Rudder Cover

Quick, simple post. I took some left over sumbrella, pulled out the sewing maching and I made a cover for my rudder. The tarp doesn't cover it and I know that sun will eventually do it's number on any exposed surface. 

Didn't take long and turned out just right. 

Now I need to make a cover for my new outboard.

Super Moon

Well, I finally got out for a brief sail a week ago, Monday evening July 31 . It's been pretty busy this summer and HOT! The forecast was for clear skies, a decent breeze and the super moon  was less than 24 hours away which meant the moon would rise just barely before sunset. 

As I drove into the ramp parking lot, I saw this poor fellow getting towed in. I know the feeling. That's one reason I chose a "sail and oar" boat.

All went very well except for getting away from the ramp. The onshore breeze made it just about impossible. I had to pull my boat out to the dock and depart from there. Now I know.

Once I got out onto the water, it took a few minutes to set the boat up for sailing, but I finally get her ready. I need to figure a way to keep all those lines straight and in order. One thing is the extra time it takes to reattached the mainsheet bridle each time. Problem is I use the same straps for the ratchet strap that holds the mast down during transport. 

The wind was blowing lightly - maybe 5-8 mph. Got a few good puffs in. And then the sun set. 

A few minutes later the moon appeared opposite the sunset. I hung a lantern from the boom since I don't have marker lights. Not legal, but there wasn't much traffic out there. I also carried a good flashlight (just in case).

There was also a power boat that watched the moon come up. Once up, the power boat took off.

After a bit I returned the ramp and readied the boat for the trip home.

I was a nice evening. And, surprisingly, I hardly broke a sweat. I rigged in the shade, had the nice breeze on the water and retrieved in the dark by lamp light. 

It was a fairly quick trip out. One good thing about a smaller boat. You can afford those quick times out.

Oh, yeah, as I was packing up the boat, the ISS passed over and the Starlink satellite train was visible with it. Pretty cool. 

So, until next time....