New Tent

I've been thinking about trying out a new tent, one that is easier to set up. I've discovered that they are making "popup" tents: take them out of their bag and they open up immediately and on their own. This sounds much simpler than what I've been doing. Fiddling with poles is a bit of a pain. So thought I'd give one a try.

Some advertize that they are waterproof which is a must. Reviews seems to indicate otherwise. I have come across one that seems to be ok, so I ordered it.

Here are some pics of a trial fit of my new pop-up tent.

Here's the side view. The white guy lines are temporary. The yellow lines that are still coiled are provided.

Interior view. It almost fills my sleeping platform which is what I wanted. A one person tent would fit better but not offer near as much room for gear and movement.

The tent will not go all the way to the stern due to the mizzen. I could remove it but simplicity is the order of the day. Hence, the tent extends about a foot beyond my platform in the front. I think I can live with that. The mast, yard, and sail get in the way a bit; but that's manageable. I do have to let them hang over the bow.

Because a frame runs around the entire bottom of the tent and is kind of spring loaded, the tent wants to rise up fore and aft. I believe that can be solved with a couple short lines in the front and simple weight of gear in the rear of the tent.

I'm going to attach two eye straps to the transom to be able to tie off the rear guylines. I can tie off the fore lines to a line I have running just under the inwale. I believe tying off these four lines as well as weight in the rear and 2 tie-downs on the front edge will keep it fairly taught and help to shed rain.

I think it's going to work. Now to "field" test it in the rain.

THEY LIED!

It's been said numerous times that the two happiest days in a boat owner's life are the day he buys and the day he sells.

THEY LIED!

I sold Anago Saturday and it was not a happy day. In fact, I'm quite sad. 

Two reasons. 1) She has been a good boat. Roomy enough. Easy enough to launch and retrieve. Stable. Nice lines. Good condition. No real complaints. 2) For the first time in 26 years I do not own a pocket cruiser.

Robin has had enough drama in the last little bit (over serveral things) and the boat drama has added to it (unfruitful long trip, headache of selling etc). She wants a one year hiatus to reevaluate our boating. I'm ok with that. I have Disciple Ship to occupy me and she's not big into sailing anyway. So we'll see.

Here's the new owner driving off. He has sailed some - in fact, he did the EC this year with a friend. He's young and athletic - just finished a triathlon! He has a young family, wife, 4 and 6 year old children and they're eager to go.

Wishing him the best.

Here she is headed down the road to her new home in Jacksonville, FL.

And some eye candy as I drove through Atlanta (we met near Warner Robbins for the deal) on the way home.

Not a boat but a gorgeous Maserati that was behind me (until he wasn't) in the stop and go traffic of Atlanta.

I do plan to sail the CIY more than ever and I plan to do a "big" sail sometime in the next 12 months to celebrate my 70 years! Several ideas. I'll keep you posted.

One more thing. Here's my favorite picture of Anago. Happy and beautiful wife with a nice looking boat!