While we are still toying with the deck layout (more on that later) Operation Make Ceol Mor A Home continues. We installed yet more task lighting into the cabinets. We are using good old fashioned, unflattering fluorescent lighting because what we require is a rugged fixture and abundant light when we are digging through a cabinet or locker. I'm sure Mark knows exactly what the amp draw is but since these lights will only ever be used momentarily and not for a constant light source it shouldn't matter that much. They are fluorescent- low amp draw in exchange for making your face look green. Everything is a trade off. The galley cabinet work lights are now installed and its just a matter of tidying up the wiring and replacing the teak cabinet facing.
We took the boat out for a little chug on Saturday. I like to joke that if something happened to Mark, I could absolutely sail the boat well enough on my own to get to my desired location. I just can't dock the thing and so would be forced to sail in circles in the harbor until docking help arrived. I'm working on
We had a nice breeze going, enough so that everyone seemed to be out on the bay with all their canvas up enjoying the day. Not us. Under my command Ceol Mor was playing sit and spin. I'm getting used to pivoting on the keel so basically it looked like I was doing doughnuts in a parking lot. I am sure all the sailors zipping by thought "what is that idiot doing?". Never mind. It will not be the last time I look like an idiot to be sure. In the end, I got a good feel for pivoting and understanding prop walk and prop wash . I'm still not the greatest at backing the boat and can only do so for about 50 feet before I screw that up. Its ok, we've got time. Someday I hope to be able to back the boat into our slip as elegantly and smoothly as Mark. Scratch that. Someday I hope to be able to dock without my stomach in my throat from fear of hitting someone else's boat. Boat owners everywhere should sigh with relief at my unwillingness to dock until I am absolutely sure I'm not going to bash into someone else's boat.
I should probably mention that while I am an outstanding car driver- as in a really great, safe, tireless long distance driver, I am crap at parallel parking. I think perhaps I am just 'parking challenged' and everyone should offer me understanding. Everyone lauds Danica Patrick and Ellen MacArthur but have you even seen either one of them park? I rest my case. So long as I can dock without damaging anything we will consider it a win.
You just used what I think is the most consistent / true phrases in boat gear: "everything is a trade off". SO TRUE! Impressed that you are taking the time to know your boat so well. I used to... then we got a different boat. And then we went cruising, and stopped docking... but it's all still important skill/info to have. Just afraid I've lost the docking mojo!
ReplyDeletehaha..I also haven't ventured down the docking path. Tate does it and is does it quite well. One day i'll need to learn though.
ReplyDeleteAs far as parallel parking goes, don't worry, I'm no good either.
I read something that said women don't have good depth perception..Like we have good peripheral vision that apparently saved us early on from lions or whatever, but no depth perception.
Guys are just better at that. They have tunnel vision. Case in point when they can't find things in the fridge right in front of them. I think this is why alot of them hate to shop as well. Too much stuff all around, stressful.
Of course this isn't a blanket statement, it applies to some and not to others. However in my life I have seen this most often.
We should share docking notes one day. Nice to hear you are taking your boat out.
Dani
My docking notes are- go slow. Try not to hit stuff. Have a lot of fenders out. :)
DeleteI'm impressed that you can back your boat at all. And that you are out there practicing. We practice 'man overboard' whenever we see some kind of trash in the water. People probably think we're crazy, but as you said, it's not the first time and it won't be the last. That's okay. Now, docking is a skill that you will be proud of when you accomplish it. It's very, very cool to be able to dock your boat, to just kind of 'float' up to the dock so that the mate can just step off onto the dock and gently tie off. Sometimes that happens. Sometimes it doesn't. And that's what fenders are for! Keep trying.
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