Here is a short video as I checked on her in her barn, decorated for Christmas!
Smooth Sailing!!!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Eve, a silent night...
She's nestled safely in her barn. I'm back on my feet after a surgery and now have about 2 months to perform some planned modifications and upgrades before Galactica swims for the first time in 2011!
Here is a short video as I checked on her in her barn, decorated for Christmas!
Smooth Sailing!!!
Here is a short video as I checked on her in her barn, decorated for Christmas!
Smooth Sailing!!!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Great Way to End the Sailing Season!
Beautiful Day, Fun Race & the BattleScar Galactica
The weather's been changing with frosty nights and warm days. We decided to shirk some chores needing to be done and take advantage of the weather on Saturday. Winds 10-14mph, mid 70's temperature.
We got up early and were on the road a little past 7am.
This picture shows the early morning shadow of Galactica and her tow beast!
This time, we put in at Ray Behrens Access which we'd never used before at Mark Twain Lake. We've decided that this is to be our primary ramp in the future. It's a few miles closer to home than the ramp we normaly used and a decent setup with flushing facilities.
We met up with some of the MTLSA members and decided there simply weren't enough boats for the chore of setting up the full regatta so a bunch of us decided to do a fun midship race. Dock A to due north of the C navigation marker and back. Winds were strong but flukey in some areas.
We started on a run then tacked port for a long broad reach. Galactica held her own against the bigger sailboats during most of the first half. All of the boats were all fairly together for quite a while even though we started a hundred or so yards behind the other boats. We were leeward of the fleet and with slightly better wind, worked our way to second place. Just as Galactica's bow came up to the stern of Rogue, the winds opened up in the Spalding pool, the 34' Hunter, Rogue, took off and displayed what a fast boat she is, leaving the rest of us way behind.
Winds shifted, foul for a simple return leg and are alway chaotic from the Dam through the BlackJack arm. We followed Recess and Endeavor close to the north shore with the aim of tacking and cutting off some distance into the Blackjack arm. I saw both of them have wind troubles near the shore, trees sticking out of the water and some fishermen. With hind sight, I should have tacked to avoid the same area but winds were keeping Galactica on a slightly better trajectory.
As we got closer, the winds shifted and we tried skirting the point without putting ourselves in irons. The Wind fluttered and clost to a treetop, sticking a foot out of the water, the current grabbed us heading midship directly towards the tree top.
I dropped the motor, fired it up and powered around a fast tack, kissing the treetop along the last 10 feet of Galactica's port side... Hence her new nickname at the marina: Battlescar Galactica. Fortunately, the skuff will buff out of her pretty blue hull!
We lost ground with the flukey winds of the Blackjact arm which gave us more trouble than normal. Regardless, it was a beautiful and fun day. We would have been better had we reefed the main or at least partially furled the 150 Genoa foresail. We spent a large portion of the sail heeled over from 25 to 35 degrees, a major gust put Galactica over to 50 degrees. I rounded up quickly, eased the main sheet and she didn't go over but it sure felt like it. Angie thought it was fun!
Our fuel tank on the windward side had its breather vent open. Though only half full, a lot of gas leaked out and ran over my foot due to the angle of heel. Note, when sailing in good winds--close the fuel vent...
We enjoyed conversation and ice cream at the marina. We were going to leave Galactica berthed while we went out on a 37' Tartan, Higher Porpoise, but their puppy fell through a hatch, falling 6 foot to the deck below and breaking her forearm. They took her to the vets. Angie and I went for a short lazy sail with just the Genoa up in good wind. Very pleasant and fun.
The ramp has a center dock so that two lines of vehicles can put in or take out at the same time. An idiot and his girlfriend/wife decided it was a nice free dock and parked their fish&Ski boat on the starboard side--blocking that half of the ramp. They proceeded to hike along the shore to fish from the beach. It took us 40 minutes of idling in the current while the traffic jam cleared. We were next so I held back enough for someone to pick up their driver and another moron shot in with his fish&ski and took his time going up to get his truck. Meanwhile, someone in a boat chewed out idiot number one about blocking the ramp where upon the idiot cast his rod again and commented that they were not done yet.
More boats arrived so I pushed Galactica in and quickly retrieved our tow beast and pulled her out. Angie had the fins up and everything prepped while I was jogging up to the parking lot.
