seem to enjoy--begging for handouts....is a mess. i was contacted by a female from canada who stated she was an architect--but was so far out of the loop she didnt know what was going on in that world--she is a panhandler now--sad thing--but she isnt skinny nor undernourished, and locals never saw her before the day i met her. hope she can get her act together--begging is so demeaning, in my mind.</font></p>
<p><font color="#000080" face="comic sans ms, sans-serif">this is an absolutely gorgeous place to be -- folks are decent and helpful--there is fuel and water delivery to my boat, as well s laundry hauling..is awesome.</font></p>
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<p><font color="#000080" face="comic sans ms, sans-serif">my only hard decision is going to be finding a haul out yard for my formosa--is difficult to find a place that does decent work--i am not into yachtie pristeen--i want commercial good. i would like for this repair to last more than a week. this boat has not been hauled for over 10 years--is important soon--we see where ....</font></p>ehrlikda, sherlika,tag:seaknots.ning.com,2013-01-08:900123:BlogPost:1987412013-01-08T01:00:45.000ZMarlene Anne Sassamanhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/MarleneAnneSassaman
<p>Ay, forget relaxing; who can relax at a time like this. The housing market is sinking which puts my investments on par with a dear friend who lives in the buy hi, sell lo world of bad decision making. Its not my fault the country's economy is killing the locals due to cuts in the space program. Maybe it is my fault based on my voting habits. Either way, today was my first day of real retirement. While my colleagues went back to school I spent 14 hours organizing for a sailing departure of…</p>
<p>Ay, forget relaxing; who can relax at a time like this. The housing market is sinking which puts my investments on par with a dear friend who lives in the buy hi, sell lo world of bad decision making. Its not my fault the country's economy is killing the locals due to cuts in the space program. Maybe it is my fault based on my voting habits. Either way, today was my first day of real retirement. While my colleagues went back to school I spent 14 hours organizing for a sailing departure of Monday, Jan. 14, 2013. For the next 7 days I expect to keep up this pace. After all I want to meet up with a special friend. Even moreso, I want to go cruising!</p>
<p>There's still the rudder issue, solar panels to secure, a new vhf to arrive and install, untangle the main halyard atop the mast, get the bottom cleaned, provision, order the portable fridge, meet with my broker, take care of banking, visit the tax appraiser, sign up for St. Brendan's mail service, get banking in order, rid house of furniture and other ditties that have not sold, buy some tools, pack stuff for storing at my friend's house (or ship to my sister), and keep remembering my preference to be pursued. </p>
<p>With the holidays over, the alcohol drained from my system, and the last hoorahs with friends and colleagues, to heck with ehrlika, I say; its time to charge full speed ahead. </p>
<p> HAPPY NEW YEAR,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,</p>
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<p></p>So easy for otherstag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-11-10:900123:BlogPost:1973982012-11-10T15:08:34.000ZMarlene Anne Sassamanhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/MarleneAnneSassaman
<p>Why does it seem so easy for others? I don't know maybe it is my faulty belief system. While friends of mine seem content with the trials and tribulations of renting, when the time came for me to rent I got cold feet. My financial planning, or more accurately, my discipline sticking to the plan, leaves a lot to be desired. It is just that sometimes I want it all and I want it now.</p>
<p>My boat needs minor things; namely an SSB transceiver which I decided is a necessity. Then, last week the…</p>
<p>Why does it seem so easy for others? I don't know maybe it is my faulty belief system. While friends of mine seem content with the trials and tribulations of renting, when the time came for me to rent I got cold feet. My financial planning, or more accurately, my discipline sticking to the plan, leaves a lot to be desired. It is just that sometimes I want it all and I want it now.</p>
<p>My boat needs minor things; namely an SSB transceiver which I decided is a necessity. Then, last week the alternator in my car died. Now, with the decision to take an 800 mile trek across the state to warmer waters and visit a friend, I need tires and a control arm. I probably need to leash myself to my home and dock, but - -t - t - t,,,,,,as long as I get the boat maintenance, i.e. paint over the epoxy repairs, clean the bottom, blow up the dinghy, meet with my electrical and ssb mentors, the trip is warranted. A girl has to have some fun, doesn't she?</p>
<p>What stinks is that I plan to sell the car by mid-January. The house goes on sale next week, so once I pack up, garage sale, goodwill, and trash the contents I can untie from the dock. Exciting, scary, and very weird. At 20 I drove cross country on my lil' 250 Yamaha all by my young self. Carrying only the clothes I was wearing, another pair of overalls, two t-shirts, and my Raggedy Ann doll I avoided the highways and saw some interesting sites along the backroads between Maryland and New Orleans where I eventually rented an apartment on Toulusse Street in the French Quarter. Somehow I survived.....so at my ripe old retirement age, I again shall embark on the voyage of a lifetime.</p>
<p>Who knows, I may have even found me a buddy boat,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,</p>
<p>P.S. Thanks to all who wrote with words of encouragement!</p>easy morningtag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-10-05:900123:BlogPost:1961122012-10-05T19:30:00.000ZJohn V. G. Maytonhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/JohnVGMayton
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_506f35729e5850791220908">Even though I go to bed at a reasonable hour, normally 9:00 P.M. and rarely latter then 10:00, I’ve been waking up at 3:45 or so recently. I try to get back to sleep, sometimes with success, however this morning it was not the case. My cat, Pixie, likes the company and an early breakfast for her, but I’m not a happy camper when sleep is short changed. At any rate, I got busy cleaning the galley up, which meant doing…</div>
