In the Slings

Big day Monday as she took the five mile trip overland to Gary Snider's Clinton River shop (more wonderful service, thanks, Gary!).  She went in the slings and in the water and started leaking like a sieve, just like she's supposed to.  By today she is taking on very little water, so the planks are swelling up nicely.  First time I've seen the Shady Lady in the water and it was great!  Gary put in a new bilge pump and it's a monster.  I could pee like that in my 20s; a sight to behold.  Three new batteries were delivered today and should all be installed and the final wiring for the pump finished later today.  Then she's ready to come out of the slings and float free.  

Bought my baby (Carol, not the boat or car) a present today, a new masthead fly.  Should be able to see that thing from two states away.  Carol found that very helpful during our sailing classes.  The varnishing and oiling are going well and the Shady Lady is looking sharp!  Very glad we had the white paint on the deck stripped over the winter.  Bob Hutchinson did a great job on this all winter.  As I walked around on deck I was surprised how workable she is.  The walks next to the cabin look narrow, but I found it easy, not wide, but I had just the right amount of room.  Another well-thought-out part of her design.  

Gary will be sailing in the Pt. Huron-to-Mackinac Race this weekend, so we should wrap things up next week as far as Bob finishing the varnish on the boom and mast, stepping the mast, and bending the sails.   Terry Mahoney should finish commissioning the engine and checking electrical switches and circuits by next week.  Then we're ready for her first sail of the year.