We had a lot of folks come by as we de-rigged Galactica and a Lawyer from Centralia even came aboard to check her out. We got home in time to enjoy pizza with our son! All in all, a great day on the water and if this is the last time we get to sail Galactica this season, it was a wonderful way to end the season!
The weather's been changing with frosty nights and warm days. We decided to shirk some chores needing to be done and take advantage of the weather on Saturday. Winds 10-14mph, mid 70's temperature.
We got up early and were on the road a little past 7am.
This picture shows the early morning shadow of Galactica and her tow beast!This time, we put in at Ray Behrens Access which we'd never used before at Mark Twain Lake. We've decided that this is to be our primary ramp in the future. It's a few miles closer to home than the ramp we normaly used and a decent setup with flushing facilities.
We met up with some of the MTLSA members and decided there simply weren't enough boats for the chore of setting up the full regatta so a bunch of us decided to do a fun midship race. Dock A to due north of the C navigation marker and back. Winds were strong but flukey in some areas.
We started on a run then tacked port for a long broad reach. Galactica held her own against the bigger sailboats during most of the first half. All of the boats were all fairly together for quite a while even though we started a hundred or so yards behind the other boats. We were leeward of the fleet and with slightly better wind, worked our way to second place. Just as Galactica's bow came up to the stern of Rogue, the winds opened up in the Spalding pool, the 34' Hunter, Rogue, took off and displayed what a fast boat she is, leaving the rest of us way behind.
Winds shifted, foul for a simple return leg and are alway chaotic from the Dam through the BlackJack arm. We followed Recess and Endeavor close to the north shore with the aim of tacking and cutting off some distance into the Blackjack arm. I saw both of them have wind troubles near the shore, trees sticking out of the water and some fishermen. With hind sight, I should have tacked to avoid the same area but winds were keeping Galactica on a slightly better trajectory.
As we got closer, the winds shifted and we tried skirting the point without putting ourselves in irons. The Wind fluttered and clost to a treetop, sticking a foot out of the water, the current grabbed us heading midship directly towards the tree top.
I dropped the motor, fired it up and powered around a fast tack, kissing the treetop along the last 10 feet of Galactica's port side... Hence her new nickname at the marina: Battlescar Galactica. Fortunately, the skuff will buff out of her pretty blue hull!
We lost ground with the flukey winds of the Blackjact arm which gave us more trouble than normal. Regardless, it was a beautiful and fun day. We would have been better had we reefed the main or at least partially furled the 150 Genoa foresail. We spent a large portion of the sail heeled over from 25 to 35 degrees, a major gust put Galactica over to 50 degrees. I rounded up quickly, eased the main sheet and she didn't go over but it sure felt like it. Angie thought it was fun!
Our fuel tank on the windward side had its breather vent open. Though only half full, a lot of gas leaked out and ran over my foot due to the angle of heel. Note, when sailing in good winds--close the fuel vent...
We enjoyed conversation and ice cream at the marina. We were going to leave Galactica berthed while we went out on a 37' Tartan, Higher Porpoise, but their puppy fell through a hatch, falling 6 foot to the deck below and breaking her forearm. They took her to the vets. Angie and I went for a short lazy sail with just the Genoa up in good wind. Very pleasant and fun.
The ramp has a center dock so that two lines of vehicles can put in or take out at the same time. An idiot and his girlfriend/wife decided it was a nice free dock and parked their fish&Ski boat on the starboard side--blocking that half of the ramp. They proceeded to hike along the shore to fish from the beach. It took us 40 minutes of idling in the current while the traffic jam cleared. We were next so I held back enough for someone to pick up their driver and another moron shot in with his fish&ski and took his time going up to get his truck. Meanwhile, someone in a boat chewed out idiot number one about blocking the ramp where upon the idiot cast his rod again and commented that they were not done yet.
More boats arrived so I pushed Galactica in and quickly retrieved our tow beast and pulled her out. Angie had the fins up and everything prepped while I was jogging up to the parking lot.
We had a lot of folks come by as we de-rigged Galactica and a Lawyer from Centralia even came aboard to check her out. We got home in time to enjoy pizza with our son! All in all, a great day on the water and if this is the last time we get to sail Galactica this season, it was a wonderful way to end the season!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Lazy Weekend cruising Mark Twain Lake
Cruising in early October's warm days and cold nights.
