After a pleasant if not somewhat cool summer sailing season fall has finally arrived.  We likely will have time for a few more short trips before we winterize again.  Most of our time this summer was spent catching up on maintenance, as in refinishing all of our brightwork.  No small task, in fact, we spent so much time standing, that is using power tools, that the marina lady finally came over and asked us to give it a break.  The good news is that everything looks fantastic.  We also learned the importance of changing diesel oil filters.  One evening sailing in Elliott Bay as we “her back towards Shilshole I noticed that that ourRPM was steadily dropping off.  Normally we cruised about 2400 RPM, but with the throttle wide open we are maxed out at 2000 then 1900, 1800, 170o.  So much for forgetting to change fuel filters.  The engine runs like a charm now.

Saturday saw Diane and I buttoning up for winter.  The last coat of varnish is on and Ochento is sealed up tight.  The dingy was in the water from July to November and had  quite a build up of sea crud so it got a good scrubbing then secured to the dingy rack for winter.  The British Seagull was oiled and fuel cleaned out and stored in the garage. 

 As far as major projects I am in the process of rebuilding the laz lid but that is a story for another day.

Continuing projects:

• Recaulk deck
• Repaint dodger
• Sand and refinish bow sprit

Planning a winter sail before Thanksgiving, until then

Happy sailing the Salish Sea

Enjoyed a pleasant if not somewhat windy sail with Diane on President’s day.  We headed out of Shilshole about 2:00 PM into 20 Knot winds from thr North.  It was a kick watching the kite’s off Golden Gardens.  The wind was not too bad but the waves were starting to kick up some so we were only out for about an hour.  40 degree temperatures with these winds meant for quite a wind chill factor.  Coming back into Shilshole from the South we were reminded of the shallows beneath Magnolia bluff as we watched a sailboat grounded on the mud flats.  The Coast Guard was in attendance and the evening news reported that the boat was expected to float off with the flood tide.

Back at the dock we changed the oil and listed maintenance tasks for next month.

It gets real shallow beneath Magnolia Bluff

December at Shilshole

Now that the snow is melting and the days are getting longer it is time for our semi annual pilgrimage to Fisheries Supply to explore the glories of varnish.  Once again we are entertaining the perpetual discussion of tradational varnish vs. Cetol.  With the allure of a near perfect finish…. wait a minute, I just want to sail.  Think in terms of a good or even great finish but the point is sailing.  Now that we settled that argument here is a photo of Ochento in the snow.

 

Saturday sailing from Shilshole to points North.   Nathan took us out and we headed North with a SE wind at 7 Kts.  We sailed nearly to Edmonds under full main and genoa.  We turned South towards Shilshole in perfect time to catch a beautiful sunset and make the dock just as darkness set in. A perfect sail.

Nathan at the helm.

Nate is at the helm so time for me to relax.

Sunsetting as we sail into the rain.

full sail

It’s always something.  moved to our new permanent moorage in Shilshole marina.  Upon arrival we noticed there was someone else’s power cord and hose.  Someone is out for a day sail from our slip Spoke with the harbormaster who advised, “no problem” no clue as to why the stuff is there but no worry.  next day we get a call, they have double leased our slip.  Since we are in a 38 in a 34′ foot boat we suggested we move into a 34 or 36.  Shilshole was kind enough to accommodate us and move us into a 36.  lucky us!  Moving may 89 into 36.  It’s always something

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