tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65812227642021962462024-03-12T18:05:27.413-07:00Sailing Training WheelsZen and the Art of Sailboat MaintenanceCaptain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-72397635139414574602011-06-23T10:06:00.000-07:002011-06-23T10:06:52.353-07:00Popcorn BrainI knew it! I knew there was a good reason that we've strayed from the blogging! We have been avoiding "popcorn brain"! <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/06/23/tech.popcorn.brain.ep/index.html?hpt=hp_c2">New evidence suggests</a> that too much internetting (blogging, facebooking, twittering, etc.) actually causes a change in our brain structure! Yikes! It is time for another <a href="http://sailingtrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2010/03/unplugged.html">internet fast</a>! We unplugged about a year ago, a very cleansing experience. <br />
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Back on the boat, this year's nest of finches have almost grown up. We will be cleaning up the poop this weekend. We are preparing for our annual 4th of July party. We will be watching the fireworks show from the boat again. There are other mindless updates I could give you, but basically, life goes on.Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-82479075744309133942011-05-01T21:04:00.000-07:002011-05-01T21:04:40.705-07:00Never. Give. Up.We have been galavanting around enjoying the sunshine and clean air. Good food, Good wine, and Good times. The Captain's 38th birthday has come and gone, and it goes to show ya, that just showing up is half the battle. Most people don't even muster. Cheers to his 38 years of mustering! May he have at least 38 more!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2mrrUar1W8Niyp__rD6yhS7j507EWDcjOK-wFr520AW3XjRR2cZPB6njjq4_O1Fww0Z-QkzkkHNLgojJXH6MUBXFB2GICnFH5xY7ATe-3Lewf49g8N3MRrlpp4wMAEBhYNG1hyhFDY4/s1600/san+Simeon+attempt+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM2mrrUar1W8Niyp__rD6yhS7j507EWDcjOK-wFr520AW3XjRR2cZPB6njjq4_O1Fww0Z-QkzkkHNLgojJXH6MUBXFB2GICnFH5xY7ATe-3Lewf49g8N3MRrlpp4wMAEBhYNG1hyhFDY4/s400/san+Simeon+attempt+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The boom worked perfectly.<br />
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"At sea, I learned how little a person needs, not how much." Robin Lee GrahamCaptain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-36659034291238341342011-04-30T21:20:00.000-07:002011-05-01T21:08:39.812-07:00San Simeon Cruise SnafooWell, we left the dock in primo shape this morning. The bay was calm. Galley stocked with everything for a BBQ overnighter . . . Captain and First Mate hyped with Birthday energy. The Captain is 38 years old today! Nothing better than a weekend overnighter! Cell phones stowed. Pager and laptop left at home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHEnfG7E1_uVSDmueP9MvvPpaiHfSPswJYGSJOmTyXxCQfjuCeOy9HNv5LPzosl7NXPYcwwR5oSykZWsqqYt3BuMsdVN1q4MxhT0wit9oWjVjtNloaUXZmgpAZuZWueicJwJYixAp-1A/s1600/san+Simeon+attempt+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfHEnfG7E1_uVSDmueP9MvvPpaiHfSPswJYGSJOmTyXxCQfjuCeOy9HNv5LPzosl7NXPYcwwR5oSykZWsqqYt3BuMsdVN1q4MxhT0wit9oWjVjtNloaUXZmgpAZuZWueicJwJYixAp-1A/s400/san+Simeon+attempt+003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We got to the harbor mouth and saw some chop, but kept going. After about an hour slogging it out, I looked over to the quiet Captain and found him pale and turning green. I had popped a Dramamine about 20 minutes earlier and I offered one to the Captain. He took it reluctantly.<br />
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Later, I said, "Is this the way you want to spend your birthday?" He thought for a couple minutes and said, "I don't think so. We're going back." <br />
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All and all, we were out 3 hours. We stretched our comfort zones. We broke in the new boom. We slept off the Dramamine in the bay. The rest of the Birth Day is going much better. Even without seeing San Simeon.Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-64117198024577390482011-04-27T11:31:00.000-07:002011-04-27T11:31:46.300-07:00Morro Bay to San SimeonThis weekend we are sailing to <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl">San Simeon</a> for an overnighter with the Yacht club. It takes about 40 minutes to drive from Morro Bay to San Simeon which means it will probably take 4 hours to sail it.<br />
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I have to look up our <a href="http://sailingtrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2010/08/preparations-for-our-first-regatta.html">provisions list</a> from the Zongo Cup in order to get everything prepared for two days on the ocean blue. There are lots of left over hard-boiled eggs from Easter so I know those will be on the provisions list this time around!<br />
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<strong>Galley Provisions:</strong><br />
water<br />
ice<br />
coffee<br />
half & half<br />
hard boiled eggs<br />
sausage<br />
carrot sticks<br />
snap peas<br />
hummus<br />
french bread<br />
olive oil<br />
cheese<br />
chocolate<br />
fruit<br />
beer<br />
wine<br />
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camera<br />
hot water maker<br />
propane for BBQCaptain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-1603670971704754382011-04-25T22:04:00.000-07:002011-04-26T07:44:06.477-07:00Finally! A New (Old) BoomThe long sailing hiatus of Training Wheels is finally coming to an end! No more having to be satisfied with motor cruises and BBQs on the bay. We found a replacement boom last week. <br />
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Lynn Meissen from the yacht club called the First Mate to inform her of a couple of derelict boats slated for removal in Morro Bay. The First Mate immediately dropped what she was doing and headed over to the dock to check it out! What did she find, but an old Coronado 25 in pretty poor shape. Lucky for Training Wheels, it's boom looked great. Problem solved.<br />
