12 ft isn't very big

Well, I did it! I took the boat out for it's first trial. I'm scared to try the sail until I get used to the boat itself. So, a friend and I took the boat down and rowed it about. It handled very nicely, and took the weight of both of us (probably 500lbs) admirably. There's really not much more to say except to share the pictures.

To the left is a picture of the boat tied to the dock near the launch ramp. You can tell it was a beautiful afternoon.

The next step is to practice rigging the sail a couple more times and then do a trial sail. My main concerns are handling stronger winds, gusts of winds, and knockdowns. I really want to avoid tipping the boat. In these cold waters, a person can die of hypothermia within 30 minutes.


To the right is a picture of me rowing it away from the dock for the first time. We were rowing canoe style because I hadn't mounted the oarlocks yet. One of the purposes of this rowing expedition was to determine a good position for the oarlocks. I think I was successfull. We'll see.

Landlocked

It's now been 3 months (going on 4) since we sold our little sailboat. It has been a relief financially and emotionally not to have it down at the marina. But, I do miss having access to a boat and to the water. I mentioned earlier that our plan was to sell the boat and join the sailing club. That is still the plan, but with a condition. The condition I put on myself was that I must finish the little sailing dinghy I've been building for the last 3 years. My wife has encouraged me because she would like to have more room in the garage for our car. It's taken me a lot longer than it should have, but I am proud to announce that the little boat (as yet unnamed) has been finished.

Here's a lovely picture of my creation.



Of course, when I say finished I mean finished in sailing terms. Boats are never finished - as any boat owner can attest. The important thing is that she's (boats are always female) seaworthy. I'm sure I will be tinkering around with her for a long time, but I can now move her under the tarp outside, and of course, take her in the water.



Of course, I'm scared to take her sailing. Notice the large sail area, and the tiny boat underneath. Now imaging brisk winds pushing on the sail. What's keeping the boat from tipping? Me. Because of my >ahem< caution, I've devised a plan for safely acclimating myself to the boat. It's simple

• Phase 1: I take the boat rowing only until I've positioned the oarlocks and become comfortable with how she handles and floats.
• Phase 2: I practice rigging her in my driveway until I am comfortable with how everything should work and somewhat proficient in putting things up and taking them down.
• Phase 3: On a calm day, I take her to the water, rig her up and put her in.
• Phase 4: Judgment day. I go for it.

I hope to do this all fairly quickly. Also, I'm planning on joining the sailing club at the end of the month. If all works out well, I'll have more stories and pictures to post soon.

Until then, keep bailing.

Cap'n Woody