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Tuesday, 27 May 2003 06:54 |
41.20.825N 071.49.866W
The Spring of 2003 in the Northeast was as bad a start of
boating season as I have seen. Luckily
because we had a severe case of cabin fever, and a new boat waiting us
which we were over anxious to use, we took advantage of two nice
weekends. One in March and one in very early April combined with two
days of calling in sick, and the boat was in the water and ready to go
April 14th. From then on the weather deteriorated and it rained 7 or 8
weekends in a row.
Although we felt
sorry for our fellow boaters who were laboring in chilling rains
trying to prepare boats for launching, our Spring sails proved to be
enjoyable, but only because we had made the investment to have the
cockpit enclosed. Having been a non-supporter of the canvassed enclosed
cockpit ordered by my wife, I changed my mind as we sailed in the cold
wind driven rain, dry and protected on three sides.
Everyday
when we cast our lines the envious eyes of land burdened boat owners
could be felt watching our every move. They were hard at work trying to
free their vessels from the land. But wax, bottom painting and a
multitude of tasks, all delayed by miserable weather kept them shore
bound. We on the other hand were free !
Early seasons sails
are not the best. The winds capture the cold from the still winter
chilled waters and always seem try to enter between the many layers of
clothes. But, the boat is at it's pinnacle of clean. The bottom smooth
from sanding and fresh paint, while fresh wax and stainless steel
polish reflect the strengthening sun as it climbs in its azimuth daily,
bringing the northern hemisphere into it's summer season with every new
day.
The cold waters are clear as the boat harnesses the
winds strength and accelerates through the water. Heeling at 15 to 20
degrees we reach cruising speeds everyday between 6.5 to 7.0 knots.
Greater speeds could be obtained if the Admiral would just stop
screaming about heeling. Oh well, at least she is here with me.
Welcome Spring!
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Last Updated on Thursday, 05 July 2007 14:20 |