<div id="id_506f35729e5850791220908" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">Even though I go to bed at a reasonable hour, normally 9:00 P.M. and rarely latter then 10:00, I’ve been waking up at 3:45 or so recently. I try to get back to sleep, sometimes with success, however this morning it was not the case. My cat, Pixie, likes the company and an early breakfast for her, but I’m not a happy camper when sleep is short changed. At any rate, I got busy cleaning the galley up, which meant doing a couple of day’s dishes, sweeping up and tossing junk mail that has been stacking up. This morning, however, I also made cornbread. The usual blend of corn meal, all purpose flour, egg, milk, oil, salt, and baking powder, but I use Date Sugar instead of regular sugar in my mix. I find that the richer flavor is more to my liking. I get it from Shields Date Garden (<a href="http://www.shieldsdategarden.com/p-38-shields-date-sugar.aspx" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.shieldsdategarden.com/p-38-shields-date-sugar.aspx</a>) in California. It is a bit pricy, however I don’t use a lot of sugar because I’m diabetic, so the investment in this rather unique sweetener makes the occasional culinary transgression worth it. My first experience with Shields Date Garden was when I was a kid. My family used to go camping out at the Salton Sea (<a href="/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.parks.ca.gov%2F%3Fpage_id%3D639&h=cAQFN9zTO&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=639</a>) and we would pass through Indio, California on the way. Back then there were these bill boards along the highway advertizing the “sex life of the date palm” which to a young boy sounded intriguing to say the least. At any rate we would stop and my Mom would buy Date Sugar, crystals, and dates which would go into banana date bread and other goodies. Besides being extraordinarily favorable the date sugar has a bit of early childhood nostalgia mixed in as well. Which I suspect adds something to the whole gastronomic experience. A glass of cold milk, a large slice of warm cornbread with butter and my cat on my lap; nice way to start my weekend, don’t you agree?</div>No, Amy, It Doesn't Get Better Than This . . .tag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-08-06:900123:BlogPost:1924982012-08-06T02:28:23.000ZMarlene Anne Sassamanhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/MarleneAnneSassaman
<p>Last Wednesday it was time to return to school for my final semester involved with traditional education. When the week-end finally arrived I was rewarded with 3 days of being surrounded with the best group of beach cat sailors around. Having sailed with some of these guys and gals since my debut way back in the summer of 1980, it was a bitter sweet reunion as life takes its toll on all. Its Afterall, the camraderie that exists amongst this group keeps the old spirits alive as friendships…</p>
<p>Last Wednesday it was time to return to school for my final semester involved with traditional education. When the week-end finally arrived I was rewarded with 3 days of being surrounded with the best group of beach cat sailors around. Having sailed with some of these guys and gals since my debut way back in the summer of 1980, it was a bitter sweet reunion as life takes its toll on all. Its Afterall, the camraderie that exists amongst this group keeps the old spirits alive as friendships are re-kindled and the next generation takes the lead. Despite the weather forecast and personal observation of threatening skies, the lackadazical attitude of my Prindle 19 skipper along with my 'who cares if we sail or not' attitude Friday, Saturday and Sunday turned out to be a wonderful week-end.</p>
<p>The festivities began Friday about 5:15 pm when I boarded Arrabella a 50 foot catamaran chartered at Ponce Inlet, Florida. Our captain for the evening, Johnny K and his sidekick Sam delighted the patrons as they shared sailing knowledge, safety rules, and life upon the sea. During the 3 hour cruise Brooke and Tyler,Arrabella's friendly hired crew, served snacks wih icy cold drinks.</p>
<p>After about 30 minutes of sailing on bumpy seas along the coast, we returned to the smoother waters of the ICW. Cruising past the multi million dollar homes a few dolphin were spotted (doing what dolphin do-- swimming about, poking their smiley faces out of the water then disappearing below the surface). A big surprise for all was that a Daytona Beach FOX news photographer came along to film Arrabella's sun set cruise for their local morning show. Stay tuned as I was told the footage will eventually be available on their website in case you miss the show or don't live in the Daytona Beach area.</p>
<p>The next day even more fun, as predicted, showed up for Saturday's Gilligan's Run -- a 35 mile beach cat coastal race. As it has for the past 40 years the colorful sails and boats being launched through the surf delighted beachgoers while challenging the participants. Using a handicap system of scoring Steve Caron and his lovely daughter Delaney on a Hobie 16 brought home the Gold. Or was it Gilligan himself, on a Prindle 18-2 who took the honors? Truthfully, everyone had such a good time in the 15 knot breeze and I having been served two vodka's mixed with green tea (yuk, I know) really didn't pay attention to such details as who was first, second, or third. Though I admit my favorite entry was my old Stiletto 23 being raced by her current owner Fleet 80s icon, Pete Haley.</p>
<p>Not sure what time we got home Saturday night, but being awakened to go for a sunrise bike ride was the highlight. Thanks to all, C U again soon,</p>
<p> P.S. Don't forget that raincheck on the Prindle 19.....</p>
<p>P.S.S. The legend remains: If you want to race --- Daytona's the place!</p>
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<p> </p>Birthday on the boat. 67 yearstag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-08-28:900123:BlogPost:1928762012-08-28T09:30:00.000ZJohn V. G. Maytonhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/JohnVGMayton
