#SailDonnybrook

Sunday, February 13, 2011

2011 Sailing Season Prep

The car thermometer read 54 degrees on the drive to Crowley's today. Even though it's still the middle of February the days are getting longer and the sun feels a little warmer. Proper sailor's thoughts (at least mine) are turning toward 9:00 pm sunsets and swimming in 75 degree Lake Michigan waters.
I'm sitting on Donnybrook listening to Kenny Chesney thinking about spring projects while the charger tops off batteries.
The only thing that doesn't work on the boat is the aft water tank, so I decided to fix it. It has a split from before I purchased Donnybrook in 2002. I spent an hour trying to get it out with no luck. I'll be asking my friends on the C34 International Association for advice how how to remove it. If I don't fix it (haven't really missed it in 8 seasons) the space would make a nice locker.
It's 33 degrees in the icebox with the lid open. I learned that beer and water bottles don't burst in the cold (Mike, your High Life will be nicely aged by spring!) but Diet Coke does. Several can tops have shot off, one off the boat onto the shed floor. The drinks were in a cooler in the cockpit so there isn't much of a mess.
I've got my Mac crew lined up. Mike, Roxray, Megan, and Jake will be back. Kevin is rejoining after a year off. Dan's feeling too old for the race (I called BS, but that's Dan) but he'll be meeting us in Michigan and sailing back. Bob enjoys the cruise back as much as the race so as of today he'll be cruising back. Brian can't commit due to work. We'll decide later if we want to keep 6 or find a 7th.
I'll be racing in the Verve Cup distance race over airshow weekend. I'm working with the Verve Committee to grow the distance race to include more cruisers and others who buoy racing doesn't appeal to. I'll write more about it later.
Thankfully I don't have many must do projects other than maintenance. That includes a serious cleaning and de-cluttering, rebedding some deck hardware, bottom paint, etc. It's time to upgrade the head so an electric flush is in Donnybrook's future. That'll make Karen and the boys happy. I'd like a second VHF in the cockpit. New sails and electronics are a few years off.
It's been a nice afternoon on the boat. I can't wait for the next day here!

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