Were In...

Were in, were launched, we are tied to the dock and so begins the completion of the winter refitting.
So as mentioned before we have the ESP Furler by Harken to install, the new standing rigging is being made as we speak (so to speak). Running rigging has been replaced and the new halyards, sheets, dock lines, are all sitting in a bag waiting for the new rigging to arrive so it can be put into place when we re-step the mast.
I took the opportunity to also add a second foresail halyard and a topping lift.
Lazy Jack lines were replaced and so were the reefing lines.
The anchor rode was new last year so that is good but I added a 50 ft chain to the 200 ft rode. This will give me better holding with the ground tackle and I get the stretch from the rode as well.
The interior was totally re stained and varnished, a second counter that folds away was added to increase preparation of meals and to assist cleanup.
The next big project is to again go through the stuff on-board and remove what has not been used in the last year to make some more space. Cooking items, plates, silverware and such to be removed and only enough for 4 people will be left.
meal planning will be different and provisions will also be less this year. Unlike last year I removed four grocery bags off at the end of the season so my new improved provision list will be put into effect.

My old working jib will be cut down and a bolt rope is to be added which will make a great storm sail for the furler if bad weather is lurking for more then a day.

When I got the boat everything was led to the aft, this is no longer the case, some items are now back where they belong, Foresail is at the mast due to furler, main is at mast again as I have the reef point there so I can lower the main fix the tack point of the reef and tighten, then head to the cockpit to adjust the leach of the reef point.
Boomvang now leads to clutch and topping lift as well with the new DRS foresail halyard, slightly different but well thought out.

Clean wax and polish

The season is in the beginning stages and cleaning and waxing the boat are paramount to getting ready for launch date May 5
The deck needs to be pressure washed, hull waxed and anti fouling applied.
The weather has not been the best so getting a decent weekend to accomplish all that needs to be done can be somewhat grueling in-itself.

The list of cleaning solutions and the respective use's are long seems when you own a 40 year old boat it takes more time, energy and solutions to keep her clean. From decks, to wood, to pots and pans, ropes, lines and fenders everything and anything needs to be wiped, scrubbed and some done for a second time.
I like the teak oil, it is a twice a year application and like anything on a boat requires some time and care

Still need for this season

As the new season approaches and were getting ready for launch day, I was going over the list of required items yet to get for the upcoming races and a cold water Immersion suit is on the list, at 500.00  This is a big dollar item that is needed for the race, anyone have one their not using, got one I can borrow.....

Next Item on the list are a few stantion blocks for the furler and for the DRS Tack line.
I am waiting on new hoses for the propane stove to run into the cockpit locker to where a tank can be installed on the rail.
Maybe next year I will swap out the charcoal BBQ for a propane one.

Sails have been ordered and am waiting on delivery, furler is in and waiting to be installed, new standing rigging and running rigging is more or less being assembled and set for installation once weather warms up some more.

I'd like to find a few sponsors that would like to be on the T Shirt, as these events do have news coverage it would be a great way to advertise.

If you know where one can be had at a reasonable price let me know or Hey just get me one for the season or to use for the racing that would be great.

Remember to help out if you can with a pledge by clicking the donate button on the side of the blog, anything will help get the last few items required for the season.

Cancer... Who's fight is it anyway

Cancer is everywhere, we read stats and warnings. We eat good food, we stay fit, we all do what we can to prevent it.

When it enters your life there are things that can not be controlled, Cancer has a mind of it's own, goes where it wants, does what it wants and kills who it wants.

My first recollection of cancer was when I was around 16 or 17 years old, my Opa (Grandfather in Dutch) was diagnosed with it. He had it in his neck and spread to his lungs and head. His passing was a loss to the family and I missed him as I grew up. He would come over the pond every two years or so and visit for our summer vacations and do what most grandparents do, spoil us, swim, and tell us stories.

I was young and didn't really grasp the impact that is caused by cancer or the sickness, the tiresome days and endless nights till my Mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time.

My wife moved in with her parents to help, such a simple statement but so far from reality it is not even funny.

Watching a loved one die is and has to be the hardest thing a human can face, you have to be strong for them, help them do simple things like drink water, eat food, go to restroom, or have a bath.

In my mother in laws case to the point where the nurse's aid would not change her dressings on her breasts as they were rotting off her body filled with open wounds. It became a full time job for my wife and I to take care of her and my wifes younger siblings. We cooked, cleaned, bandaged, nursed, shopped, everyday for 6 months till she passed away. We arranged the funeral, wake, burial and plot. We placed her under a huge oak tree facing east, we cried and cried, we miss her very much.

Two of my aunts passed in the last year from cancer, and again the feelings from my Mother In Law came over my wife and I. What can be done to help others that will go through this, time heals all I'm told but you never forget.

This year I am going to do some singlehanded racing in memory of my family who has been taken from cancer. I need your help to do this I will be in the LO300 , Amherst island roundup, loyalist to Olcott solo race for the 2013 season and am asking for family and friends to pledge something to help fight cancer. 

Cancer can be beaten, we all have to help somehow and I am going to be fl;ying my pink flag in hopes that others will help me.

If you can help with a donation please do, say a prayer, tell a friend give what you can.

Those that donate will get a big thank you, bigger donations will receive on the water updates, choice of pictures and be mentioned on the video of each race, T shirts will be made up with the names of those that donated, This blog will mention each and everyone who helps us to help find a cure.

If you can find it in your heart to give please do and I need all the help I can get.

S/V Knotty Gurl will be doing her part to beat the odds in all the races as we will be the smallest at 26 feet with the average being 34 feet in length.

Tablet is here

Just got a tablet, Motorola 32 gig with the ability to add another 32 gig with an sd card.
I downloaded a few nautical themed apps  and will be testing some out and will update the results over the summer.
1) Marine Navigator
2) Nautical Routes
3) Predict Wind
4) Log Book
5) iAIS

I am just learning how to get these working and setup.
Maps will need to be downloaded and then unpacked or placed into the respective directories.
It could prove interesting on how they work and the info that is given and that is actually usable while underway.

Anchors away

http://mantusanchors.com/purchase-online/galvanized-steel-anchors/25-lbs-galvanized-steel-mantus-anchor/
This would be my anchor of choice.

Anchorage all over can provide tales and conversation about just anchors. From size and weight ratios to windage and dragging, holding power.
One thing for sure whichever you choose please take a few moments to read up on it.
Use suggested guides and weight to size limits. Don't just get the biggest cause some goofball said this is the one. If you don't agree keep looking till your satisfied.
More to follow on ground tackle rigging and delivery for safe holding in the anchorage.

Furler Update

Spent a couple hours at Marine Outfitters and with their knowledge and guidance it has been decided that the furler will be the ESP unit 0 instead of the Mark IV unit 0 which had been recommended to me from a few people.

Main reason was cost and as I reminded a few people, Knotty Gurl is only a 26 footer and not 28 as my friend had originally thought.
So now we have the proper unit ordered and on it's way to the chandler which should be 3 - 4 weeks out.
Th ESP still has the aluminium extrusion which is a bonus and is more geared for the cruiser, where the Mark IV is more towards the racing end.

Standing rigging was also discussed and a some what ball park price of just under 1200.00 to do the complete boat was quoted which included new turnbuckles for the fore stay and the addition of a back stay adjuster/tensioner, again another upgrade that should prove helpful in sail shape and trim over all for the boat.