Not too many crew came out for member sail (projected low wind?) so Robert & I were able to go out on Akimbo. (Steve skippered, I was first mate, Robert and John crew.) There was fairly light wind but it did pick up past ft McHenry and aws was in the 9kt range for a bit. Played with the travelers and did get an extra .2-.3kts by placing at the front of the rear port light. Moved back to the middle before leaving boat though. Having them that far up does make it look weird. Was able to stay out late-ish since we had lights. (All working!) Got back to dock around 8:30. (Ok, not actually late, just dark.)
Tried showing Robert how to flake the main but am second guessing my 2 slug alternating technique now. It looked kind of sloppy at my end where I was flattening it.
Also the batteries are still reading low. We made a point of topping them up but ever since a couple weeks ago when I found them left on they've been reading low.
Happened to run into Mark doing a repair on Akimbo before member sail (I was dropping sleeping bags and stuff on Sweet Dreams for Friday) and he showed me the correct way to fix the loose screw pin at the base of the main sheet block. He got a package of hefty cotter rings and a roll of rigging tape and now that thing is SECURE. Hah. I guess cotter rings is the correct name, or at least searchable in the west marine inventory, for the ring dings that are used on the lifelines. The ones Mark got were much bigger and sturdier though.
And Sandy got stealth checked-out!!! Woo! Now we can schedule the cruising class and get focused on our cohort training for our cruising checkouts! I can't wait to be able to plan more trips and for next year.