Friday, November 29, 2014 A visit from the rigger

The winds are completely down, so today is the best day to run the reefing lines on the mainsail…fortunately we remembered how and were able to leave the mainsail up while we were working. Shortly, we had the aft lines secured, and moved on to the forward lines…which I tied up quickly…only later to realize I did it completely wrong! oh well, the good news is the forward lines are MUCH easier to get to.

This afternoon, Jorge the rigger came to work on our various items. Fix the mainsheet issue – done; fix the base of the boom – done; check the alignment of the mast – done; install a sail stopper in the mast track – half done; service the winches…well, they are gone now, and Jorge will be servicing them at home, then reinstalling them early next week.

Watching him take them apart was an education in itself. We have both attended those boat show seminars where they give you the theory…but it’s a bit of a different story when it is the dirty, greasy winch attached to your boat that is the issue. Much better to have the expert walk you thru the process.

While working up on the coach roof with Jorge, Jim spotted a 6 foot Manatee surfacing just beside the boat. This is a Manatee Protected zone, but as they are so elusive, we rarely see them. Walking up the docks last week I saw a baby for about 2 seconds while it surfaced, but Jim was able to watch this one for a bit longer. Very nice…we like this neighborhood!