Greetings fellow Seamen & Seawomen! Things have slowed. The boatyard is still open, as it’s considered an “essential” service, but it has slowed down. Tools and parts I order are taking longer to arrive. The mast is still out, but S’muffin is back in the water. As of yesterday, all the new sails have arrived. Carol referred…
14 Crucial Tips for DIY Standing Rigging with Compression Terminals
Before deciding to do my own standing rigging using compression terminals like Hayn Hi-Mod or Sta-Lok, I did a ton of research… Watching videos, reading online articles and discussions, reading manuals and literature. The experience of actually building new standing rigging, however, taught me several lessons which were rarely mentioned nor given proper emphasis for…
How To Multi-Year Renew USCG Vessel Documentation
It seems to be not very widely known, but recreational vessels can now renew their USCG certificates of documentation for a five year period. It’s totally worth it, as it saves you from dealing with the paperwork every year–and is especially handy for those on extended voyages. The renewal fee is $26 for each year…
Carol Hasse! ✨17
World-renowned master sailmaker Carol Hasse measures Sparklemuffin for a new wardrobe, and more!
Hello Pacific! ✨16
Lauren visits from Boise for her first sail on the Pacific as she, Bill, and I head out the Gate and spend a night at Drakes Bay on the Northern California coast.
🎂 Happy 25th Birthday Sparklemuffin!
On this day 25 years ago, Sparklemuffin was born in the sweaty tropics of San Jose, Costa Rica. She was long in gestation, and arrived a very healthy 17,000 pounds, entering this world known as “Bulldog Sally.” She has come so far, and yet her journey is just beginning. Her birthday wish is to return…
Sailing the Boise Desert ✨15
Road trip to Boise to meet prospective crewmember Lauren and go sailing with her friends! There’s a handsome CAT in this video too! 😻
How to get Weather Fax on a Mac
Yesterday I received my first weather fax! I might be a nerd (ok, replace “might be” with “am”), but it was pretty exciting. The clearest ones came from the Pt. Reyes station, which is closest. I did get ones from as far as New Orleans and Honolulu, but none of the foreign stations I tried…
Leaky Teaky Boat ✨14
I repair the leaky cabin-top hole and the teak bulkhead where the heater used to be. Also discover a hidden stash of Spam a decade beyond its prime.
I think I found the leak ✨13
A nasty surprise lurks within…