The story starts at the end of last fall. The boat is hauled out of the water by a crane and transported to a field in Redbridge for storage. Brian Stepaniak played a key role in making sure my first sailboat ownership experience was a good one. He reassured me when my first instinct was to sell 24 hours after buying the boat. Brian is one of those guys who can fix anything. He's generous with his talent and his time. I was glad that we were keeping the boat at his place.
He constructed a storage shelter for the boat and kept an eye on it during the winter months. After the long winter, the shelter was removed and I found the boat in near perfect shape. I owe Brian.
Getting the boat inspected prior to launch got me involved with Stuart Murray. More than a few people at the North Bay Yacht Club recommended Stu. I called him on a Saturday night and he was inspecting the boat the next day. I had a few concerns. He looked things over and reassured me that the minor repairs were just that--minor. What impressed me about Stu was how he went about doing his business. He climbed into a locker that normally holds an anchor and a small box. I said "Whoa, where you going." Before I could stop him he was down into this small space. He stayed there for about 15 minutes. Checking things out. He looked at my problem from literally a new perspective. He earned my trust. He's done a beautiful job on my boat.
Hauling the boat to Callendar was a potential night mare. I have a highway trailer, but I was reluctant to get someone to tow it. The boat weighs about 6100 lbs and the trailer is probably another 2500. Brian suggested a tow truck--turned out to be a super idea. The boat was down to Callendar in 40 minutes. Perfect.
The next phase involved putting the boat in the water. About 30 club members with assigned duties were on hand to lift and kerplunk about 30 boats into the harbour. Everything was super organized. Hard hats and safety vests for everyone. Two cranes did the lifting, three trucks with trailers did the shuttle from the parking lot to the point. Smooth.
Mast raising. I didn't get back down to the marina until the next weekend. A flooded basement got in the way along with work and life in general. However, on the long weekend I was able--with the help of Steve Glass and a few club members to get the mast up and the boat back to its slip.
The final phase of the outfitting took place over the last few days as we moved in gear, and rigged the sails. Sharon and I put on the main last night around 8 pm just as the thunder storm hit. Boat looks good--read to rock and roll.
Tonight is the first sailboat race--looking forward to the short trap race on Callendar Bay.
