There is probably going to be lots of pics in this post (just a warning, I love taking pics of my family)
We had an 8:30 am launch time, but we still hadn't had a chance (or the knowledge) to attach the sails. So Dave had wanted to go to the boatyard as soon as they open up to try to get that done as well as some odds and ends that we hadn't had a change to do. We got there and had to wait a min or 2 for them to get the guard dogs put away since we got there a couple minutes before they opened.
We loaded everything up but still hadn't had a chance to get the sails on. Bob at the boat yard was having a cranky day, which wasn't good since this was our first ever launch and had no clue what was going to happen, so he didn't make us feel one bit comfortable with the process. You can tell how "nervous" our great Cpt Dave looks as Bob starts backing up. I bet he was wishing right about now that he didn't recently quit smoking because he sure looks like he could use a cigarette right about now.
Bob started backing up to the Wanderlust and got her on the truck. The process only took a few minutes and he made it look really easy.
While he was getting the boat situated on the truck, he told us to take our dinghy over to the boat ramp and tie up to the docks so we'd be all ready when he got there.
YAY - After a LONG and cold winter, the Wanderlust is finally in the water!! So far so good. The kids wanted to go with daddy to drive to the mooring, so he agreed it would be fun for them to go along with him. Mommy and Autumn stayed behind and drove to the Popes Island Marina so we'd have a ride back to the boat yard to get Dave's car.
Now Mommy and Autumn have to wait for them to motor the 1.4 miles to get to the Popes Island Marina where our mooring is. Since we hadn't had a chance to put the sails on yet, they are going to pick us up at the dock and then tie up to the mooring so we can finally ATTEMPT to get the sails on.
Now the test to see if we can get the sails on. We were able to get the main sail and the boom attached but weren't positive on where or how the ropes got set up, plus the baby was getting cranky so we gave up (for now) because we want to make sure its all correct. Plus the kids were complaining they were hungry.
How wonderful to see you and the kids enjoying the boat! We have a big fancy boat but it is nowhere as much fun as the little ones we used to sail.
ReplyDeleteAs a pediatrician who managed several near-drowned children in the ICU I am delighted to see that the children wear their lifejackets.
I found your blog after reading the anchoring post on sailnet. I think that you need a better anchor, those links on the Danforth look weak and unlikely to take high loads.
Incidentally, I am anchored on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal and yesterday in 40+ knots I started to pull my 122 lb Rocna on 250 ft of 7/16's chain.
Good luck with the boat and the children.
Phil
Hi Phil. Wow, that is a lot of wind. We are just learning so we try to only go out when the wind is predicted to be 7-10 knots right now, so we can get used to it.
DeleteThe anchor we are using (the Danforth) is what came with the boat when we bought it this past winter. We will be looking for a better one, but for now will learn how to set it.
The kids know that if they are in the cockpit they MUST have the life jacket on. They don't like it but they know they won't go on the boat if they don't follow the rules.