Angie and I left Friday after work. Our sons did not want to go, deciding to stay back with Grandma and Grandpa. We arrived at Mark Twain Lake after 9pm. We set the pace for the weekend and took our time rigging Galactica for the water.
It was a magnificent and clear night with so many stars and planets visible. We had about a 7-8 mile trip to the cove we were to use for our anchorage. We slowly putted that way. I alternately navigated using constellations and the shadows of the shoreline with occassional checks with a GPS for positioning in narrow channels and sighting buoys and markers with my night vision scope.
After setting our Danforth anchor, Angie cleaned up and retired to the vberth to read. I spent quite awhile in the cockpit star gazing, playing with my night vision scope and enjoying Sam Adams Octoberfest beer. Eventually, the temperature dropped significantly and I headed in.
We slept in, enjoying the cove to ourselves. There were a lot of critters to watch so we kicked back and enjoyed the morning and a great breakfast.
Amazing how good food tastes when your out traveling.
The trees are beginning to rust towards their Autumn colors.
There is a sand beach at the Indian Creek recreation area which was closed for the season so I took the opportunity to beach Galactica for the first time! Standing in the 68 degree water was chilly!
It's odd t see a sailboat on the shore! Angie and I enjoyed the warm sand in our bare feet. We decided to hike up a rocky trail to see if a bathhouse was available (open). We unaffectionately dubbed the trail, "Tenderfoot Trail"
While returning to the boat for lunch, a half dozen recreational boats began showing up. There had been a constant 4-5 knot wind all morning so we hoisted Galactica's sails and left the buoyed anchorage. Naturally, the winds dropped and were practically non-existent most of the rest of the day. The web had predicted 5-8 mph winds all day. The winds didn't actually pick back up until after we had furled the sails for the last time and decided to head home.
We spent a couple hours at BlackJack marina enjoying ice cream and talking with Alan, a sail association member who had sold his MacGregor 26S and is looking at a 26X or a 26M like Galactica.
We sailed the rest of the afternoon in 1-2 mph winds. After ghosting by a group of young men preparring to water ski, we decided to head home, furled the sails and rocketed back to the ramp.
Murphy's Law, When the ramps are busy, it seems that we are less than graceful tying up to the dock and loading Galactica on her trialer. When it's empty, things run so smoothly we look like mariner pros. The ramp was empty as we we approached it for the last mile. Then a fish-and-ski swooped in and tied up to the side ramp we were on final approach towards with fenders out and Angie on the bow line. Additionally, a pontoon boat pulled up towing an overloaded and out of gas bass boat. That group was having a devil of a time including nearly crushing a guy between boat and trailer wench. The first fish-and-ski boat forgot to lift his motor and drug his motor up the ramp. We came in, docked picture perfect. Gawd, what old salts we appeared to be. I jogged up and backed the tow beast and trailer down with no issues. The dead bass boat's driver wasn't a good trailer driver and was still jack-knifing and having a bad time getting into the water... Angie and I walked Galactica onto her trailer and I decided to back in a bit further so that I wouldn't have to do the 'mac bump' to finish sliding the boat up to the wench. We looked professional. I glanced at the bass boat fiasco, smiled to myself and did something I'd never done before...I slipped off the trailer tongue...SHWACK...splash!!! My leg hit the trailer hard and swelled up something fierce immediately...so much for mariner gods....
Here is a YOUTUBE video from this lazy weekend on the water:
VIDEO, Lazy Cruise on a MacGregor 26M -- Galactica
Angie and I left Friday after work. Our sons did not want to go, deciding to stay back with Grandma and Grandpa. We arrived at Mark Twain Lake after 9pm. We set the pace for the weekend and took our time rigging Galactica for the water.
It was a magnificent and clear night with so many stars and planets visible. We had about a 7-8 mile trip to the cove we were to use for our anchorage. We slowly putted that way. I alternately navigated using constellations and the shadows of the shoreline with occassional checks with a GPS for positioning in narrow channels and sighting buoys and markers with my night vision scope.
