On Saturday, I was feeling pretty despondent over the state of the boat. The boat has plywood and plastic bolted over two of her removed portlights while we wait for the weather to warm up enough to rebed them. Her handrails on deck have been removed for revarnishing and tape covers the old screw holes. The headliner from the entire cabin has been removed to allow for rewiring, etc. She looks a right mess. My uncle came by to visit for the first time and upon seeing the interior of the boat said "When exactly are you guys planning on leaving?"
In order to prevent me from becoming a morose little Eyeore, Mark suggested we go for a sail on Sunday. Even though she looks a state, she is operational and can be sailed- all though you wouldn't want to take her offshore. This was a brilliant move on Mark's part because despite her appearance, it reminded me why we fell in love with her in the first place. She sails so, so beautifully and comfortably. 19 knots of wind, beam reach and a boat speed of 7 knots on main alone. For all of you who hard core salty peeps who want to know how well she points- 25 degrees easy.
I've got lots of pictures of Kitty who was a bit cranky, but that's probably to do with the appearance of her new tooth. I'm opting not to post them just now because this next bit is all about Maura.
Maura is finally able to see over the cabin top and now that she's a bit older, was allowed/asked to do more while preparing the boat to go out. She really liked having more responsibility for the boat but what really made her day was that for the first time she was given complete control of the boat. This was an enormous deal to her, very similar to being allowed to drive the family car for the first time. She did a great job and we are enormously proud of her. Sail on Maura, sail on.
In order to prevent me from becoming a morose little Eyeore, Mark suggested we go for a sail on Sunday. Even though she looks a state, she is operational and can be sailed- all though you wouldn't want to take her offshore. This was a brilliant move on Mark's part because despite her appearance, it reminded me why we fell in love with her in the first place. She sails so, so beautifully and comfortably. 19 knots of wind, beam reach and a boat speed of 7 knots on main alone. For all of you who hard core salty peeps who want to know how well she points- 25 degrees easy.
I've got lots of pictures of Kitty who was a bit cranky, but that's probably to do with the appearance of her new tooth. I'm opting not to post them just now because this next bit is all about Maura.
Maura is finally able to see over the cabin top and now that she's a bit older, was allowed/asked to do more while preparing the boat to go out. She really liked having more responsibility for the boat but what really made her day was that for the first time she was given complete control of the boat. This was an enormous deal to her, very similar to being allowed to drive the family car for the first time. She did a great job and we are enormously proud of her. Sail on Maura, sail on.
Very cool Maura, good on ya!
ReplyDeleteI love her obvious concentration and then her smile when she knows she's got it just right.
ReplyDeleteI love the look on her face - priceless and precious and perfect! Go Capt Maura!!!
ReplyDeleteThen I showed the video to Zach and he said... "Hmmm, she's cute. Can she come play?"
ReplyDeleteAnd then he said, "I wish we were sailing I'm tired of bobbing around this stupid old slip. And when we DO go sailing we always end up back here."
p.s. I LOVE that glimpse of Kitty!
We would love to have a play date with Zach and Naia!! Hopefully next summer...
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet little video! Kitty asleep and Maura concentrating so hard!
ReplyDeleteAwwww!!!!! Very sweet!! Although, it didn't let me watch the whole thing before complaining about an error. I could still a little bit see it though - she does look like she's doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteAnd neat new font & stuff!!!!
Totally amazing. Maura you are one awesome sailor... first time? Impossible... you have salt in your veins!
ReplyDeleteLittle kitty seemed to not notice... They'll be some crew.. mom.