Gaia's Shakedown Cruise

First, here's a shot of the sail cover I was able to buy through Charlie Huie (Captain Charlie).  Contact him to talk about purchasing one if you are interested.

It's very nice and a reasonable price.

I finally was able to get the boat under sail today, with help from Penny Ferleman and John Griffin.  Here are some of the pictures from the voyage:

Here I am backing the trailer into the water.

I had to push it back a bit so I could re-connect the bobstay over the bow roller.

Penny

John

Raising the mast.

Raising the jib.

Trying to look like the wise old sailor--not succeeding.

John and me at the helm and jib sheet.

Nice shot of the Armed Forces Memorial.

Penny relaxing in the cabin.  As you can see I still have some sanding and painting to do.

Returning to the dock.

Tying up.

Replacing the sail cover.

After a job well done.

This turned out to be a perfect day for a sail, especially my first sail in a new boat.  The temperature was in the upper 60s with variable winds averaging about 10 knots.

It Floats!

I have not quite completed the rigging, but I have raised the mast and "bent on" the sails.

I hope to finish rigging in the next day or two, so no sailing yet, but I did take the boat down to the water to test some things, e.g., lowering the centerboard and using the little outboard.  I also took the opportunity to modify the trailer while the boat was in the water.  Now she sits on rollers instead of a wet, carpeted board, so the keel will dry better and I can inspect/repair it as needed.  I got this one shot of her sitting on the water before taking her for a little test spin:

Starting Installation of Mast and Spars

Here's a test fit of the tabernacle, mast, and bowsprit.  Gives a little better idea of how things will come together:

I have finished coating the tabernacle and mast with epoxy and then coating them with varnish.  Here they are mounted on the boat:

You can see the pivot bolt at the top of the tabernacle.  When I get everything rigged, the mast will swivel upright for sailing and back down for trailering. 

Here's a closer shot of the sail track on the mast.  The mainsail will come with "cars" attached that will slide along on the track when raising or lowering sail:

The other three spars (bowsprit, gaff, and boom) have had all three coats of epoxy applied.  Now they just need sanding and varnishing.  I'm still waiting for the sails,which should come in some time next week.