Mainsail on

Today the winds are lower so we put on the mainsail. She is ready to sail for real. Still lots of work to do - cleaning, water in tanks....... But the fun cannow begin. We need a shakedown sail soon.

she is home

With winds gusting to 30 kts we didnt need a mainsail today. Prairie Gold is home at constitution marina.

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More preparation is done

We got a lot of steps taken to get Prairie Gold ready to sail - headsail is on, engine running, dodger and bimini are reattached. It was quite windy with gusts over 20kts so we stopped after attaching the headsail. At least with this attachment we have a backup should we have an engine problem when we bring her over to Boston. We laughed about some of the clutsy things we did - should the furling mechanism turn clockwise or anticlockwise before adding the headsail? Previously I have never thought about it and got it right each time. Today I really thought (that was a mistake) and we managed to turn clockwise, then anticlockwise only to realize it needed to be clockwise.

She is on the water at Marina Bay

Yesterday evening we went over to check out Prairie Gold who had just gone back in the water for the new season. Winds were 25kts+, so after checking there were no leaks and all was well, we retired for the evening for food and drinks. Today, the on water work begins. She looks bright and shiny (at least the hull does, deck work to follow). Thanks to D and R for your help. PS: Picture taken with my new camera - thanks Rachel

She is ready - well almost

This week took a little time to get Prairie Gold ready for the new sailing season. On the land it was only necessary to perform a touch up bottom paint and wax the hull. Thank goodness friends helped with the latter as I have been quite tired. During the winter we had the rudder lower bearing fixed, and the rudder is now in great shape - there is no slop. We also had our 135 genoa and mainsail washed and inspected and minor repairs performed.

All we wait for now is the marina to add our zinc to the prop, and then for boats around us to get launched so that we can get to the water. We have asked for this to be done this week, but who knows when.

When we get her on the water we will then have routine items to perform - get the engine running, put the canvas and sails on as well as safety equipment. Shouldnt take too long. Friends are already sailing, we are sitting watching out the window and are a little jealous. Wont be long now.