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Already got it primed and the first coat of paint on just in time for an overnight sail with 4 other boats this weekend to San Simeon. Can't wait for another adventure. Should have an interesting post when we get back.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpp_Z7BUo2AOR2xChChAIhSZjt8baFsoBN3JARIMiOnzmzZoPJ2a1CfYkG4HRHXAroJtrxYSQjALdoYUY50l2sISalE2t_iFPt4Ei9AeeSW2c8gSbPVgQI9Vy83PGOiKBaD_9naEAUm0/s1600/Opening+Day+2011+199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpp_Z7BUo2AOR2xChChAIhSZjt8baFsoBN3JARIMiOnzmzZoPJ2a1CfYkG4HRHXAroJtrxYSQjALdoYUY50l2sISalE2t_iFPt4Ei9AeeSW2c8gSbPVgQI9Vy83PGOiKBaD_9naEAUm0/s400/Opening+Day+2011+199.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9vsiVmqx_13Aca1mWHKa7ha7DoMOMNDOEnm1DXAWCwA5kR44fwpJgVt-qQbTNcuL7QB6wgO5mHdWYvhyphenhyphenIPMCM6YfL529vN3DuHLyI75ywYjmzjRJDikf4WNUgwPnv2V2nDk9SWjr0Fk/s1600/Opening+Day+2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9vsiVmqx_13Aca1mWHKa7ha7DoMOMNDOEnm1DXAWCwA5kR44fwpJgVt-qQbTNcuL7QB6wgO5mHdWYvhyphenhyphenIPMCM6YfL529vN3DuHLyI75ywYjmzjRJDikf4WNUgwPnv2V2nDk9SWjr0Fk/s400/Opening+Day+2011+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-54434547212699618302011-02-27T21:49:00.000-08:002011-02-28T08:50:43.558-08:00Morro Bay Yacht Club ocean fleet RaceI participated in my first ocean race of the new year today with the Morro Bay Yacht Club (MBYC). The Winter 2 race was under clear skies and 12- 15 knots of wind with 4-7 foot swells. A great day for sailing. <br />
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I crewed on a Dana 24 with Captain Ken. It was nice to be in a race on a boat the size of Training Wheels especially one as well appointed as this one. It had all the electronics which come in handy during a race. The fleet was split into two classes today, basically a slow group and a fast group. We did fairly well finishing first in our class (slow group) and placing second after the handicaps were applied. With the handicaps we finished 5 overall in the fleet. Not too bad a showing. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We blew a big lead we had ending the second leg of six legs in the race. We made a poor jibe around the marker getting the jib stuck on the staysail during the jibe and lost about 4 minuntes. It is pretty tough to get the big jib around the staysail quickly. This is why I changed Training Wheels from a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutter_(boat)">cutter rigged sailboat</a> (has 2 sails in front of mast close together) to a sloop rig (just a main and a jib). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A good example of a cutter rigged sailboat from the Biscayne Bay Sailing Club website.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thesailingclub.com/winddancer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.thesailingclub.com/winddancer.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As for Training Wheels, the kill switch on the Engine broke so the next post will be outboard engine maintenance tips. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-20550664564328154212011-02-06T20:05:00.000-08:002011-02-06T20:05:03.892-08:00Coats 3 and 4More varnishing. Go Packers!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLyeHwBdUVE1otJkDMnc5grOdSYQUups7W5KcaaAZgOF-LQmPpmC3b019Yq_jPly4p3FGx7ZzzPuo8_e_5Y5iYjKRh_lDTa22n846SJY7shOwhaokHtxi_6fJ3kFHpf43tpLGZfSKd7o/s1600/varnish+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwLyeHwBdUVE1otJkDMnc5grOdSYQUups7W5KcaaAZgOF-LQmPpmC3b019Yq_jPly4p3FGx7ZzzPuo8_e_5Y5iYjKRh_lDTa22n846SJY7shOwhaokHtxi_6fJ3kFHpf43tpLGZfSKd7o/s400/varnish+014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-27944805885080870922011-02-05T18:34:00.000-08:002011-02-05T18:47:57.040-08:00Refinishing TeakOk first we have to share last night's sunset with you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qsC2SaZaM96A8fMOe5AAhaRT-HnWATStRGP91w0JCyVDQG5aRBU9w8coxu2MsAfEV5cLwXWmqiOGcVORaUAjMd1clOsvsE3NTdN5t28km2XpUeiuHGVfA0m83WJ6U5rAF_Cgo5Dlk8g/s1600/IMG_0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3qsC2SaZaM96A8fMOe5AAhaRT-HnWATStRGP91w0JCyVDQG5aRBU9w8coxu2MsAfEV5cLwXWmqiOGcVORaUAjMd1clOsvsE3NTdN5t28km2XpUeiuHGVfA0m83WJ6U5rAF_Cgo5Dlk8g/s400/IMG_0044.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I know. It is amazing. And this is an iphone picture. Amazing. It deserves its own post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Secondly, we are refinishing our teak. After 16 months, it is shot to hell. The <a href="http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10918|296162|10952|311504&id=26048">lacquer</a> was very warm and inviting on the teak a year ago, but the elements have beaten the warmth out of it. We sanded down the varnish until the black weathered teak could no longer be seen. We are applying layers of high gloss varnish now. How many layers?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Neighbor Wilson says he has 10 layers on his teak. His 10-layer-job is only 4 months old. We'll see what it looks like in one year. Another dock neighbor said his have 4 layers. His are a year old and they look it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have settled on a cordial 5 layers. And we are just expecting to have to do this every 16 months. Some online research has suggested that applying a single touch-up coat or even some basic teak oil every other month will make the job last longer. Not sure if that is more or less work but may give it a try. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaZw3zsfetM9pn07cZcaf8lCPDC144AKfgvwyQGQpEZmZJBFr8X1qObsErWGgmrCOH-mcGrswDdELLAZdywWjYOsqEGz8bYDYvgH4DH2RzvKnNwNxSOzQkxb82S7xikueVkq5LQ0no5Y/s1600/IMG_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaZw3zsfetM9pn07cZcaf8lCPDC144AKfgvwyQGQpEZmZJBFr8X1qObsErWGgmrCOH-mcGrswDdELLAZdywWjYOsqEGz8bYDYvgH4DH2RzvKnNwNxSOzQkxb82S7xikueVkq5LQ0no5Y/s400/IMG_0047.