Conference unifix::sailing

1307.0. ""Thanks to All"" by ISLNDS::BAHLIN_B () Fri Aug 11 1989 20:15

I have been a avid reader of this notesfile for about two years, but never
a contributor and I wish to change that status.  For what it's worth, I
am a novice [if there is something that preceeds novice, I might even be 
that!! :^)].  I think I have read every note in the file and probably
more than once!  This, in my quest to gain a little knowledge about this
science of sailing.  

At first it was to learn all about the boats, the market, the work and the 
pleasure of sailing.  After we took the plunge and threw all our money in
that big hole in the water, I was reading to fill the voids in my knowledge
(and there were many!!!).  I found many notes inspiring, encouraging,
and most of all informative, and I believe they have helped me to gain
an understanding and contribute to the program as they say.  I am more
than a little amazed at how much I have learned and used this information.

"Verity A" came into our lives last October, just in time to be hauled and
covered for the winter.  As she spent the winter in our backyard, I
grew to think of her as "her", a vital part of our lives, she was just
hibernating for the winter.  When spring arrived and the tree goop 
stopped falling, we uncovered her and began preparing for our first
season.  As she is a wooden boat, her prep work was extensive (not
that we weren't aware of it before hand) but we were determined to not
only get her prepped but ensure she was a safe vessel for our trips
out the Merrimack (not known for its gentle currents!!)  Part of
ensuring safe voyages included bringing her mechanical systems up to
par, new Surette battery (we now have a 2 batt electrical system)
a new alternator, previously a generator that didn't generate!!! Paul
has re-wired her, installed a new water pump, a new fathometer, and
a new compass, all of these things have added to our safe, pleasurable
sailing trips.

Once we had chosen a launch date, we sanded, caulked, painted, sanded, and
painted, varnished, sanded and varnished getting her ready for the big
day.  As we loaded her sails, cushions, etc back aboard we awaited the
arrival of the hauler.  Although, it rained, nothing dampened the
excitement, it was like watching your child take the bus to school
the first day!!  I was a nervous wreck, but needlessly, all went well,
great in fact, when she was lowered into the water, it was like she
let out the 'sigh' of pleasure - she was back in her element.  

She has been in the water since June 6th, and has brought us many hours
of pleasure.  She sails like a dream, loves a reach, is at her best
with 10-15 knots of wind, heeling 20 degrees she just sails along at
7 1/2 knots there's nothing like it in the world!!!!!!  All this from a
52 year old lady!! (I am talking about the boat here, not me!!!)

Although I had and still have many fears, ( I am a firm believer that 
some fear is good! Keeps you on your toes, can't get complacent when dealing 
with Mother Nature!) I am no longer terrified of the thought of leaving the 
mooring, and venturing out, I am now looking forward to each sail.  

I believe I have learned many new skills, and have even learned to anticipate 
what needs to be done next.  I quess this debunks the theory "you can't teach 
an old dog new tricks!!" 

That's all for now, thanks for listening (reading!)

                                                      Betty  (1st Mate Verity A)


    

        Aye mate, Welcome.         
        
        It is a joy to hear one so 'hi' on sailing.
        
        
                
        Fred  "First Step"
        

    Welcome to the greatest of past times. Know the Merrimack well and
    don't blame you for feeling great about your accomplishments.
    
    Paul "Morey'a Dhu"