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_503c952381b3d7010439173">I spent Friday listening to an audio book and occasionally looking out the main hatch at the rain while waiting for the kids to get to the boat. I must have taken four or more naps that day. I had expected the kids to show up earlier, but<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><div class="text_exposed_show">I should have known that “we’ll be there Friday” really meant in the evening. I did a few chores like…</div>
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<div id="id_503c952381b3d7010439173" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">I spent Friday listening to an audio book and occasionally looking out the main hatch at the rain while waiting for the kids to get to the boat. I must have taken four or more naps that day. I had expected the kids to show up earlier, but<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><div class="text_exposed_show">I should have known that “we’ll be there Friday” really meant in the evening. I did a few chores like sweeping the cabins out, but nothing more extensive than that. Lazy relaxing day. About 7:30 P.M. I got the call to meet at Morgan’s, an upscale eatery in New Bern, for my birthday celebration. I changed shirts, put on a broad brimmed hat as protection from the rain and headed up the dock to the car and into town. I was able to find a parking spot right out front of the restaurant and in as much as I was still a bit early I lingered under the awning just enjoying the cool of the evening. I got a call from Marina saying they were just coming off of the bridge so I went inside, spoke to the girl at the desk and she led me to our table. I ducked into the bathroom to wash my hands and when I returned the kids were just getting to the table so I handed my hat to the waitress expecting her to check it for me. The confused look on her face was beyond comical as I guess hat and coat check services had never been part of the restaurant’s setting. My daughter gave me a “look” for being a jokester at the waitresses’ expense; I get those a lot from her along with exasperated sighs or “DAD!” expletives. I ordered a grilled shrimp and seafood salad with a raspberry dressing on the side. They brought honey dipped croissants to the table and in a minute we were asking for another basket full. Our table talk centered on job interviews and financial concerns as both Marina and Josh are trying to get better employment situations lined up. Me, I’m trying to get out of mine and retire which is only dependent of paying off the boat. Once that is done, I’ll move aboard and then figure out where in the world I want to go next. </div>
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<div class="text_exposed_show">It was late when we got back to the boat; however we sat up in the cockpit and talked some more until I told the kids that the Captain was turning in for the night. The next morning was gray and didn’t look much like a day to go sailing. I went up to the office and took a shower, watched the weather channel for a bit and then headed back to the boat. I had agreed to meet Jesse for breakfast at 8:00 up at the old foggy dinner but I thought I’d check with the kids to see if they wanted to come along too. Josh was topside enjoying the cool of the morning but Marina was still curled up in the foreword cabin sound asleep. I visited briefly with Josh and then headed out to meet with Jesse. At first I didn’t see him and went back to the car, but he came out and with a wave explained he had been in the head. Seated inside I ordered coffee and a short stack of pancakes along with a side of bacon. We talked about diving, boats, and his girlfriend for a while and then Marina and company showed up to join us. We had a lot of fun talking over breakfast as Jesse had some great stories to tell and kept us all laughing. </div>
<div class="text_exposed_show"> </div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">Back at the boat we got busy with projects. First off we had to turn the boat around and with a bit of effort we untied Kittiwake, eased her out of the slip, shifted the lines and fenders to the starboard side and then back her back into the slip. With the help of Tony and his dinghy we pulled a floating camel around to tie up astern of Kittiwake so that Josh and Marina would have a platform to work from as they stripped the paint off of the transom in preparation for painting Kittiwake’s name and home port. Leon, Josh’s brother, got busy shining the bright work and I got to work on the port life lines and gate stanchions that had gotten bent when we had the mooring line tangled up in the prop back in June. As usual we had plenty of dockside supervisors stop by to share advice on how to best do what we were doing, but that is always helpful and I’m not one to ignore what is so freely given. We left off work to eat lunch and then drove into town to pick up some odds and ends from Mitchell’s Hardware Store, Lowes Hardware, and the dive shop. Returning we got busy again until all that could be done that day was finished. Marina and crew packed up their gear to head back home. I walked them to the car, gave Marina a hug and bid them farewell with many thanks for all they had done. </div>
<div class="text_exposed_show"> </div>
<div class="text_exposed_show">Back to the boat I applied penetrating oil to the stanchion fittings that were frozen in hopes that they would loosen up over night. Putting my tools away I washed up and had a sandwich for supper. I sat listening to my book until about nine, went to bed and read for awhile before giving in to sleep. Sunday morning was bright and beautiful so I fixed a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of tea for breakfast. Checking the weather on my Kindle Fire it seems like the hurricane was heading more to the west and would not be visiting North Carolina at all which is bad for the gulf coasters but good for me. I got my tools out and got busy working on removing the life lines and fittings that I’d oiled up the night before. They all came undone with a bit of effort and a few whacks with a plastic hammer. I figured anything else that needed doing could wait a week for when I take my vacation in September. So I stowed my tools, collected up trash and gear to take back to the car and went up for another shower. After cleaning up I stopped in the Captain’s Lounge and was invited to go to lunch with Tim and Jim, both very salty fellows. We decided on Italian food and they, knowing the area well, drove over to one they said had the best lasagna. They were spot on with their assessment of the culinary delight we enjoyed there. Following a pleasant lunch we drove back to the marina where I secured and locked the boat bidding her a fond farewell as I trudged up the dock to my car. The cats were glad to see me when I got home so I fed them and then got busy unpacking the leftovers from the weekend, stowing them in the refrigerator and tossing my dirty cloths in the wash basket when Marina showed up to help me clean the house. Now that was a real birthday present.