In this publication9 photos
28 October was a day of winter preparations. In the morning, I connected shore power to charge the starter and domestic batteries, then filled the diesel tank to the brim from cans, adding Liqui Moly Diesel Schutz and Super Diesel Additiv against bacterial growth. Below, I disconnected the mast antenna, anchor light and steaming light, and stood the mattresses upright.
Then the mainsail. As I removed the lines, I photographed the blocks and knots. An interesting detail: there’s no separate line tensioning the clew, which is tied with a trucker’s hitch to get good purchase. I needed to release a particular block in the mast, which meant hoisting the main. As I pulled the halyard, a dozen shield bugs and spiders appeared from homes they’d made in the folds. I had to overcome my disgust and brush them into the water with a tissue. I took the sail onto the grass, folded it into the mainsail cover and carried it below.
After catching my breath, I tackled the boom: released the topping lift, sheet, kicker and lazyjacks, undid the retaining screw at the gooseneck, and carried it into the cabin.
Last came the jib. Much the same as the main: unfurl it, ease the halyard and brush off sleepy insects. Once it was on deck, I freed the other corners and took it onto the grass. Much heavier than the main. I had to move carefully to avoid catching it on anything. Eventually, it too found a place in the saloon.
#maintenance
Then the mainsail. As I removed the lines, I photographed the blocks and knots. An interesting detail: there’s no separate line tensioning the clew, which is tied with a trucker’s hitch to get good purchase. I needed to release a particular block in the mast, which meant hoisting the main. As I pulled the halyard, a dozen shield bugs and spiders appeared from homes they’d made in the folds. I had to overcome my disgust and brush them into the water with a tissue. I took the sail onto the grass, folded it into the mainsail cover and carried it below.
After catching my breath, I tackled the boom: released the topping lift, sheet, kicker and lazyjacks, undid the retaining screw at the gooseneck, and carried it into the cabin.
Last came the jib. Much the same as the main: unfurl it, ease the halyard and brush off sleepy insects. Once it was on deck, I freed the other corners and took it onto the grass. Much heavier than the main. I had to move carefully to avoid catching it on anything. Eventually, it too found a place in the saloon.
#maintenance
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