First Sail of the Season

chef2sail · #1 (**permalink**) 03-28-2010

Well we got the boat out of the slip today for the first time since last Dec having endure "snowpochalypse" and the few dousing we have had over the last two weeks.

Was cold uneventfull shake down cruise for about 2 hours worth. Everything seemed to work well. A few projects still await, but it was time to start up the deisel and hoist the sail albet for a short trip.

The boat seemed happy to be free of her lines....as was my wife and and I. Its amazing how much even a few hours on the water does to ease my mind. I am sure my employees will thank the weather as it allowed me to go out and mellow on the water.

Dave

Bermudahigh · #2 (**permalink**) 03-29-2010

The first is a milestone, especially after our winter of white.
Glad you got the sails up. I motored my way down the river and that's not a complaint.
It was good to get out.
70's coming on this week.

BubbleheadMd · #3 (**permalink**) 03-29-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bermudahigh

70's coming on this week.

The forecast has me chomping at the bit. I'm fortunate that my work hours allow me to sail in the afternoon on weekdays as well as weekends.

...If I can just keep up with the household duties...

smackdaddy · #4 (**permalink**) 03-29-2010

Nice chef! Congrats on copping the mellow!

mccary · #5 (**permalink**) 04-04-2010

My Worst Day on the Boat EVER!

I have never had a day like Friday (4/2).* Here on The Chesapeake Bay the weather was outstanding, our first day with temps in the 80s.* A perfect day to make my first sail of the season, or so I thought.

After some last minute work and then off to the boat.* I had loads of "stuff" to carry to the boat.* I loaded up for the first trip carrying a duffel bag and camera in one arm and the boat's silverware box and a new box of flairs for the season. No hands for me.

My first glimpse of the boat after spending 3 days cleaning the deck and cabin over the last 2 weekends left my in agony.* The birds appreciated my cleaning efforts and found a new home on the starboard side of the boat which is covered in bird poop.* I have to find a way to scare off the birds.* And I have to re-clean the boat

I had left the lifeline gate down so balancing all the stuff I was carrying I stepped on the boat and turned to step into the cockpit.* Somehow, and I don't know exactly what happened, I tripped or stumbled and fell into the cockpit landing with my butt on the cockpit sole and my back bouncing hard against the corner of the port seat.* It knocked the wind out of me and at first I thought I had beckon something.* I sat for a minute or two (the wife was still in the car and missed the ballet) to regain my composure and breath.* I used the main sheets to pull myself up to the seat.* I fully expected to have broken something or maybe to see a pool of blood, but no such luck.*

I sat there regaining my breath and feeling like I had been kicked by a mule.* My left side really hurt and left arm hurt too.* I decided not to go sailing just as a precaution if something was really wrong.* I texted my daughter (the Doctor) and asked her what might be wrong ... she rattled off a list of possible serious problems but my symptoms didn't point to anything beyond maybe a cracked rib. So, after a rest time I managed to head home... not my best day of sailing.

Saturday finds my in agony, surprising, no bruises but I am really sore.* So, maybe I will be up for sailing soon, I have to feel better.* At least nothing is broken except maybe my ego. Thank goodness there are no pictures or worse yet no video, something good came my way Friday!

wwilson · #6 (**permalink**) 04-04-2010

Joe,

Ugly luck. Hope all is well with you. I feel as sore (well almost) as you after working on my boat - on the hardstand- since Wednesday!

We are weeks away from launch and only aching muscles to look forward to. I put off sanding the bottom for paint prep as long as I can: the worst job ever, every season.

I watch longly as boats from HHN head out through the cut into the breeze.

Physician's father - "Heal thyself"

T37Chef · #7 (**permalink**) 04-04-2010

Okay Dave, go ahead and rub it in why don't you!

Joe...OUCH, that gota hurt.

We're pulling the boat Thursday to start work on her...and it ain't gonna be one weekend worth of either

I'll feel lucky if we are ready for our June Trip

mccary · #8 (**permalink**) 04-04-2010

Thanks guys, the rib cage still hurts but this posting is a bit of ego healing for the dumb mistake. It is the first time I hurt myself on a boat (beyond simple knuckle busting or shin banging), so live and learn that that thing I love so is capable of biting back. So better days ahead I am sure.

And I still have to figure how to get rid of those birds.

AdamLein · #9 (**permalink**) 04-04-2010

Ouch, Joe.... the rest of us know that our own ribs are living on borrowed time! Hope you heal up quick and get in plenty of time afloat in this early bit of the season.

mgmhead · #10 (**permalink**) 04-04-2010

Joe,

Hope your ribs are better soon. I had a similar tumble into the cockpit but it was while trying to chase ducks out of my dinghy with a boatpole. Ducks flew off but I stumbled backward, ripped my big toe on a cleat and fell backwards onto the cockpit sole. At least I could see my injury, I just couldn't explain to the Admiral why it happened. I could tell her how, but not why.