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-68164210760844662782011-01-20T18:39:00.000-08:002011-01-20T18:39:48.392-08:00Full Moons and Low Tides<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNuy5UKxAIQqAr2B_swhNUPJwEMAzFkdA3_EAP7I-5GbvgXNM_xy-AiRP_cSM7lfidvTrK-rV8LiwXJIRVi_Wkk-2T10kM9b0_Rj5BdzJhA7U-Tk9k8-cwNSNI36dalc7Jnhc3ne48z0/s1600/low+tide+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNuy5UKxAIQqAr2B_swhNUPJwEMAzFkdA3_EAP7I-5GbvgXNM_xy-AiRP_cSM7lfidvTrK-rV8LiwXJIRVi_Wkk-2T10kM9b0_Rj5BdzJhA7U-Tk9k8-cwNSNI36dalc7Jnhc3ne48z0/s400/low+tide+041.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO2ZUnN04xdc-z8v9OspdQvMlShHfP3FjVhPRq_FWPhkA8RHUKkfpw9kouRsJOH8Wx9vHJOu1tHm244RCXU-REG8M6oAqfFdME_3cJG9IlxFuHmW9c5kRgsI8B-dV1zf3v_6USdRp4tY/s1600/low+tide+044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitO2ZUnN04xdc-z8v9OspdQvMlShHfP3FjVhPRq_FWPhkA8RHUKkfpw9kouRsJOH8Wx9vHJOu1tHm244RCXU-REG8M6oAqfFdME_3cJG9IlxFuHmW9c5kRgsI8B-dV1zf3v_6USdRp4tY/s400/low+tide+044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We are living in mud-flat city. This is a weird month. Lots of full moons and low tides. It stands to reason we won't be getting out of our slip anytime soon. Maybe we'll take Lil' Wheels out this weekend. Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-20708395486539833032011-01-15T18:13:00.000-08:002011-01-15T18:24:29.294-08:00Today is the Reason We Live in Morro BayToday is the reason we live in Morro Bay: 75 degrees, warm offshore breezes. <br />
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Truman helped with the race committee at the Yacht club for the day-sailor race today. We are happy to announce that we are officially yacht club members. I know I will have yacht club responsibilities at some point, but today was too beautiful and I was very selfish. I went running on the beach. Then I cruised down to the local coffee shop to meet a friend a'la photo-tour of the sunny day.<br />
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Right before sunset, Truman and I rode over to a new wine bar called <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/stax-wine-bar-morro-bay">STAX</a>. I would highly recommend it! The day was so picturesque and I wish that sunset wasn't so early. We both rode our bicycles all day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6fU1HWDdFwmxw2jSiO35-RXbBrZ66DugtK_0GelHBxvaR9dhcjEa44J0ZocxLaQ3UmdTx4sLok8rMQgP-0pYcn2rBgiy8oDkRp2f5r_5J5iYujik8dZpUkd7tjRpWJOTkdjhfIsL7Xw/s1600/Today+is+the+reason+085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6fU1HWDdFwmxw2jSiO35-RXbBrZ66DugtK_0GelHBxvaR9dhcjEa44J0ZocxLaQ3UmdTx4sLok8rMQgP-0pYcn2rBgiy8oDkRp2f5r_5J5iYujik8dZpUkd7tjRpWJOTkdjhfIsL7Xw/s400/Today+is+the+reason+085.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKscRCzKeysxf3B8pa9O5GsTWvXw7cCGb7lyCYca3d_4ePWoZdN4HhFY-plgr3KwHN_8CoXK9UlyJStoEqDhMShsToqH2VGPNZYTRANvWWnmshgx6LzbAlA3ctTbqmYGSePzmdotAXbMI/s1600/Today+is+the+reason+096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKscRCzKeysxf3B8pa9O5GsTWvXw7cCGb7lyCYca3d_4ePWoZdN4HhFY-plgr3KwHN_8CoXK9UlyJStoEqDhMShsToqH2VGPNZYTRANvWWnmshgx6LzbAlA3ctTbqmYGSePzmdotAXbMI/s400/Today+is+the+reason+096.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXlFNIaCKadVPt258b1WBdqx_RmetPbvIBf_lMKBPi46s3FMJzctG8_Qqk3WihD98LIFwlTR-5OP1PHOSeyNjxeuGqKyXh-ecI8jVuT1n6dXdUUUC_l83osw3fMAmuzGG0Mn8sQGXmZ0/s1600/Today+is+the+reason+117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXlFNIaCKadVPt258b1WBdqx_RmetPbvIBf_lMKBPi46s3FMJzctG8_Qqk3WihD98LIFwlTR-5OP1PHOSeyNjxeuGqKyXh-ecI8jVuT1n6dXdUUUC_l83osw3fMAmuzGG0Mn8sQGXmZ0/s400/Today+is+the+reason+117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-11428741184402860132010-12-30T10:55:00.000-08:002010-12-30T10:55:10.189-08:00New Year's ResolveThankfully the rain has stopped for a while. We pulled Lil' Wheels out of the water and dried her off! She is none the worse for wear! We are working on her mast, boom, and standing rigging. Her dinghy-days are numbered and we are looking forward to day-sailing days!<br />
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We've been posting for a whole year now. Things have been winding down in boat-land. The big repairs are done and now it is just maintenance...sanding, repainting, refinishing, blah blah blah. And, quite frankly, I wonder if it is enough to sustain a blog.<br />
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Life marches on. Happy New Year! 2011 will be a great year!<br />
What new resolutions lie ahead?Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-40519228189440236952010-12-19T14:49:00.000-08:002010-12-19T14:49:42.564-08:00Winter Storm - Lil Wheels is down!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">About a week ago, the First Mate said we should take Lil' Wheels out of the water with the storms coming. The Captain should have deferred to the First mate for the this one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGM9_jMQBbe2YL5-b7gjBwah8x8E-NxllZzkiXhHJVe5sZ4XsSSShdxg_emJnzyhNSiQeTsJp3U28QF-GVgsy_tCqUj_UyT3zTldmp3RjVIjgSeumiq2mxIvZjxIv8jB2i-00wFGgW24/s1600/IMG_0017%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGM9_jMQBbe2YL5-b7gjBwah8x8E-NxllZzkiXhHJVe5sZ4XsSSShdxg_emJnzyhNSiQeTsJp3U28QF-GVgsy_tCqUj_UyT3zTldmp3RjVIjgSeumiq2mxIvZjxIv8jB2i-00wFGgW24/s400/IMG_0017%255B1%255D.jpg" width="300" /></a>It</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">has been raining for 36 hours straight. We think 9 inches of rain have fallen. Needless to say, no refinishing, painting, polishing, or cleaning will be done.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-42092448203838352612010-12-04T21:24:00.000-08:002010-12-04T23:48:36.383-08:00Lighted Boat Parade SnafuWe hung the lights. Prepared the Hot Totties and Hot Chocolates. Even bought extra flotation devices for our guests. Alas, all our efforts were foiled by the unusually low tide. We couldn't get out of our marina without running aground. We didn't make it to the <a href="http://www.morrobay.org/cm/Calendar/Home.html">Lighted Boat Parade</a>! No. 14 was nowhere to be found in the line up. Next year . . . next year . . . <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9Ch7APR4kMkhMCytLb96O263MtcdrBjOW-LB24VzsATEX1uYzU66HB_h7B0qrV3s7BT_P2Fe_4mYln4ErMEjBGVQ226vwOK29DDvDDpQqNgDoByQcujMaTgFjQlLsYCiBTng_8pIxvQ/s1600/Lighted+Boat+Parade+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-9Ch7APR4kMkhMCytLb96O263MtcdrBjOW-LB24VzsATEX1uYzU66HB_h7B0qrV3s7BT_P2Fe_4mYln4ErMEjBGVQ226vwOK29DDvDDpQqNgDoByQcujMaTgFjQlLsYCiBTng_8pIxvQ/s400/Lighted+Boat+Parade+014.