<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539811042?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539811042?profile=original" width="130"/></a></div>
</div>Moving Boatstag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-08-31:900123:BlogPost:1931012012-08-31T02:04:47.000ZDanny Covingtonhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/DannyCovington
<p>Well Friday it is time to move the Tartan 27 from the slip to a mooring. Tired of paying slip fees at a marina that is way to unfriendly. I have my Cal on mooring also but will be looking to put in a slip or dock as time and money allows.</p>
<p>Still need a tranny for the Cal. Oh well I believe I will be spending more time with Cal and less with Tartan till the Tartan is sold or traded.</p>
<p>Well Friday it is time to move the Tartan 27 from the slip to a mooring. Tired of paying slip fees at a marina that is way to unfriendly. I have my Cal on mooring also but will be looking to put in a slip or dock as time and money allows.</p>
<p>Still need a tranny for the Cal. Oh well I believe I will be spending more time with Cal and less with Tartan till the Tartan is sold or traded.</p>I am HOMEtag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-07-26:900123:BlogPost:1923052012-07-26T08:27:53.000ZMarlene Anne Sassamanhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/MarleneAnneSassaman
<p>Several bloggers have asked me where I am so I guess I need to clarify. I am home. Home in Indialantic in my nice concrete block, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, living room, den, converted dining room to a reading room, kitchen, laundry room, two car garage, sewing area, and inground swimming pool. Aye, the good life. This is my home where I organize my sailing trips. What used to be day sails and races has become more intense long term sailing adventures as you all know.</p>
<p>The longer…</p>
<p>Several bloggers have asked me where I am so I guess I need to clarify. I am home. Home in Indialantic in my nice concrete block, with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, living room, den, converted dining room to a reading room, kitchen, laundry room, two car garage, sewing area, and inground swimming pool. Aye, the good life. This is my home where I organize my sailing trips. What used to be day sails and races has become more intense long term sailing adventures as you all know.</p>
<p>The longer adventures also require a home. What I used to think of has my sailboat has taken on a new definition. One of my favorite former students gave me a journal with a nice card. While her personal note has special meeting the simple message on the front of the card is a constant reminder that 'home is where the heart is.' On my Marples 35 I came to feel at home.</p>
<p>During the two and half windless days about a hundred miles south of Bermuda I was leisurely sitting on the foreward deck. Propped up with those lounging cushions that neatly fit in the cockpit but are easily moved about, I was watching the interaction between SPRAY and the still water. Ever so slowly; I mean so slowly I had to spit in the water to determine any forward movement, SPRAY rested upon the ocean's surface. "Wow," I thought, "this is like being on a floating island." I had all the food and water I needed, toiletries, entertainment (via books, IPOD, and the natural environment). My satellite phone, though designated for weather updates and emergencies only, did provide the solace of being able to call a friend if I so desired.</p>
<p>What has changed since the successful completion of my Bermuda sailing adventure is that my morning sun salutation includes a moment of appreciation for the the life I have been blessed with. Home, for me has become everywhere I am. Whether at sea on SPRAY, visiting a friend in her on her deserted 12 acre orange grove, attending a yacht club event, driving in my car, or even at my elementary school where I am the school counselor, I am always at home.</p>
<p>To answer the question many have been asking, "Where am I?" I am at home, currently the one in Indialantic, that square mile of small town influence, one block from the ocean that the surfers refer to as 'the boardwalk,' the residence where Danny and I spent our ten best years together. It is a beautiful home and I encourage company.</p>
<p>So, come visit me before I depart on January 1, 2013. I expect to rent the house so if you know anyone who would like to live in paradise let me know! I expect to vacate November 1 when I move on board for the next 3 - 5 years!</p>boat chorestag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-07-15:900123:BlogPost:1919362012-07-15T20:30:00.000ZJohn V. G. Maytonhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/JohnVGMayton
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539803377?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539803377?profile=original" width="310"></img></a> Down to the marina early Friday morning to get started with boat chores. First big effort was to remove a seriously rusted shackle from my secondary anchor rode. I took it up to the marina’s shop to use my drill and cutting wheel to slice through a chain link as the shackle was so badly corroded that I couldn’t dismantle it. Once that project was finished I carried the…</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539803377?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539803377?profile=original" width="310"/></a>Down to the marina early Friday morning to get started with boat chores. First big effort was to remove a seriously rusted shackle from my secondary anchor rode. I took it up to the marina’s shop to use my drill and cutting wheel to slice through a chain link as the shackle was so badly corroded that I couldn’t dismantle it. Once that project was finished I carried the twelve feet of chain back to the boat and got busy splicing the remaining rope rode to the main anchor chain. I had to cut some of the old line off because it was showing some signs of wear and the one thing I don’t want to do is use any thing marginal on my ground tackle. </p>
