First Sails of the Year: Cat Cove Missions I & II

Friday and Saturday of last week featured the first LADY expeditions of 2010 proper.  Launched the preceding Sunday (11 July), along with her tender, LST 1081, most activity between Monday and Thursday consisted of bailing.  Indeed, the LADY is leaking more than usual this year, perhaps because of less aggressive pre-launch soaking.  Alternatively, it is possible that, in the five years since her original refit, the calking we installed at that time is due to be replaced.

Rigging took place on Thursday (7/15) afternoon and evening, but there was no time for a shakedown sail until Friday.  This was a successful run in its own right, but also the first of series of projected short voyages around the backside of Winter Island, into Cat Cove.  This sail was marred only by the unusually large amount of water taken on during the trip.  Time will tell if this remains a problem.

Saturday’s sail was largely unpremeditated and (in the event) abortive.  The next voyage is planned for tomorrow, Tuesday 20 July.

Launch Day!

Very Exciting and (I think) a week or two earlier than last year.  LADY was launched at approximately 11 am, and immediately tried to convert herself into a U-Boat.  Decks were awash in a matter of minutes, and only her woodenness kept her afloat.  Later in the afternoon, about an hour and a half below high-tide, a party was sent to board the LADY and bail her, but was surprised to find her already sitting in the mud, and mostly drained—presumably in the same way she had filled, i.e. directly through the hull.

Plans to rig her up have been set for Thursday.  The mast is still awaiting a fresh coat of paint, and the sail has been in for alterations, and will be picked up then. .  Other changes in store for this season include a lazaret, and possibly sailing with Cathy.  Woohoo!  Will post photos soon.