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCDAIKuw-3vhtnKWqBVgMqtCGMRCvSZANKciYFgOA5HoXYFPD3SJf9Y5Uyg0rquxuT_9rZnbIbLNyOzdryMd8xh0PdTthxF72xlD0v2CQC_qhLgZqwW-DloY-5fR5m7AyMh4pdGMkMic/s1600/Lighted+Boat+Parade+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCDAIKuw-3vhtnKWqBVgMqtCGMRCvSZANKciYFgOA5HoXYFPD3SJf9Y5Uyg0rquxuT_9rZnbIbLNyOzdryMd8xh0PdTthxF72xlD0v2CQC_qhLgZqwW-DloY-5fR5m7AyMh4pdGMkMic/s400/Lighted+Boat+Parade+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27c7_AoWSHTrR6tkwoIpwzhGGt_Ah05mY8eFABvuUkZxbtT7JKGoW3QtiCsaiYGAjoQ3h3je89gpZ-GMjZYa-oJRGQQzw3rI_H6jmN_GQUEOGbkZ749qmR36xnJ1M4l6O51zyCpCzPkk/s1600/Lighted+Boat+Parade+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27c7_AoWSHTrR6tkwoIpwzhGGt_Ah05mY8eFABvuUkZxbtT7JKGoW3QtiCsaiYGAjoQ3h3je89gpZ-GMjZYa-oJRGQQzw3rI_H6jmN_GQUEOGbkZ749qmR36xnJ1M4l6O51zyCpCzPkk/s400/Lighted+Boat+Parade+016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It seems the Tide Charts are little off this year or Estero Bay has silted up a lot this winter. The boat looked great and we tried all day to get out of the slip, but the tide was too low for Training Wheels to get out of the dock.</div><br />
We made it to the embarcadero in Morro Bay to see some of the other boats after the parade was nearly over . . . . seemed to be a success with large crowds viewing form the shore and some nicely decorated boats on the water. The only good news is that I got to spend all day with my first mate and have a head start on decorating the boat for next year. One of the new purchases that I will write a review on a future blog is the <a href="http://www.duracellpower.com/power-inverters/digital-inverters/digital-inverter-800.aspx">Duracell 800w Digital inverter</a> to provide the AC needed to power the many Christmas lights and hot water maker for the Hot Toddys.Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-58814491211836289252010-11-30T21:30:00.000-08:002010-11-30T21:37:43.330-08:00Sailing Mishap plan: Broken Boom<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Since <a href="http://sailingtrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-boat-has-martingale.html">breaking the boom on Training Wheels</a>, I have heard from quite a few sailors that have done the same thing!<br />
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I had read about it in books like <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=FhmGjE88PlIC&printsec=frontcover&dq=dove+lee+graham&source=bl&ots=HGinbEJZ-K&sig=Q9C0aUfJzHsHppreSMsEchk9STY&hl=en&ei=Ntf1TJa_OZT2tgPA7v3BCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q&f=false">“Dove”</a>, the circumnavigation of sixteen year old Lee Grahm in the 50's. Back in those days they had no satellite phone and no SSB (Short Side Band radio) to call the Coast Guard or Local Harbor Assist. They had to make do with what they had.<br />
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I have mentioned a few times before, I want to learn the sailing craft on Training Wheels the old-school way before I learn with modern conveniences. After the boom breaks, I am sure the first thing many will do is let out a four letter explicative or two. The first constructive thing to do is to turn into the wind to relieve the pressure off the sails. Next, take down the sail.<br />
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Before you rig a make-shift boom you need to have the mainsail under control on deck. This sounds easy, but it was really hard for me to do <a href="http://sailingtrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2010/08/details-of-training-wheels-first-ocean.html">that day on Training Wheels</a>. The first thing I did when the boom broke was to furl the Genoa. Looking back this was probably a mistake We had rounded Point Buchon and were about a mile from shore. At this close a distance to land the shallow water caused the swell to have risen to about 6 feet at a fairly close interval. The swell and the wind made it impossible for me to turn the boat into the wind with just the flapping main sail that I could no longer control. Even after turning on the engine I could still not get the boat point into the wind. I believe keeping the Genoa up would have helped this. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">After you are able to the sail under control you can sail under Genoa alone, but this can cause control difficultly on some points of sail. Plus that ends the discussion and makes for a boring blog. So then we move on to creating a new boom. Creativity is key but needs to be paired with a good amount of compromise. The new boom does not need to be as long or as strong as the original. You only need something that will fit the main sail reefed down as far as possible. On training wheels this would cut the original boom length of 12 feet to 8 feet. <br />
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The standard replacement for a boom is to use a <a href="http://sailingtrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2010/08/mbyc-ocean-race-took-3rd-place.html">whisker pole</a>. It is usually about the right size for a reefed main and has enough strength the the job. Depending on the attachment <a href="http://sailingtrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-introduction-to-whisker-pole.html">type of the whisker pole</a> you may need to use a piece of line to secure the whisker pole to the mast and act as a down haul (line holding boom down near the mast) to keep the pole from lifting during gusts. The main sheets can be tied directly to the main sail clew (bottom back or aft corner of the sail) or on the whisker pole. Another option often may be to use a remaining piece of the boom or anything you have that is close to being long enough. </div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-35272628651741389002010-11-19T19:14:00.000-08:002010-11-19T19:38:40.809-08:00TOP 5 NAUTICAL THEME DRINKS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>What is a “Shipwreck”? Is it any good? Basically any combination of rum and anything can be called a shipwreck. Try googling shipwreck recipe. You'll get any number of concoctions! We lost count after 25 different recipes!<br />