<p>I used a different rope to chain splice then I’d seen done before. Instead of using a thimble and back splice I wove the three strands of the line up the bitter end of the chain passing the first two strands through the first link in opposite directions, the third strand through the second link, then two strands through the third link, and so forth until I had a couple of feet spliced in. In researching rope to chain splicing I was looking for a method that avoided the shackle because that had been a big part of the problem when we lost our anchor on Memorial Day. Likewise, I didn’t want to do a back splice using just the last link in the chain because I figure that the strands would be subject to a lot of chafe and it would be a thick mass to feed through the anchor windless capstan. Alain Hylas is the inventor of the Spade anchor and of the elongated splice. He calls this splice “the only safe way to connect anchor warp to anchor chain.”</p>
<p> At any rate, it took a bit of time to weave all the strands through the links sitting up in the forward cabin in ninety plus heat sweating buckets. I must have downed five bottles of ice water while working on the splice. Good thing the boat has a refrigerator. My old boat just had an ice box and that sucked. Having a 12 volt refer is way cool and seems to work just fine with just the solar panels keeping the batteries up to charge. With the anchor rode all set up I went up on deck to put the 44 pound anchor up into the anchor roller on the bow. I had to use two shackles to attach the chain to the anchor because the shaft on the main anchor is an inch thick so that took a large shackle, and I needed a smaller shackle to go through the link in the chain, hence two shackles, however, the hole in the anchor shaft where the shackle pin goes through needed some work because it was rough and I couldn’t get the pin through. So there I was sitting in the hot sun hand filing the hole in the anchor shaft until I could get the pin through. More ice water consumed. So after I get all the pieces together I move the boat forward in the slip by slacking some lines and tightening up on others so as to get the bow over the dock. I ease the anchor around the forestay and angle it a bit to slip by the bow pulpit and bow light to rest on top of the anchor roller. Then I clamber off the boat to the dock and pick up the anchor off the roller to ease it out and then back to settle it into the roller. I know, this sounds confusing but when dealing with heavy metal it can be a bit aggravating. </p>
<p>Back aboard I go searching for the roll of stainless steel wire I need to seize the shackle pins. I know I have some, but where did I put it? After searching through all the lockers, containers, and tool bags, I realize that what I thought was wire was just my imagination; I’m not admitting to being wrong, you understand, just to being crazy. So I’m off to the hardware store to get some wire. Back at the boat I get busy securing all the shackle pins with wire and finally the job is done. I press the anchor windless button to snug the chain up, attach the chain stoppers and everything is cool. Now I have to finish putting together the anchor chain snubber. I’d had made one up when we first got the boat, but I only had one chain hook and that would fall off every once and a while so I figured I put two hooks on and it might work better. I’m thinking ahead to the possibility of having to anchor out during a hurricane so I want everything ship shape in that event. </p>
<p>I got some good news from BoatUS about my insurance, seems that because of my vast experience with boats they reduced my premium by about $300. I wish my house and car insurance company would do that. All they do is raise the rates every year. Same thing with health insurance; seems the state raised the rate by 5% but they gave us a raise of 1% so I just lost a little less income instead of a whole lot. Go figure.</p>S/V Morning Startag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-07-07:900123:BlogPost:1920142012-07-07T14:11:21.000ZDan Dowhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/DanDow433
<p><span>"</span></p>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4ff842fea519c5283065878">Well, 6 months ago, we announced that we were going to attempt the Pacific Cup, if we were declared cured of cancer. This week on Monday as well as Thursday for all intents and purposes, I was declared "Cured" of cancer and do not have to visit my doctor but annually for a checkup. <br></br><br></br>The preparations for the Pacific Cup, a race from San Francisco Yacht Club to Kaneohe Bay Yacht Club,…</div>
<p><span>"</span></p>
<div id="id_4ff842fea519c5283065878" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">Well, 6 months ago, we announced that we were going to attempt the Pacific Cup, if we were declared cured of cancer. This week on Monday as well as Thursday for all intents and purposes, I was declared "Cured" of cancer and do not have to visit my doctor but annually for a checkup. <br/><br/>The preparations for the Pacific Cup, a race from San Francisco Yacht Club to Kaneohe Bay Yacht Club, Kaneohe Bay<span class="text_exposed_show">, Oahu, Hawaii,; have not gone quite as well as the medical side. With 11 days till start time, we have had a disappointing inspection, abandoned crew (due to there jobs ending in October and the need to save, prepare and plan for that), as well as a shortage of funding and time in combination for us personally. <br/><br/>At this point we are in need of a haul out, re rigging of the Mizzen Mast, an emergency steering system, a storm Jib, another manual bilge pump for the inside of the boat, and another IPIRB for the interior of the boat and a Satphone, or modem and software for our SSB; as well as finding new crew and getting some practice in; oh yeah and we also have to finish re-installing the freshly rebuilt transmission (thanks to the crab pot incident).<br/><br/>For those of you who know me, you know there is a plan "B"! Plan "B" is to sail down the coast visiting friends and family, and hanging out in the Chanel Islands until the end of hurricane season, then on to Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and eventually Costa Rica and maybe the Canal.<br/><br/>So stay tuned the party is just beginning!</span></div>