After setting our Danforth anchor, Angie cleaned up and retired to the vberth to read. I spent quite awhile in the cockpit star gazing, playing with my night vision scope and enjoying Sam Adams Octoberfest beer. Eventually, the temperature dropped significantly and I headed in.
We slept in, enjoying the cove to ourselves. There were a lot of critters to watch so we kicked back and enjoyed the morning and a great breakfast.
Amazing how good food tastes when your out traveling.
The trees are beginning to rust towards their Autumn colors.
There is a sand beach at the Indian Creek recreation area which was closed for the season so I took the opportunity to beach Galactica for the first time! Standing in the 68 degree water was chilly!
It's odd t see a sailboat on the shore! Angie and I enjoyed the warm sand in our bare feet. We decided to hike up a rocky trail to see if a bathhouse was available (open). We unaffectionately dubbed the trail, "Tenderfoot Trail"
While returning to the boat for lunch, a half dozen recreational boats began showing up. There had been a constant 4-5 knot wind all morning so we hoisted Galactica's sails and left the buoyed anchorage. Naturally, the winds dropped and were practically non-existent most of the rest of the day. The web had predicted 5-8 mph winds all day. The winds didn't actually pick back up until after we had furled the sails for the last time and decided to head home.
We spent a couple hours at BlackJack marina enjoying ice cream and talking with Alan, a sail association member who had sold his MacGregor 26S and is looking at a 26X or a 26M like Galactica.
We sailed the rest of the afternoon in 1-2 mph winds. After ghosting by a group of young men preparring to water ski, we decided to head home, furled the sails and rocketed back to the ramp.
Murphy's Law, When the ramps are busy, it seems that we are less than graceful tying up to the dock and loading Galactica on her trialer. When it's empty, things run so smoothly we look like mariner pros. The ramp was empty as we we approached it for the last mile. Then a fish-and-ski swooped in and tied up to the side ramp we were on final approach towards with fenders out and Angie on the bow line. Additionally, a pontoon boat pulled up towing an overloaded and out of gas bass boat. That group was having a devil of a time including nearly crushing a guy between boat and trailer wench. The first fish-and-ski boat forgot to lift his motor and drug his motor up the ramp. We came in, docked picture perfect. Gawd, what old salts we appeared to be. I jogged up and backed the tow beast and trailer down with no issues. The dead bass boat's driver wasn't a good trailer driver and was still jack-knifing and having a bad time getting into the water... Angie and I walked Galactica onto her trailer and I decided to back in a bit further so that I wouldn't have to do the 'mac bump' to finish sliding the boat up to the wench. We looked professional. I glanced at the bass boat fiasco, smiled to myself and did something I'd never done before...I slipped off the trailer tongue...SHWACK...splash!!! My leg hit the trailer hard and swelled up something fierce immediately...so much for mariner gods....
Here is a YOUTUBE video from this lazy weekend on the water:
VIDEO, Lazy Cruise on a MacGregor 26M -- Galactica
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Morning's Glory and impromptu midship race
YouTube Video: Morning's Glory and impromptu Midship race! (1:51)
YouTube video Dong made: showing the whole weekend's experince (7:28)
Mark Twain Lake:
A 'Trophy Series II' race was scheduled for Saturday, September 25th. Angie was out of state with her mom and sisters so I enlisted the help of a friend, Dong. He's a former co-worker and originally from Thailand. Dong had expressed interest in learning to sail.
I drug Galactica to Work on Friday where Dong met me after work. This already put me 30 minutes closer to the lake! We grabbed Sub sandwiches and headed up to Mark Twain Lake; arriving at sunset. We rigged the boat up, slipped her into the water and headed across the Florida pool towards Sandy Creek cove. There was a full moon out and we approached a Catalina 250 on a late night sail, exchanged greetings and continued on. The cove I was going to anchor in was already inhabited with a boat at anchor and dark. Probably turned in already for the night.
We swung around and found a cove to anchor in; about three quarters of a mile up Pigeon Roost Creek.
I awoke before sunrise and climbed out the vberth hatch to sit back and watch the sunrise. It was gorgeous with lake affect fog ghosting around. I wished that Angie could have been there. I sat there for an hour and a half enjoying the sunrise and watching an eagle along with water fowl and some fish near the boat.