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Anyhow, we think these are the TOP Nautical Theme Drinks ever made! We haven't vetted all of them with friends, but we think that they are novel, if not down right naughty and nautical! <br />
<strong><em>So, what are the best nautical theme drinks? You tell us!</em></strong><br />
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<strong>Port And Starboard </strong><br />
1 tblsp Grenadine <br />
1/2 oz Green Creme de Menthe <br />
Pour carefully into a pousse-cafe glass, so that creme de menthe floats on grenadine. Serve without mixing.<br />
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<strong>Buoy shot</strong><br />
2 oz. Captain Morgan rum <br />
4 oz. orange juice <br />
A splash of cherry juice <br />
To get the best effect for this shot, it should be served in an hourglass-shaped shot glass, which is also used for bomb shots. Otherwise, any glass will do.<br />
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<strong>Island Affair</strong><br />
1 1/4 oz melon liqueur<br />
1/2 oz Cointreau® orange liqueur<br />
1/3 oz Blue Curacao liqueur<br />
1 1/2 oz orange juice<br />
2 oz mango juice<br />
1 oz whipped cream<br />
Shake melon liqueur, cointreau and juices and strain into a pina colada glass three-quarters filled with broken ice. Add curacao, and float cream on top. Garnish with fruit, and serve with straws.<br />
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<strong>Absolut Salty Dog</strong><br />
1 1/2 oz Absolut® Peppar vodka<br />
5 oz. grapefruit juice<br />
¼ teaspoon salt<br />
Pour all ingredients over ice cubes in a highball glass. Stir well and serve.<br />
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<strong>A Little Dinghy</strong><br />
2 shots Captain Morgan® Parrot Bay coconut rum<br />
2 shots Malibu® coconut rum<br />
cranberry juice<br />
pineapple juice<br />
orange juice<br />
Serve in a highball glass<br />
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<strong>Cabin Cooler</strong><br />
16 oz Absolut® Raspberri vodka<br />
16 oz Captain Morgan® Parrot Bay coconut rum<br />
8 oz cranberry juice<br />
4 oz ginger ale<br />
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and chill, preferably in ice. Pour into suitable glasses. Garnish rim of each glass with a lime slice, and serve.<br />
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<strong>Sex with the Captain</strong><br />
1 1/2 oz Captain Morgan® Original spiced rum<br />
1 oz amaretto almond liqueur<br />
1 oz peach schnapps<br />
fill with 1/2 cranberry juice<br />
fill with 1/2 orange juice<br />
<br />
<strong>Swashbuckler</strong><br />
1.5 oz Captain Morgan® spiced rum<br />
cream soda<br />
ice<br />
Garnish with orange slice and maraschino cherry.<br />
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<strong>Fog Horn</strong><br />
1 1/2 oz gin<br />
1 oz Rose's® lime juice<br />
8 oz ginger ale<br />
Stir ingredients together in a collins glass filled with ice cubes, and serve.<br />
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<strong>Tomorrow We Sail</strong><br />
3 1/2 oz Champagne<br />
1/2 oz LBV port<br />
1/2 oz dark rum<br />
1 tsp triple sec<br />
Serve in a champagne flute. Garnish with orange twist.<br />
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<strong>Armada Martini</strong><br />
6 parts vodka<br />
2 parts amontillado sherry<br />
Orange twist<br />
Combine. Stir. Strain into glass and garnish with orange twist.<br />
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<strong>Low Tide Martini</strong><br />
6 parts vodka<br />
1 part dry vermouth<br />
Lime twist<br />
1 teaspoon clam juice<br />
Olive stuffed with smoked clam<br />
Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, shake well. Strain. Garnish with clam-stuffed olive.<br />
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<strong>Deep Sea Martini</strong><br />
6 parts Gin<br />
2 parts dry vermouth<br />
½ teaspoon Pernod<br />
1 dash orange bitters<br />
Combine, stir, strain into cocktail glass. Enjoy.<br />
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<strong>Quarterdeck Martini</strong><br />
6 parts berry vodka<br />
1 part maraschino liqueur<br />
1 part grapefruit juice<br />
Fresh mint sprig<br />
Combine all. Stir. Strain into a cocktail glass, garnish with mint.<br />
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<strong>Maritime Martini</strong><br />
6 parts gin<br />
2 parts dry vermouth<br />
Anchovy-stuffed olive<br />
Combine liquid ingredients with ice, shake, strain. Garnish with anchovy-stuffed olive.<br />
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<strong><em>p.s. I think when I become an official Yacht club member, I will serve "Tomorrow We Sail" onboard. For the Holiday Lighted Boat Parade, maybe "Sex With the Captain"!</em></strong>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-25726364300947455742010-11-16T21:03:00.000-08:002010-11-16T21:03:26.233-08:00Lil Wheels gets a Mast-liftLil Wheels got a facelift this week--or shall I say mast-lift! The masts were completely sanded down, wood fill applied, more sanding down, and then finally a new coat of varnish applied. Just 5 more coats to go . . . .<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PYNVZ_DzODIj01RMH0e7YWTUEEK5-6fcr2_o4Fyst3x3K5cmjgttnctyD_YqfWXtFzPmVQBlzouIntpcKQi-_TJPj8rTpzSlDWNLnHCW0h3j3_CfuyYqsyvbLutOpgA6yikTT5vdpaA/s1600/holtz+and+mse+087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_PYNVZ_DzODIj01RMH0e7YWTUEEK5-6fcr2_o4Fyst3x3K5cmjgttnctyD_YqfWXtFzPmVQBlzouIntpcKQi-_TJPj8rTpzSlDWNLnHCW0h3j3_CfuyYqsyvbLutOpgA6yikTT5vdpaA/s400/holtz+and+mse+087.