<p><span>"</span></p>Random thoughts about stufftag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-06-25:900123:BlogPost:1915522012-06-25T12:37:28.000ZCharlotte Radfordhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/CharlotteWiggs
<p>Gee, how's that for a title? Oh noes! A nonalliterative title....oh well!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Life continues on in the marina. I will be moving into the Owl in 2 weeks, around the Fourth of July.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bogie the bird enjoys being out on the deck in his cage watching and listening to everything. The man across the dock whistles to him every morning, and Bogie is most enthusiastic joining in the chorus. African Greys are rulers of the whistle...and will always beat you in a…</p>
<p>Gee, how's that for a title? Oh noes! A nonalliterative title....oh well!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Life continues on in the marina. I will be moving into the Owl in 2 weeks, around the Fourth of July.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bogie the bird enjoys being out on the deck in his cage watching and listening to everything. The man across the dock whistles to him every morning, and Bogie is most enthusiastic joining in the chorus. African Greys are rulers of the whistle...and will always beat you in a contest. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Raining most of yesterday (Sunday) and raining today. Effects from hurricane Debby. Why is it when I have a scheduled day off I still feel like I am playing hookey like Huckleberry Finn? </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here is a link about Debby's track: <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/">http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/</a> Rain hasn't been terribly hard today, but the wind has been gusty in spurts. Looks like central Florida will get much needed rain from the bands. I hope she dissipates before doing any major damage.</p>
<p>Everyone stays on their boats and does chores when the weather is like this. I love rain. Especially from my cockpit. With just a bimini, no dodger. It's downright cool just listening to the rain anywhere on a sailboat. Another definite pro for this type of living. </p>
<p>I am seeing way less roaches these days. Roach gel baits. Well worth the money. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dreaming the life and living the dream. Stay safe, and dry....fair winds!</p>
<p> </p>Beautiful Bermudatag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-06-30:900123:BlogPost:1919892012-06-30T18:31:13.000ZMarlene Anne Sassamanhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/MarleneAnneSassaman
Since our unscathed arrival last Monday, I have thought about the journey home. To tell you what an asset Maryanne is would be an understatement. Her demeanor keeps my attitude on an even keel. Her ability to troubleshoot is also calming. O.k.so I have an issue with over oiling,,,,<br />
<br />
Met some guys on s/v golden brown from Brooklyn. The captain and crew are quite good looking but a little young for me. More importantly their spirits were high as they designed a plan for jury rigging their broken…
Since our unscathed arrival last Monday, I have thought about the journey home. To tell you what an asset Maryanne is would be an understatement. Her demeanor keeps my attitude on an even keel. Her ability to troubleshoot is also calming. O.k.so I have an issue with over oiling,,,,<br />
<br />
Met some guys on s/v golden brown from Brooklyn. The captain and crew are quite good looking but a little young for me. More importantly their spirits were high as they designed a plan for jury rigging their broken mast. It broke at the spreaders a few hours before reaching Hamilton.<br />
<br />
My satellite phone has allowed me to check in periodically with Chris Parker, weather forecaster. For some reason my chief land crew, Linda the housekeeper extroidinairre and I have been unable to connect via sat phone.<br />
<br />
Again, I am a bit concerned about my ability to safely bring SPRAY and me home. I believe I have prepared as besti can. Bottom is clean, excepti have to scrub a little more on the zinc.all ring dings and cotter pins are freshly taped.the small jib and staysail need to be hoisted. They were removed during the thrilling storm thatrolledover us two nights ago (or was it three)? My big Jenny has a lot so curve and works well when reaching and is also work to tack. Whereas the smaller jib is flat, easily passes in front of staysail when tacking and is hopefully thebetterchoice for an upwind sail home.<br />
<br />
Maybe it's presumptuous, arrogant and narcissic, but lord help me have a safe trip home. Love to all,<br />
<br />
SASSEAIt's National Safe Boating Week!tag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-05-23:900123:BlogPost:1899182012-05-23T23:32:36.000ZCharlotte Radfordhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/CharlotteWiggs
<p>Everyone heard it here first!!! OH YEAH!!! I know we are all maintaining safe boating environments. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Next week is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Please see link: <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/">http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/</a> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is even a Hurricane Preparedness Seminar in Orlando. It's June 1, 2012. …</p>