I lost an old grappling hook secondary anchor but was able to unstick my primary danforth with bit of persausion and aid from the Etec 60.
I showed Dong the basics of foresail handling and we set off towards BlackJack marina many miles away. We enjoyed a light sail while Dong learned what to do while tacking.
We arrived at the marina precisely on time for the pre-race Captain's meeting only to be met by some of the MTLSA sailors who told us the race was canceled due to the light winds of the morning.
That didn't matter, I was putting Galactica on the water no mater what...high water or gail didn't matter...we went through both. chuckle. The lake was high and it stormed quite heavily Saturday evening.
After a lunch while Galactica was docked and after watching mast repairs on Wild Goose; we headed out for an afternoon sail. Karl, the vice commodore, said that we'd do an informal midship 'race' from A dock to the C mile marker and back.
Look in the Rear view mirrors on two of these photos:)
I lost ground due to 3 necssary tacks away from a lee shore due to my poor placement of Galactica but was determined to make up for it.
I should have tacked a 4th time but managed to hold Galactica as far into the wind as she'd sail.
We skirted the promotory with the C navigational marker with less than 50 feet of clearance to the shore line (a Lee shore with storms brewing).
Notice a slightly concerned look on my face... close hulled, rocky lee shore, storm blowing in...
After a tack we passed the marker again with more wiggle room. Fortunately, the promotory was a cliff and and 56' deep as close as we were. It was an extremely fun sail!
We had a very good run back where we made up more time; during which, it began to rain. By the time I had the sail boots on and bimini top opened, the wind picked up and it rained- hard.
We enjoyed a great fish fry at the BlackJack Marina.
The storm force us inside for the fish fry and pot-luck meal. Margaritas were passed out to all who wanted -- and I wanted a couple times!
Later, a number of us boarded the 37' Tartan, Higher Porpoise and spent time swapping stories and enjoying Dark and Stormy rum while waiting for the rain to ease up.
Eventually, we cast off from the marina and enjoyed a late night, albiet cold and wet, steam back to the ramp where the tow beast awaited us. We were the only ones foolish enough to be on the lake. There was an aft port quartering wind which made the night time docking at the ramp very interesting.
After loading Galactica on to her trailer, we derigged and headed homeward. I needed to get back and unfortunately, couldn't wait until morning. Dong seemed to really enjoy experiencing a pocket cruiser sailing experience.
YouTube video Dong made: showing the whole weekend's experince (7:28)
Mark Twain Lake:
A 'Trophy Series II' race was scheduled for Saturday, September 25th. Angie was out of state with her mom and sisters so I enlisted the help of a friend, Dong. He's a former co-worker and originally from Thailand. Dong had expressed interest in learning to sail.
I drug Galactica to Work on Friday where Dong met me after work. This already put me 30 minutes closer to the lake! We grabbed Sub sandwiches and headed up to Mark Twain Lake; arriving at sunset. We rigged the boat up, slipped her into the water and headed across the Florida pool towards Sandy Creek cove. There was a full moon out and we approached a Catalina 250 on a late night sail, exchanged greetings and continued on. The cove I was going to anchor in was already inhabited with a boat at anchor and dark. Probably turned in already for the night.
We swung around and found a cove to anchor in; about three quarters of a mile up Pigeon Roost Creek.
I awoke before sunrise and climbed out the vberth hatch to sit back and watch the sunrise. It was gorgeous with lake affect fog ghosting around. I wished that Angie could have been there. I sat there for an hour and a half enjoying the sunrise and watching an eagle along with water fowl and some fish near the boat.
I lost an old grappling hook secondary anchor but was able to unstick my primary danforth with bit of persausion and aid from the Etec 60.
I showed Dong the basics of foresail handling and we set off towards BlackJack marina many miles away. We enjoyed a light sail while Dong learned what to do while tacking.
We arrived at the marina precisely on time for the pre-race Captain's meeting only to be met by some of the MTLSA sailors who told us the race was canceled due to the light winds of the morning.
That didn't matter, I was putting Galactica on the water no mater what...high water or gail didn't matter...we went through both. chuckle. The lake was high and it stormed quite heavily Saturday evening.