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc5lZ9BnG1iGqXjDWSArtcAIFHe7lbBo5mRBlN9euJkeRfxiH7ko9U5ZcQuituew4VCiRMJ_IjurHdxx_NmDfDAFSX2iPH8BUoZVDG5zshrRYIbEnFLS4hs0irdRVEatEB_8MwHbZT5w/s1600/holtz+and+mse+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc5lZ9BnG1iGqXjDWSArtcAIFHe7lbBo5mRBlN9euJkeRfxiH7ko9U5ZcQuituew4VCiRMJ_IjurHdxx_NmDfDAFSX2iPH8BUoZVDG5zshrRYIbEnFLS4hs0irdRVEatEB_8MwHbZT5w/s400/holtz+and+mse+100.JPG" width="267" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KAF8tMdwqmTkmrqEHZTCZOt6yx6tCz_6shQ-mqg6VbNIn6m4dMgVdNhrIzIGbGR1foy1Y7Gj-BjR1e1ZBfST8toMg5KeBRhQ6SJmdn-tza6j8GfWMZI-4WPT0uM5oq_2iZKlQSvHcrc/s1600/holtz+and+mse+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KAF8tMdwqmTkmrqEHZTCZOt6yx6tCz_6shQ-mqg6VbNIn6m4dMgVdNhrIzIGbGR1foy1Y7Gj-BjR1e1ZBfST8toMg5KeBRhQ6SJmdn-tza6j8GfWMZI-4WPT0uM5oq_2iZKlQSvHcrc/s400/holtz+and+mse+105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-60689756529971240642010-11-14T11:36:00.000-08:002010-11-14T11:41:15.037-08:00Rigging a DrogueAfter the boom failure a couple months ago I decided to do a couple blogs on methods for continuing a journey after various types of failure. First up is a rudder failure which can be overcome with a simple drogue. A drogue is created by hanging stuff off the back of a boat to slow the vessel and give the crew some sort of control. It is most often used in heavy storm weather when no sails are set and the tendency of most mono-hull boats is to lie with the side facing the oncoming waves. The drogue is set to drag behind the boat and keep the aft (back) of the boat to the wave. It slows the boat so that it doesn't surf down the front of a wave and bury the bow in the front of the next wave.<br />
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A drogue can also steer the boat. I have seen a few different methods of creating a drogue. The November issue of <a href="http://www.cruisingworld.com/how-to/safety-at-sea/up-the-creek-without-a-rudder-1000086006.html">Cruising World</a> had a great sidebar "Rig a Drogue" in the article "Up the Creek without a Rudder". This took the basic drogue design shown below and modified it to allow steerage. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://seriesdrogue.com/workshop/DrogueDiagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://seriesdrogue.com/workshop/DrogueDiagram.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All the needs to be done is to extend the length of the bridle and run each end to blocks located forward of the Genoa winches (usually the strongest winches). You can then use the winches to shorten a side of the bridle and pull the drogue to one side or the other creating more drag and causing the boat to turn. As is usually for sailing control still comes down to a balancing act. You have to experiment with balancing the amount of weight on the drogue with how much sail is up to have control and keep a straight course. </div><br />
The diagram above shows an actual store bought drogue line but a drogue can be made with materials already on most boats. The drogue line can be your standard anchor line with knots tied in it for drag and a couple sections of anchor rode chain for some weight.<br />
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More detailed discussions are available in the links below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.jordanseriesdrogue.com/D_6.htm">http://www.jordanseriesdrogue.com/D_6.htm</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.sea-anchors.com/goodoldboat.htm">http://www.sea-anchors.com/goodoldboat.htm</a>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-51862146235598606892010-11-06T20:31:00.000-07:002010-11-06T20:48:34.574-07:00Blogging and WritingI have to give you the update: the aftermath of the <a href="http://sailingtrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2010/09/26th-annual-writers-conference-at.html">Cuesta College Writer's Conference</a>! I was thoroughly encouraged and stimulated to hone my craft. The criticism was also there. Writing with the intention of getting published is not for the faint of heart. Writing in my journal is easy. Writing a nonfiction book proposal is a bit more intimidating!<br />
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At the Conference, I had the good luck to attend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Track-Course-Nonfiction-Proposal-Fast-Track/dp/188495622X">Stephen Blake Mettee's</a> seminar "How to Publish Non-fiction" which was really an hour and half long soapbox hard sell for his brilliant book <u>How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal</u>. I promptly went to the bookstore and bought it.<br />
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Also, have secured a writing crtique group--partner, rather--with the intent on serious writing and serious constructive feedback. All of this is TOP SECRET, of course! I can't tell you what I'm writing, who I'm writing with, or when I'll ever be done. But, I can tell you that it doesn't have anything to do with sailing!<br />
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Cheers!<br />
~First MateCaptain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-79582403708508692222010-10-31T19:37:00.000-07:002010-10-31T19:37:01.755-07:00Flares 101#1 Reason for Failing a Safety Check by the Coast Guard . . . <br />
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. . . . having expired flares on board.<br />
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All the other items are easy to keep track of. Lifevests. Check. Registration numbers on boat. Check. VHF radio working. Check. But, everyone forgets to check the expiration date on their flares. <br />
