S/V Passage - Refitting a Classic (& Building Our Skills) Before Cutting the Docklines

We haven't been MIA because we're busy with boat projects...sadly it's been the exact opposite. While winter in Chicago has been a bit more temperate that usual, it still hasn't exactly been ideal for boatwork. So we've been focusing on home projects that were neglected throughout boating season...how exciting, right?! It makes me wonder how much less stressful it'll be when we don't have to balance condo and boat upkeep and can just focus on the boat...I know it'll still be a lot of work but then at least we'll only need to work off of just ONE to-do list. Sounds easier somehow...

In any case, we did go to Strictly Sail Chicago at the end of January...there were some moderately interesting seminars...especially by Jimmy Cornell and Pam Wall...but overall we both felt a bit underwhelmed. Yet again, we only stepped foot on one boat...an 86 ft racing boat that stopped traffic on Lake Shore Drive en route to the show and will doing the Race to Mackinac this July. Sans rigging, I'm sure that Passage could fit INSIDE that megayacht, no problem!

The most exciting news we have to share now is that we officially paid our boat mooring fees for the 2012 season and will be returning to Monroe Harbor

...oh yeah, and we are members of a yacht club...the Poor Man's Yacht Club...a fun organization that doesn't take itself too seriously...just our style!

We're heading to Aruba for a week at the end of February, and when we return we'll hopefully be able to start the spring boatwork season in March. Then there'll definitely be exciting news and stories to share!