After a lunch while Galactica was docked and after watching mast repairs on Wild Goose; we headed out for an afternoon sail. Karl, the vice commodore, said that we'd do an informal midship 'race' from A dock to the C mile marker and back.
Look in the Rear view mirrors on two of these photos:)
I lost ground due to 3 necssary tacks away from a lee shore due to my poor placement of Galactica but was determined to make up for it.
I should have tacked a 4th time but managed to hold Galactica as far into the wind as she'd sail.
We skirted the promotory with the C navigational marker with less than 50 feet of clearance to the shore line (a Lee shore with storms brewing).
Notice a slightly concerned look on my face... close hulled, rocky lee shore, storm blowing in...
After a tack we passed the marker again with more wiggle room. Fortunately, the promotory was a cliff and and 56' deep as close as we were. It was an extremely fun sail!
We had a very good run back where we made up more time; during which, it began to rain. By the time I had the sail boots on and bimini top opened, the wind picked up and it rained- hard.
We enjoyed a great fish fry at the BlackJack Marina.
The storm force us inside for the fish fry and pot-luck meal. Margaritas were passed out to all who wanted -- and I wanted a couple times!
Later, a number of us boarded the 37' Tartan, Higher Porpoise and spent time swapping stories and enjoying Dark and Stormy rum while waiting for the rain to ease up.
Eventually, we cast off from the marina and enjoyed a late night, albiet cold and wet, steam back to the ramp where the tow beast awaited us. We were the only ones foolish enough to be on the lake. There was an aft port quartering wind which made the night time docking at the ramp very interesting.
After loading Galactica on to her trailer, we derigged and headed homeward. I needed to get back and unfortunately, couldn't wait until morning. Dong seemed to really enjoy experiencing a pocket cruiser sailing experience.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Exploring Truman Lake with Grandma and Grandpa
18 September, 2010
Truman Lake: Warsaw, MO
Angie had to work, Damon had homework so I took my Mom and Dad to Truman. It was a couple days before my Dad's birthday and my Mom's first time on a sailboat. We arrived at the ramp in the northeast corner of the lake around 10:30am. We rigged Galactica.
I was wondering what the day would present. One weather website said "0 - 1 mph winds from the South with chance of Thunderstorms late in the day." Two other sites stated, "winds would be 5 to 6 gusting to 8 with a chance of Thunderstorms later"
It was hot and calm so we motored to a large island where I splashed Galactica's Danforth in a shallow cove and made a tasty ham & swiss lunch for the three of us! Afterwards, I finished rigging the headsail's sheets and furling line, stripped the canvas boots off and debated swimming or sailing. I really wanted to get some sail time in so I chose the latter. Winds were light and sporatic.
We beat to windward for 20 or 30 minutes and finally when becalmed, I dropped the sails and spun up the Etec for a highspeed trip to the Highway 7 bridge which was 5 miles away. I wanted to check to see if we'd fit under. Nope...too tall. :)
We explored the bluffs along the main channel around the 4 mile marker. It was getting late so we started back. I kept stopping and checking for wind as the water began showing signs.
We raised both sails and enjoyed a leisurely run wing on wing until the lake turned east and we jibed back into the wind for a relaxing 5 mile tack back to the ramp! I thought I'd have to tack and beat our way to the NorthEast arm but was able to adjust sails enough to either beat close hulled or on a beam reach on the same starboard tack!!! Though a slow sail, 2-4 knots, I relished the chance to improve my seamanship!!!
It was a great trip! The light winds protected Grandma who is terrified of water.
Galactica is now a member of the MTLSA (Mark Twain Lake Sailing Association) fleet so she is flying the MTLSA pennant on the new halyard I hung from the spreader. I used a stainless block and a purple line since the Admiral's favorite color is purple.
Here is a youtube video I made with videos and pictures set to a song from Battlestar Galactica!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm3Ejal7Mo8 Enjoy!
After stopping at an Inn cafe in Lincoln for a tasty dinner and an awesome Sam Adams 'Oktoberfest', we headed homeward. About 25 miles north of the lake, we ran into a whopper of a thunderstorm! The lightning show was so vivid and branching that it looked like a fake animation. We missed the hail and returned Galactica to the ranch safely!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Gusty Sailing, Labor Day Weekend!