<p>Everyone heard it here first!!! OH YEAH!!! I know we are all maintaining safe boating environments. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Next week is Hurricane Preparedness Week. Please see link: <a href="http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/">http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/prepare/</a> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is even a Hurricane Preparedness Seminar in Orlando. It's June 1, 2012. <a href="http://www.orangecountyfl.net/CountyNews/HurricaneExpo05152012.aspx">http://www.orangecountyfl.net/CountyNews/HurricaneExpo05152012.aspx</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>There is a tropical storm off the south eastern coast of Florida. Looking to hit Miami, but to head further east out to sea. Here's the weather outlook live: <a href="http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=FLZ045&warncounty=FLC095&firewxzone=FLZ045&local_place1=Orlando+FL&product1=Hazardous+Weather+Outlook">http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=FLZ045&warncounty=FLC095&firewxzone=FLZ045&local_place1=Orlando+FL&product1=Hazardous+Weather+Outlook</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fair winds.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Stay safe and dry.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dream the life and live the dream!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>It depends on the weathertag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-06-14:900123:BlogPost:1910352012-06-14T01:28:50.000ZMarlene Anne Sassamanhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/MarleneAnneSassaman
<p>When earning my degree of Doctor of Education it was said that a main advantage of having acquired such an accolade was that it brought a certain right. When asked what the 'right' was, I was told I would have the right to answer any question with the preference, "It depends." No one knew at that time that I was serious about solo sailing. Truly, this adventure sailing offshore from Port Canaveral, Florida to Sandy Hook New Jersey has been all about depending on the weather.</p>
<p>O.K. I've…</p>
<p>When earning my degree of Doctor of Education it was said that a main advantage of having acquired such an accolade was that it brought a certain right. When asked what the 'right' was, I was told I would have the right to answer any question with the preference, "It depends." No one knew at that time that I was serious about solo sailing. Truly, this adventure sailing offshore from Port Canaveral, Florida to Sandy Hook New Jersey has been all about depending on the weather.</p>
<p>O.K. I've come into port 3 times; twice because of my concern over engine and fuel operations and once to surprise a friend who had an unfortunate event occur so she wouldn't make it for the surprise. So, here I sit in the area of Atlantic City that Donald Trump had no impact on. It is not Donald's fault I am being held hostage here. Rather it is that silly phenomenom we call weather.</p>
<p>Two men at Ketterman's Marina are betting on the morning forecast. Capt. Ed believes the wind will shift to the west about 5 am allowing me to sail away. Capt. Ed runs the local Boat U.S. rescue franchise. The other gentlement, Merv Westcott is a proud winner of at least two Moth National Championships. Merv predicts i will be staying for a 3rd day.</p>
<p>I only know I am getting tired right now and as my world of sailing now evolves around the weather, I need to learn more about it. So depending on how sleepy I am by the time I crawl out of these damp clothes, then crawl up into my bunk, will depend on how much more I learn about the weather.</p>
<p>Hopefully, I can sail or even motor north tomorrow. I'm tired of staying here. Atlant<em>c City is just way to city for me, although there were some shining stars I met along my stroll down the world's most famous boardwalk.</em></p>
<p> </p>S/V Morning Startag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-05-23:900123:BlogPost:1899152012-05-23T15:17:56.000ZDan Dowhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/DanDow433
<p>I really have been remiss in keeping up with this blog, but as usual life has gotten in the grand plan a few weeks back we sailed to the Farralone Islands for a good shake down cruise, sucking up a crab pot and sheering off the bolts between the transmission yoke and the flex coupler. These bolts don’t appear all that difficult but a machinist is required to produce them. With a little redesign to make them removeable and replaceable in the future we are …</p>
<p>I really have been remiss in keeping up with this blog, but as usual life has gotten in the grand plan a few weeks back we sailed to the Farralone Islands for a good shake down cruise, sucking up a crab pot and sheering off the bolts between the transmission yoke and the flex coupler. These bolts don’t appear all that difficult but a machinist is required to produce them. With a little redesign to make them removeable and replaceable in the future we are <a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539828534?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="94" class="align-right" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2539828534?profile=RESIZE_180x180" width="131" height="96"/></a>now awaiting delivery. Raritan hold n treat system and new head have arrived and are awaiting installation. But they will have to wait as we have to run to Louisiana to enjoy our daughter’s graduation, receiving her masters degree in education next week. Upon return the boat will be in a creat fury to get things accomplished.</p>Overcast in Otowntag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-05-14:900123:BlogPost:1895412012-05-14T23:45:23.000ZCharlotte Radfordhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/CharlotteWiggs
<p>It was overcast today in Orlando...YAY! Weather is now taking a turn to rain most afternoons right around rush hour. It's not QUITE to that point, but rain will be coming soon at that time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hurricane season starts in 2 weeks...WOW!!! I was reading the wikipedia article about the history of Orlando. The article states that Orlando as the location of WDW was chosen by Mr. Walt Disney because it was inland more than Tampa (one possible choice) so hurricanes would probably…</p>
