Guys get Dirty, Gals get Domestic

This weekend the boys and girls split into gender-based teams to tackle vital prep projects. The guys did such manly things as taking Prairie Gold to fill her up with diesel, changing the fuel-water separator filter, the fuel filter, and immobilizing the life raft in the lazarette. The smell of testosterone wafted for miles!

Meanwhile, back at chez Haydon, the girls had a fabulous sewing project. Yes, it was time at last to make the lee cloths. Now for those of you not familiar with such things these are like half a hammock and are used in the saloon to keep sleepers safe in their bunks when the boat heels. The bottom of the lee cloth is attached under the cushions of the bunk. Fastening of the bottom is made to the bulkhead while the top is attached above the bunk with sheets. We decided to add a type of mesh fabric (Phifertex) to the top of our lee cloths to let in air and light but to form a screen that would afford a little more privacy and security for the sleeper. Check back later to see these installed. And to find out if they work.

Despite appearances, Phil did not take a hammer to the engine!

Filters definitely needed changing!


And Dustin was just the man for the job.


The first lee cloth, just before sewing. Note the beautifully mitered corners.

Yolande got to be sewing machine driver. This picture was NOT taken at one of the many points when she speared herself with the pins stuck all over the place.


Rochelle tries to hammer in grommets. And avoid hammering the couscous left on the stove.


Once the first was sewn, Dustin bravely initiated testing of the lee cloth on the living-room floor, with Rochelle acting as the top attachment points!
Now if only the living-room could heel-over for a real test!