Mark Twain Lake:
We put in at Robert Allen access and proceeded out into the Florida pool where we sailed around for a couple hours before heading to the raft up location.
Winds got sporatic so we furled the sails, lowered the Etec and rocketed over to Ski Cove a few miles away.
There were a dozen sailboats ranging in size from 19 to 37 feet. Galactica is 26 foot long.
Angie suggested trying a wooden TV tray from home for a pedestal table in the cockpit. The pedestal tables are extremely costly, several hundred for a decent one. The TV tray worked Perfectly!!!
We enjoyed a 'pass the dish' meal with the rest of the fleet. It really hit the spot. At sunset, Babe 2 fired a cannon in sunset salute! That was REALLY cool! I know what I want for Galactica... a nice little brass cannon! Here is a quick video of that cannon salute! Cannon Salute!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG408qWVJCs
Here is a picture of my Galley mod before I mounted the 3 burner stove onto it. Worked GREAT!
We spent in the night in sailor fellowship with song, booze, snacks, guitar and stories.
The next morning, the raft up broke up and we spent the day sailing. The winds were 15-20 knots. We started with the Mainsail reefed and the Genny partially furled. After tacking out of Ski Cove, we reduced headsail more as we reached the main lake.
We beat to windward for a couple hours, here is a video link as we were nearing the Dam and preparing to tack, close to the shore! Preparing to Tack Galactica! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3FdiJv3R8w
After breaking for lunch and nap in twin forks cove, we rejoined part of the fleet for an 'easy' sail under full Genoa only. A gust washed our leeward windows as we heeled over 45 degrees! It was a lot of fun tacking in succession.
Here is a link to a video from Galactica, following the fleet into the cut by the silo into Indian Creek cove: Sailing with the fleet! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA-Ys34hiQM
Galactica rafted with Wild Goose, a 32' Oday and Higher Porpoise (tartan37) Everyone toured Galactica and Tom told some humorous stories.
We left early Monday morning and swung by Indian Creek Marina for a peek at a Mac 26X which we were told berthed there. I couldn't see a name on the boat.
We loaded onto the trailer with no difficulties...probably because nobody was waiting to use the ramp... :)
We put in at Robert Allen access and proceeded out into the Florida pool where we sailed around for a couple hours before heading to the raft up location.
Winds got sporatic so we furled the sails, lowered the Etec and rocketed over to Ski Cove a few miles away.
There were a dozen sailboats ranging in size from 19 to 37 feet. Galactica is 26 foot long.
Angie suggested trying a wooden TV tray from home for a pedestal table in the cockpit. The pedestal tables are extremely costly, several hundred for a decent one. The TV tray worked Perfectly!!!
We enjoyed a 'pass the dish' meal with the rest of the fleet. It really hit the spot. At sunset, Babe 2 fired a cannon in sunset salute! That was REALLY cool! I know what I want for Galactica... a nice little brass cannon! Here is a quick video of that cannon salute! Cannon Salute!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG408qWVJCs
Here is a picture of my Galley mod before I mounted the 3 burner stove onto it. Worked GREAT!
We spent in the night in sailor fellowship with song, booze, snacks, guitar and stories.
The next morning, the raft up broke up and we spent the day sailing. The winds were 15-20 knots. We started with the Mainsail reefed and the Genny partially furled. After tacking out of Ski Cove, we reduced headsail more as we reached the main lake.
We beat to windward for a couple hours, here is a video link as we were nearing the Dam and preparing to tack, close to the shore! Preparing to Tack Galactica! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3FdiJv3R8w
After breaking for lunch and nap in twin forks cove, we rejoined part of the fleet for an 'easy' sail under full Genoa only. A gust washed our leeward windows as we heeled over 45 degrees! It was a lot of fun tacking in succession.
Here is a link to a video from Galactica, following the fleet into the cut by the silo into Indian Creek cove: Sailing with the fleet! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA-Ys34hiQM
Galactica rafted with Wild Goose, a 32' Oday and Higher Porpoise (tartan37) Everyone toured Galactica and Tom told some humorous stories.
We left early Monday morning and swung by Indian Creek Marina for a peek at a Mac 26X which we were told berthed there. I couldn't see a name on the boat.
We loaded onto the trailer with no difficulties...probably because nobody was waiting to use the ramp... :)
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