Sunday Sail, the First


2010-01-17

Joe and I went out today... my first sail since taking possession of Ripple.  Flew both the jib and the stays'l, as well as the main.  Getting to know the drill... lots of things to keep track of, including raising the gaff spar on the correct side of the topping lift.  I didn't, and had to lower the rig and reset it.  Good thing there wasn't much wind, because we weren't exactly snappy about setting sails.

We ended up in the starting line jockeying of a modest lake union race, that had everything from tiny day-sailers to 40 foot blue water racers.  Weird menagerie.  We weren't a threat.  As a full-keel boat, Ripple isn't exactly a speedster, but there wasn't a prettier boat on the water, and her record at drawing appreciative compliments on outings remains at 100%.

Returning to the dock, still the most stressful part of a sail, is starting to feel a bit more routine.

We tested the Force 10 cabin heater for the first time since Randy and I reinstalled it.  Pump up the tank to 15 lbs with a bicycle pump, a bit of alcohol in the valve cup to preheat the valve, and it started up fine.  It has that same comforting, loudish hiss as a camp stove, and is a bit smelly, but reasonably effective.  Can't say i like it all that much... I'm inclined to look for a little wood burner.

Joe tried to parse the sink-drain, and didn't manage it.  Could it actually drain to the bilge, to be pumped out with the bilge pump?  Not yet clear... going to take a bit of further investigation.  I'm growing more and more confident of the engine.  That little 1 lunger starts nicely, and chugs along quite comfortably.  700 RPM drove us along at 2.5 knots in the calm of Lake Union, at least according to the knotmeter.

All in all, a good day.

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2010 at 7:54 AM

    Have you got any photos "under sail"? If so, show them on the blog, please.

    greetings

    piotr bialy

    ReplyDelete

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