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Which begs the question: What does one do with expired flares?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlH2gRoOMONHA0c2kTZdZPvpOXewxq7_RCh2e0_6viKrJEn9kiTV-ex4SquwVsbC3R9WYz4HQ0Ofy6IldRZKVlSVUxQ_JfjDwJHElnAXgALSHinaJ37jQ3Q5lQ0RcH0VH2x4cp3q5XRk/s1600/halloween+weekend+2010+105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXlH2gRoOMONHA0c2kTZdZPvpOXewxq7_RCh2e0_6viKrJEn9kiTV-ex4SquwVsbC3R9WYz4HQ0Ofy6IldRZKVlSVUxQ_JfjDwJHElnAXgALSHinaJ37jQ3Q5lQ0RcH0VH2x4cp3q5XRk/s400/halloween+weekend+2010+105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEybibg5ymD8wZQ9pH-mr5DnkWzXDrnj4WBO529iLyrtHZClvLLBD8MMBS8yzc0VsV_Q_CZsdVJDOen6qtub1wc8_eTN058_BbVlK5QNMLqUWs7dmonbc7uznkbMWKXjl1HYzMXapwh5Y/s1600/halloween+weekend+2010+112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEybibg5ymD8wZQ9pH-mr5DnkWzXDrnj4WBO529iLyrtHZClvLLBD8MMBS8yzc0VsV_Q_CZsdVJDOen6qtub1wc8_eTN058_BbVlK5QNMLqUWs7dmonbc7uznkbMWKXjl1HYzMXapwh5Y/s400/halloween+weekend+2010+112.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1P9-JNzywnKta7QC4q8gatZQU0ty3iw6tmFchgDCXHzdXB-_stHNzkPXY8Bv1djqQASQdeqXc4VzkcF6Bxny1r8gdWptfJwxYVw2iTICBpJ3BCcgDVb97oL7iPBrOXBhsQ7K-s7hDT0/s1600/halloween+weekend+2010+113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1P9-JNzywnKta7QC4q8gatZQU0ty3iw6tmFchgDCXHzdXB-_stHNzkPXY8Bv1djqQASQdeqXc4VzkcF6Bxny1r8gdWptfJwxYVw2iTICBpJ3BCcgDVb97oL7iPBrOXBhsQ7K-s7hDT0/s400/halloween+weekend+2010+113.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qUNZbSIKVhV-YcWUY-ja4ZeIFSs2NCYnMnwBOeHGThjuRpF76ZquntnBqtrMM3tOa8vdIONA4Emz7ZXaLYIiwMQGE7awzPnJ7VtuBCnXArO0HJIMg1KdRzKny6MEJulY_gXZqF9_JIU/s1600/halloween+weekend+2010+114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qUNZbSIKVhV-YcWUY-ja4ZeIFSs2NCYnMnwBOeHGThjuRpF76ZquntnBqtrMM3tOa8vdIONA4Emz7ZXaLYIiwMQGE7awzPnJ7VtuBCnXArO0HJIMg1KdRzKny6MEJulY_gXZqF9_JIU/s400/halloween+weekend+2010+114.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We'd never lighted a flare before. But, hey, it was expired!!!! It seems silly to light a flare when we didn't need any help. No S.O.S. here. But, now we know that flares don't burn in water. They are bright. They are hot in your hand. We think that they burn for 13 minutes. I hope help is closeby if we need it!</div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-32547343585384366642010-10-28T20:40:00.000-07:002010-10-28T20:40:32.431-07:00Cool iphone App for Star GazingWe featured an <a href="http://sailingtrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2010/08/details-of-training-wheels-first-ocean.html">iphone Compass app</a> in a past post. This post is here to tell you about the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-guide/id349344070?mt=8">iphone Star Guide</a> app!<br />
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Have you ever looked up and wondered what constellation is overhead? This iphone app uses the GPS and accelerometer to determine what constellations are in the direction that the phone is facing. When you look at the night sky, point the phone's camera at the night sky, the screen displays the stars, their names, and constellations!<br />
At SEA~ During the day, we were able to tell our direction by the sun. When a sailor wakes up the morning, he looks for the sun. Going from Hawaii to California, the sun should be directly in front of the boat or on the starboard side every morning. The sun rises in the East and sets in the West. Daytime orientation.<br />
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During the night, we set our intention to sail on a heading in line with a notable constellation. The Milky Way is bright and bands the night sky. At dusk, the sailor sets his compass to a line and holds it until the stars come out.Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-47347485490462043172010-10-22T07:04:00.000-07:002010-10-22T07:04:27.993-07:00Sail RepairWe took our torn mainsail down to the <a href="http://www.slosails.com/">local repair shop</a>. This place is pretty cool!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZynze9llkdy2cG-fux-0wO5NeWAhR81XNf1KMtNJlzt_OD0RhxPeYCpDufqxymRcQjGvEeuDPQB431c0dVmosxaQjoUIkOdawWpXCmufWIwT0zLMg7t1Hl0kG_k3WeD8iaLN49MtdLrc/s1600/slo+sails+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZynze9llkdy2cG-fux-0wO5NeWAhR81XNf1KMtNJlzt_OD0RhxPeYCpDufqxymRcQjGvEeuDPQB431c0dVmosxaQjoUIkOdawWpXCmufWIwT0zLMg7t1Hl0kG_k3WeD8iaLN49MtdLrc/s400/slo+sails+001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfIrQGjCA6-d6Nxids8HvDZHJVnW6J5_Xf6N1inOhVfnpiBtBWOQEiWI8VBGh5gPnzHoSSliT4Il3rOEv-I1w7pCbGOsvl7_N4HBNkox5UQnRAYCGuFT3nRhkyUWyqHOYV1049U1eS44/s1600/slo+sails+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfIrQGjCA6-d6Nxids8HvDZHJVnW6J5_Xf6N1inOhVfnpiBtBWOQEiWI8VBGh5gPnzHoSSliT4Il3rOEv-I1w7pCbGOsvl7_N4HBNkox5UQnRAYCGuFT3nRhkyUWyqHOYV1049U1eS44/s400/slo+sails+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xVgbYaXjNTK-XbGoimi6WAtT-aRlZww7MhGnmuEigYMhC2XAAwfXteO3uWpRQm8Blv-qCkEgaDByJgart0VPURKYgFQEzDys0RlkQtE1SCuSpbs21JnS9uAbET2Q7jln5aA2fARt8S0/s1600/slo+sails+tag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xVgbYaXjNTK-XbGoimi6WAtT-aRlZww7MhGnmuEigYMhC2XAAwfXteO3uWpRQm8Blv-qCkEgaDByJgart0VPURKYgFQEzDys0RlkQtE1SCuSpbs21JnS9uAbET2Q7jln5aA2fARt8S0/s400/slo+sails+tag.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-57478137942299811502010-10-20T21:48:00.000-07:002010-10-20T21:51:56.750-07:00My Boat has a Martingale?You may remember that <a href="http://sailingtrainingwheels.blogspot.com/2010/08/details-of-training-wheels-first-ocean.html">our boom snapped in two during the Zongo Cup</a>. The wind had shifted after rounding Point Buchon and as I eased out the main sail (let out more line to swing out the main sail) I failed to loosen the boom vang. The boom snapped right at the attachment of the boom vang. The boom had a lot of corrosion around this spot, but not easing the boom vang didn't help matters. So, I decided to do some research on how to properly use a boom vang.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNvN-uLvqexCKMKe5-lsR8_2zU-fWAmi4WiD_FmHHc8d7BVUjrNUFXOG4pX93VUggbM5i1-di9FnrTB-_B6fCPVZ9oas0cidIQPn8-EMl0Vvg6tMxjMihYNC4tc9iq8JJhn3SwYflYEQ/s1600/iphone+129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNvN-uLvqexCKMKe5-lsR8_2zU-fWAmi4WiD_FmHHc8d7BVUjrNUFXOG4pX93VUggbM5i1-di9FnrTB-_B6fCPVZ9oas0cidIQPn8-EMl0Vvg6tMxjMihYNC4tc9iq8JJhn3SwYflYEQ/s400/iphone+129.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
