What follows is a description of the system I use for mast climbing, recorded here for my own reference. Any equipment, system and technique you choose to use is your personal choice, and you use at your own risk, whether influenced by the information on this page or not. You alone are responsible for making…
Author: Chuck B
All Work and No Sail ✨4
An “around the world” experience of sailboat maintenance: engine, electrical, leaks, water tanks, sail repair, and more!
Pros and Cons of a Full Keel
A friend of mine who’s looking at boats just asked for my thoughts on the pros and cons of a full keel vs. a fin keel. Here’s what I responded: So I don’t have a great deal experience with full keel, especially in the place where I expect it to most shine – the open…
Moar Sparkles!
SV Sparklemuffin gets even sparklier with LED strip lights! Every once in a while I like to balance boat work with a fun project that’s purely for my own enjoyment. So this time I installed Boomile LED strip lights ($19). It’s 5 m / 16 foot long, has lots of LEDs, takes 12 VDC input,…
The Top 127 Sailing Movies of All Time
Quite possibly the internet’s most comprehensive collection of sailing- and boating-related movies! Is something missing? Let me know in a comment! Note: These are not affiliate links! I don’t earn anything or even know when you click. Just putting it out here for your enjoyment. If you want to thank me, leave a comment. 🙂…
That Poem
A touching poem that my dear friend Christine is generously allowing me to share with you. This poem beautifully depicts one aspect of why I’m embarking on this sailing journey. “That Poem” by Christine Esenther Someone at the Center of the Universe Café read a poem It’s the best poem I ever heard there It’s…
Why Marriage Is Not For Me
I’ve had occasion recently to reflect on the nature of romantic relationships. Full disclosure: I was married once. I understand that it works for some folks. I found that it didn’t work for me. Let me be clear. I have no issue with committing to a life-long romantic partnership with the right person. In fact,…
Anchoring in Richardson Bay
This weekend getaway was just the “reset button” I needed. It was hard work, and a little stressful at times, and I didn’t sleep well last night – BUT it was totally worth it. Sparklemuffin, my friends Ian and Gwen and I anchored overnight in Richardson Bay (San Francisco) and had a blast! There was…
The Silence of the Crabs ✨3
Sparklemuffin (formerly Charmer) is inspected by professional marine surveyor Françoise Ramsay.
Crouching Tiger, Standing Rigging ✨2
In this video, Sparklemuffin (then known as “Charmer”) gets her rig inspected by Ryan Nelson of Rogue Rigging.