Murmansk Sailing Club
09 February 2012 | River Orwell
NSTR: nothing special to report. True, but it also makes one boring blog.
Boat: yard have now completed all the Winter jobs. Last item on the list - replacing two foredeck hatches - was completed last week (just before the snow fell). The boat's now 100% waterproof. And it has only taken us five years.
Some minor items still remain outstanding, but we'll deal with those ourselves if/when we can find the time. One item which can no longer be ignored is the replacement of the batteries. They were on the boat when we got her 6 years ago and the previous owner also hadn't replaced them during his ownership (3 years). They may or may not last another couple of months before they finally give up, but this time I felt it better to be proactive. Replacements ordered, and they should be with us before the month is out.
Other than that - everything works as it's supposed to and nothing's broken. Weird feeling - I actually have to go looking for things to fix. A bit at a loss, really.
Sailing: we've been out a couple of times over the last two weeks. Different crew every time. The sail with the other half and youngest offspring was a particular success. We got the cruising chute up for the first time this year. Smooth as silk, though we were pushing our luck at times. Apparent wind sometimes as much as 10 degrees forward of the mast. Not ideal, but it was only for a very short time. A code zero is on the wish list, but bar a big lottery win, I don't see us getting one any time soon.
The father/daughter sail was another ideal opportunity to catch up on what the apple of my eye has been up to lately. Since she's been at Uni, we don't see as much of her as we used to.
And yesterday, I was out with 'Herman the German' - a colleague from work - in what can best be described as Arctic conditions. Temperatures below freezing - add to that wind-chill and snow on deck... We're now ready to sign up as full members of Murmansk Sailing Club.
Any sailing is better than no sailing at all, and as bracing and character-building as Winter sailing may be, I much prefer the balmy days of Summer. Give me shades, shorts, t-shirt and flip-flops any day. Not long now - he says longingly.
Meanwhile, back in Soviet Russia ...
PS: I've also updated our long neglected gallery. New album: Winter 2011.