Companionway Step-Stool and Probable Last Sail of Season

I have cobbled together a small stool with steps leading from the cockpit bridge down into the cabin:

The stool is a great place for a passenger to sit, and some who have built similar stools sit there to pilot the boat.  I also stand on it to raise the mast--a huge help as it puts me farther forward and about six inches higher.  (The black outlines are rubber pads I glued under the feet.)

The steps are a bit steep for strength since I will be standing on the stool.  You can also see that the cutout for the centerboard trunk is a bit off-center.  I decided on that when I was checking the fit so that the feet would not sit right on the grooves between the floorboards (still got it a little off).

My stepson, David Garvoille, is here for a visit so we took the boat out on the Dec. 9 for an afternoon sail.  I imagine this will be my last chance for a sail this season.

 Dave shot a selfie of the two of us while sitting on the new companionway stool.

Here's Dave at the helm.  He says a friend gave him few lessons back in the early 80's.  Turns out he is a much better sailor than I am!  I guess I was too old and fearful when I started learning. :-)