After much debating, we decide on a Pep Wave unit to provide our new and improved internet/wifi experience while out at sea. My husband determined best and highest placement of the unit, on our starboard shrouds. While I don't mind heights, I unfortunately don't possess keen mechanical skills. So he got the job of being hoisted up. It was one of the few remaining tasks on our To Do list before departing on June 6. Counting this as Day 6 of 10 allowed.
Century Club: Cheryl Duvall
Thursday, May 18, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Securing outboard to dinghy
One of the most dreaded tasks in the spring is installing the very heavy and awkward outboard onto our dinghy. Counting this as day 5 of 10 allowed for prepping/maintaining.
Sunday, May 14, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
About to leave slip, on South River
We needed a short shakedown cruise to test some systems, so we sailed down South River, across the bay, and then back. Engine performed well, and all three sails were flown with no issues.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Our new though short-term slip at Pier 7
We sailed from Whitehall Bay to the South River, and into our new though temporary slip at Pier 7 Marina.
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Supplemental refrigerator unit
In preparation for our 100+ days at sea, we purchased and installed a new cooling unit to supplement our refrigerator and/or freezer. We installed it today, and confirmed I still had kneeroom when working at computer at dinette. Unit can be removed after long trip to return this to 2-seat dinette. Counted this as Day 4 of 10 allowed for maintenance.
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
One of three sails, with new telltales
We had a windless day at the dock so were able to put all three sails on Belle Bateau. So excited to have new tell tales! Counting this as Day 3 of 10 allowed for maintenance.
Friday, May 5, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Belle Bateau is splashed!
BB was splashed at Whitehall Marina, and we continued to test systems since we had hired professionals to service the engine. Discovered leak in injectors so can't move boat to Annapolis tomorrow. Counting this as Day 2 of 10 allowed for maintenance.
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Number of days:
1 day
Riggers up the mast while we were prepping BB
We were aboard Belle Bateau on the hard preparing for her spring splash when the riggers returned to complete their work. Counting this as 1 allowed day for prepping/maintaining boat.
Monday, October 17, 2022
Number of days:
1 day
On the travel lift
Narrow channel to back down
Captain Julie as we left Lake Ogleton
While stuck in Solomon's due to weather earlier this month, I met Julie who singlehands a 44' catamaran. Julie was in Annapolis for the boat show, and we were both taking classes at Cruisers University. She mentioned she could use some help when moving her boat from Lake Ogleton to Port Annapolis for a haul-out. I was happy to assist! Wow, catamarans are so different than monohulls (so much bigger, wider, taller). But Julie is masterful, and backed her boat down the narrow channel to the travel-lift for a successful haul-out. I was glad I could help out.
Saturday, October 15, 2022 to Sunday, October 16, 2022
Number of days:
2 days
At anchor near the horse farm
Sunrise in Magothy Narrows
Elaine as we pass under the Bay Bridge
Captain Cheryl in her happy place
Elaine after we docked successfully
Big weekend! First overnight sail without my husband! I've been dreaming of this for years. Finally the stars aligned, with weather, all boat parts working, and schedules. My friend Elaine loves being on the water, but is not a sailor. Originally, I had planned for my first "women only" overnight to be with 1-2 sailor-wise girlfriends. But schedules conflicted, and when I mentioned this dream, Elaine eagerly volunteered to join me. I had to remember to avoid sailing jargon and terms, which was tougher than I thought. We did well, even in the very sporty winds of Saturday, with 14-16 knots, gusting 22+. We sailed from Annapolis to the Magothy, double reefed with JUST the genoa, and averaged 5-6 knots. We were downwind for awhile, and then sailed on a beam to enter the Magothy. We anchored near the Gibson Island horse farm with about 20 other boats. I grilled us some burgers and hash browns for dinner, and we chatted long into the evening over wine. Despite temps in the mid-50s, Elaine wanted to sleep in the cockpit since she loves to sleep outdoors. Easily done! Sunday's sunrise was beautiful, and then we returned safely to my slip at Whitehall Marina, without any new scratches. Ta da!