Sails, Lines, Rigging and more

With less than seven weeks to go until our departure date - approximately September 1, 2017 - we are still working pretty hard.  Dan wanted to get some new rigging and contacted Todd Chandler from Chandler Marine Services to bounce ideas with.  Together, they worked out a sensible replacement strategy for some of the rigging and Todd ordered the spool of line for us. Dan has been doing some dicing and splicing.

Dan is working on replacing some line.

It is finally time to check the sails.   We have a new one that was made my North Sails in Portland.  It is a Code 1 - which means a large genoa sail for lighter air.  Here is a photo of when we picked it up at their sail loft.

Checking out our new North Sail in Portland.

Checking out the jib.

Dean comes to the rescue with finishing the main sail cover for us.

The old sail cover was developing rips, holes etc, so we decided to order a new one made from Sunbrella fabric.  Cutting Edge canvas pulled through once again.  Meanwhile, I am trying to make 2 simple wench covers and I am on my third try.  All I can say is, there is some definite skill with being a canvas maker.  I suspect using the right sewing machine would help.  I am determined however, and will make these covers one way or another.  I might even take a picture of them when completed.

My good friend Diane, drove west from Connecticut to visit us for a week or so.  She loved going to the Pacific Ocean and let her dogs Sophie and Saddie run on the beaches.

Diane requests permission from the harbor master to enter the port.

After reading many sailing blogs and talking to fellow boat owners, Dan has decided to make our new Tohatsu outboard motor a little more recognizable.  Apparently this often means it gets left on the boat as opposed to being lifted for resale.  No guarantees.  

Dan, the artist is playing.

Here is our new dinghy motor.  Any guesses what theme was used?

Time to change the foredeck light.  The morning is calm and it is one of the last things on our project board.   Here Dan is getting his climbing gear on to ascend the mast.  

Dan is wiring on a new light, as the old one failed.  Notice my beautiful basket he used as a carry bag.  These practical bags I got from my friend Cindy, who was helping to sell them to benefit women in the Philippines establishing their own business.  I love these bags!

A reality in life hit us.   We are getting older.  Our bodies cannot do what they used to do.  Thus it is time to put away the old uncomfortable climbing harnesses and splurge on a" bootrascally" chair otherwise known as a bosun harness.  

Dan likes the bosun chair as it is much more comfortable.

Beverly decides it's her turn to go up the mast to take pictures of the jib halyard which is showing unusual signs of wear and tear.  

Bev is on the very top of the mast, checking out the wear of jib rigging.

I discovered some wear, but Dan still had to investigate further the next day.  So I hauled him up via the wench.

A view from the top of the mast.

On the way down, I decided to clean the green scum off the spreaders.