To my surprise, there are various names used for a boom vang. Currently, <em>boom vang</em> is used in the US and <em>kicking strap</em> is used in the UK, but and older term is <em>martingale</em>. Basically, it is a pulley and/or a piston/rod systems that is used to level the boom and controls twist in the main sail.<br />
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Great, but when do you use it?<br />
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After searching around a bunch of books and web sites, I found a decent working description on the <a href="http://www.sailingusa.info/sail_shape.htm">Sailing USA</a> site:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 1px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 1px;">"If the boom is over the water, one may want to first trim the lower part of the mainsail by using the mainsail's sheet , then loosen the boom vang until the aft (top) portion of the mainsail or telltales start to luff then tighten the boom vang until the luffing stops and the telltales (along the leech or back edge of the sail) are streaming backward." This is for sailing on a reach or down wind. Why do you want the sail twisted? The wind blows at different angles near the water or the bottom of the sail than it does 40 feet off the the water. In order for the whole sail to provide the maximum lift the sail needs to twist to meet the wind at the proper angle. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.smallboat.sailingcourse.com/images/points%20of%20sail.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.smallboat.sailingcourse.com/images/points%20of%20sail.gif" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If sailing close hauled or into the wind, the main sail doesn't really have twist. The boom vang is used in strong winds to flatten the sail and reduce the lift force of the sail. A flat sail can help avoid having to reef the main and will reduce excessive heeling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">p.s. If we had been smart like those folks on the Bella Star we might have <a href="http://www.svbellastar.com/2010/10/mast-work-ongoing.html">found the corrosion</a> under the boom vang plate and fixed it! </div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-78978199662165020172010-10-16T10:58:00.000-07:002010-10-16T11:19:26.209-07:00It's Fall!This is the first Saturday morning in 3 weeks that I've had to lay in bed as long as I want then troll around with a cup of coffee for as long as I want. It seems like heaven! Sure, there are a ton of things we could be doing to fix up <em>Lil'Wheels</em> and <em>Training Wheels</em>. We could don our weekend warrior masks and tackle the boom remake or sanding the mast. But, why? Can't I just sit here and drink coffee? <br />
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There will always be work to do. But, this is the perfect day for reading <u>Moby Dick</u>! It is overcast and cool outside. No reason to rush over to the dock just to get cold and wet through to the bones. Last month I finished <u>Treasure Island</u> and <u>Mutiny on the Bounty</u>. I think both books are wonderful and quaint. They remind me of the boyhood I never had. Just fun adventures all around. I was just a serious little girl growning up! I think that <u>Moby Dick</u> will be more on the serious side! I'll let you know!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6581222764202196246.post-10694877017947056862010-10-14T21:34:00.000-07:002010-10-14T21:43:37.979-07:00Motion Sickness and Nausea AntidotesOne of the first questions I asked Truman when he got home was, "Well, so, did you throw up?" and then "What do you mean, you didn't get sick at all?" and then, "How was this possible?"<br />
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Motion sickness was first described by Hippocrates; nausea being from the root word "naus" or <em>ship</em> in Greek. Seasickness is something that every serious sailor takes seriously. My own history with queasiness was the number one reason I was hesitant to buy a boat. Motion sickness is very familiar to me; all deep sea fishing and whale watching trips turned into the most expensive naps on the planet as I popped Dramamine like candy! <br />
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All joking aside, My captain went to Hawaii packed with anti-nausea <a href="http://www.landfallnavigation.com/gingergum.html">ginger gum</a>, <a href="http://www.motioneaze.com/">MotionEaze</a> drops, and over-the-counter Dramamine pills. The guys spent two weeks working on the boat and sleeping on-board so they got used to the boat rocking in its slip. But, the first venture out to Kauai was pretty rough. <br />
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Truman says that he has never gotten seasick. He admits to getting a little green in the past, but as long as he took the helm he was fine. He didn't want to leave anything to chance in Hawaii. And he didn't want to have anything threaten his performance as a crew member, so he premedicated with Dramamine two nights before leaving port. He doesn't remember if he read somewhere to do this, but it sure worked! He never used the gum or drops. After leaving port, he took the Dramamine daily for the first 4 days at sea prior to his "sleeping" shift, usually 4am to 8am.<br />
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In looking back, if one is prone to seasickness, it would be good to have a large supply of scopolamine also at hand. Scopolamine patches are great! Apply 1 patch behind the ear at least 4 hours prior to exposure and every 3 days as needed; effective if applied as soon as 2-3 hours before anticipated need, best if 12 hours before. I would go a step further and recommend that very sick persons use two patches, one behind each ear, and switch them on alternate days.<br />
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Despite not vomiting, Truman says that he had no appetite for food for the first 3-4 days. He says that he didn't want anything spicy. Bland food was best. And he certainly didn't want any alcohol. I am happy to report that he lost no weight on the journey.Captain and Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03602870506811815200noreply@blogger.com1