<p>It was overcast today in Orlando...YAY! Weather is now taking a turn to rain most afternoons right around rush hour. It's not QUITE to that point, but rain will be coming soon at that time.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hurricane season starts in 2 weeks...WOW!!! I was reading the wikipedia article about the history of Orlando. The article states that Orlando as the location of WDW was chosen by Mr. Walt Disney because it was inland more than Tampa (one possible choice) so hurricanes would probably not present major problems. He was correct until 2005 brought Hurricane Charlie, which hit Orlando directly.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I found it interesting that there is dispute about how Orlando was named. Here's the article link: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Fl">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Fl</a> The city beautiful! That's our motto!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I read another article about airports...Orlando's airport gets pretty high marks <a href="http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/americas-best-worst-airports-011841424.html">http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/americas-best-worst-airports-011841424.html</a> Other than the security lines are often long. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hope everyone is out there being happy and sailing! Weather has been gorgeous for it here. Having my boat bottom scraped (doesn't that sound kind of pornographic? hahahahaha) this weekend. It's always something!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Dreaming the life and living the dream.</p>
<p>Fair winds. Stay safe and dry out there.</p>
<p> </p>Bugs on a Boattag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-05-10:900123:BlogPost:1895142012-05-10T23:19:36.000ZCharlotte Radfordhttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/CharlotteWiggs
<p>Here I am...congratulating myself about my very "clever" alliterative blog titles lately...YAY ME!!</p>
<p>Out to the Owl this weekend. Will be preparing for a short cruise in two weeks. Excited about that...BUT...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have roaches! And I don't leave any food onboard most weeks. However, the owner before me lived on her too, and I would guess they are into their 200th generation or something. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Yes, I know this is Florida....but I am going to be living out…</p>
<p>Here I am...congratulating myself about my very "clever" alliterative blog titles lately...YAY ME!!</p>
<p>Out to the Owl this weekend. Will be preparing for a short cruise in two weeks. Excited about that...BUT...</p>
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<p>I have roaches! And I don't leave any food onboard most weeks. However, the owner before me lived on her too, and I would guess they are into their 200th generation or something. </p>
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<p>Yes, I know this is Florida....but I am going to be living out there come the first of July and I am researching the possible options.</p>
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<p>Number One: I can pay a professional service $70.00 for a guaranteed year free from bugs...I think this may be the best solution. Perhaps.</p>
<p>Number Two: Mix honey or syrup with boric acid to make a putty consistency. Then place small smears of it in strategic places on the boat.</p>
<p>Number Three: Use a bug bomb. I can do this if I prepare. I don't know how really effective they are.</p>
<p>Number Four: Use a type of insecticide suitable for houses, and spray everything. Fifty times. </p>
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<p>So, does anyone have any input on any of these ideas? I admit I am frugal, so Number Four is looking better and better since I already own some insecticide that will work.</p>
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<p>Happy Sailing. </p>
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<p>Dreaming the life and living the dream. Stay safe and dry!</p>
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<p> </p>REFITS AND BREAKAGE....AND CRUISING!!!!!tag:seaknots.ning.com,2012-05-08:900123:BlogPost:1894212012-05-08T14:00:00.000Zzeehaghttp://seaknots.ning.com/profile/zeehag
<p>not mine, as i do my own work ....someone else does your refitting--you go to sea. it breaks..WHAT YE GONNA DO-- call someone while out there or do it yourself--or will ye make the trip return to where it was done and gripe about it not working?? seems to me many do the latter bit--go back into the original port many miles backsliding from their destination to have original do-er redo the work. is ridiculous....why not do it yourself so it is done to your own…</p>
<p>not mine, as i do my own work ....someone else does your refitting--you go to sea. it breaks..WHAT YE GONNA DO-- call someone while out there or do it yourself--or will ye make the trip return to where it was done and gripe about it not working?? seems to me many do the latter bit--go back into the original port many miles backsliding from their destination to have original do-er redo the work. is ridiculous....why not do it yourself so it is done to your own standards..</p>
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<p>i do much of my own work--that which my hand are unable to do , i ay someone to fix--and i will help as much as possible, so if it breaks i can redo it while underway and not have to be tied to anywhere for warrantee work. </p>
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<p>i have seen all kids of excuses made by souls who SAY they want to cruise--but these same souls are still, more than 2 yrs later, in port. mebbe they delivered their own boats from somewhere to their home port, but they arees tillin port. doing refits that are just as easily done while underway.</p>
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<p>smooth sailing and remember--cruising is another way to say that you are doing repairs in exotic locales. anyone thinking otherwise will find out the meaning the hard way, despite all the work done in port --is gonna be something to do in the exotic locales. i saved my repairs to be done whileunder way so i coul dget out of my former home port..i am glad i did it that way--i am out here having fun and enjoying perfect weather....and dodging named storms..LOL--is called CRUISING!!!</p>