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
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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…
Thoughts on NOAA’s Planned Phase-Out of Raster Charts
Below is the feedback I have offered in response to NOAA’s request for public comment on the elimination of raster charts. Greetings, I am writing in response to NOAA seeks public comment on ending production of traditional paper nautical charts. Executive Summary The move from raster to ENC charts is inevitable, and I am confident…
💪 Chainplates Have Arrived!
These custom-made chainplates will be mounted at the stern (rear) of the boat and used to attach a Jordan series drogue. The drogue (not pictured) is a long rope with 150 or so fabric cones sewn into it. When trailed from behind it slows the boat to keep it from going too fast down the…
💡New LED Tri-Color and Anchor Light
Testing the new OptoLamp LED tri-color and anchor light, which will be mounted on top of the mast. It uses amazingly little power (< 0.2 amps) and is visible for two nautical miles. The high, bright light improves safety by increasing the ship’s visibility to others while at sea. And the LED anchor light will…
Two Boat Play Date! ✨12
My little sis Leslie’s in town, and we set up a play date between Sparklemuffin and Ian & Gwen’s new boat, Lookfar. Good times ensue!