Stardate: 06172010.0230
Well, the second of our sailing lessons is now history and I have now made my number one priority for this winters upgrade, to install or have installed a motorized windless. It's a lot of back breaking work to get that anchor up manually, especially when you have back and knee problems. If I could get it done tomorrow I would. And I did not even work the anchor Mary did all the work with the help of the captain. When it came time for my turn I passed. I already have two discs missing and did not need anymore. I am going to get an email out to our service agent tomorrow first thing to have him start coming up with possible replacements. I don't want to just put a motor on the unit we have because it can only handle a single anchor. I want to be able to have two anchors at the ready at all times.
The mooring training went just fine and I must say Mary did an outstanding job. She didn't miss a one on three training runs both at the helm and catching the mooring line. The rest of the day was spent reinforcing what we have already learned. Our next lesson has not been scheduled yet. I think a lesson in July on the spinnaker will be next. Mary and I were relaxing by the pool at the Marina after our lesson and we both turned to each other and asked the same question. What are we going to do with ourselves over the winter months when Midnight Breeze is hauled out? We'll cross that bridge when we get to it!
I have to tell everyone this little story even though I will get in trouble with Mary. A couple of weeks ago we picked up our dinghy motor and mounted it on the rail. We decided that while we were in our slip we should practice lowering the dinghy and motor so we have a system down on how to approach it when at anchor. Well, everything went according to plan, the dinghy went into the water then I lowered the motor to Mary who was in the dinghy and she mounted it and secured it. Perfect, so I thought! I went to get our life vests to take a spin around the marina and I heard Mary yelling for me Dave! Dave! I need Help! Now as I am writing this, the tears are just running down my face, because I just can't stop laughing. I rushed over to look down on the swim platform and their Mary was spread eagle half in the dinghy and half on the swim platform, and butt in the water, slowly making her way into the drink! Even though I was laughing hysterically and could hardly breathe I was able to reach down and grab her hand and haul her back onto the boat. She looked at me red in the face, and I said oh no I am in for it now, and all of a sudden she couldn't stop laughing. Finally I turned to her and said we'll you're lucky, all you ended up with is a dinghy butt and a bruised ego. She looked at me and said well that's a whole new meaning to dinghy butt, since you usually are in the dinghy when you get it not half in and half out. And we laughed until it hurt! Where is that camera when you need it!!!
Until next time!
Be Safe!
Dave