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“Yes, still out there and braving the elements like a lost orphan.” Debmark, your comments are wise and definitely the move I would make for “Minuet” if the option were available. But, as it is for this skipper at this time, my small boat is at the mercy of my poor financial restrictions, hence the poor Wintering predicament at Lincoln Park / Cove Park.
For those of you who may have had the same thoughts, I apologize for raising the concern with my regrettable choice. I restored Minuet starting twenty-years ago and cherish her dearly. I would rather sleep aboard during the storm despite the roller coaster ride, than in the comfort of home because I will at least sleep better with the crazy ride than with the paranoia I would otherwise know with each gust that slams the tall Sitka Spruce in the back yard. On a very positive note, this little salty cutter from 1929, craves the wind we know in Winter. She’s a blue water racer that’s has no amenities other than some stick births and a couple of bee’s wax candles for the cold hands. Most folks are fine just sitting in a coffee shop on the days I go out.
The plan is to sell the house and move to Fairhaven, and Fairhaven Boat Works will become “Minuet’s” new Winter home. Therefore, until this happens, my fingers are crossed that La Nina is just hot air and perhaps some fog.
If your interested in messing around with small boats, then here’s the place to learn more about “Minuet”:
Debmark, thanks for sharing and caring. This little boat has touched an incredible amount of people where ever it goes. I sure like being along for the ride when “Minuet” does her thing.
January has been a wonderful month for sailing. There have been the usual challenges along with the super winds we know during the Winter. The snow storm (storm?) made the need to scoop burdening snow and ice from the house and deck. What a skating rink, the deck was. I just slid like a seal on the ice coated surfaces while the boat pitched. Imagine attempting to walk on an ice coated sidewalk during an earthquake.
I continue to drag race the ferries, but as yet, they just seem to pull ahead despite an impressive start by Minuet. There is always the hope that someone with a motion camera, and a steady tripod, will capture Minuet from the ferry’s deck. My attempts to video while underway have proven challenging.
In other news, though somewhat related, I have thoroughly enjoyed finding images on http://www.flickr.com of Minuet and especially when creative minds enhance their captures. To see what I’m talking about, just follow the link below. Click on ‘my favorites’ to see more fine images.
Hello wren, may I call this blog, “Minuet’s blog” rather than my blog? While I’m at it, I would like to thank debmark, for launching this blog too. Its immensely pleasing to know so many people also can enjoy what for me, is truly blissful.
Dustyshop, your name says it all. This, we have in common as well as our affection for small wooden boat. As I prepare my house to sell and must clear the shop, I grimace at what to do with wood trims I’ve collected, that are just to nice to toss and to trivial to donate to Second Use Building Materials. Just to make matters worse is, S.U.B.M. had an excellent stock of Teak trims from a Madina demo that I have no business buying, due to the move. Still, I did and with the grand plan to finally but a Teak deck on Minuet. In 1992, I lacked funds for a period proper deck, so Okumi marine grade plywood was utilized. Dynel cloth and epoxy seal the elements out and also, offer a traditional canvas deck look, but its darn slippery when wet as oil based paints can be. On goes the struggle with space, time, great salvaged materials and dreams.
Dustyshop, we must meet and “yes” ballast is needed (the fatter, the better). Minuet sits high on her water line. I used to think that this line should be lowered, but reason suggested that bodies where intended to bring her down to the boot stripe (one-inch wide black stripe between the gray bottom paint and the electric blue top-side paint. There are a few limiters to inviting crew though. My skiff barely carries myself, so shore transport is an obstacle. I lack PFDs other than a tired float-coat purchased from Second Wave Marine Consignment and the lack of an inflatable should the unspeakable happen. Lastly, though not yet and issue, is the ability to climb back on board should crew fall overboard. The bob-stay for the boomkin, is just above the water line (lower transom) and serves for a foot hold while the boomkin itself, serves as a handhold. Still, this concern has left me reluctant to invite those lacking an athletic ability. Minuet was made when Dr. Archie A. Steele was a young man and as such, was made for one thing only, fast sailing. Comforts are none existent. You will never wear a broader smile while simultaneously being miserable.
Dustyshop, I’ll have a look at http://www.cwb.org for the schedule on ‘boaty talks’. This is as close as I care to be to anything “yacht club”. I drink salt water, not martinis (cheers). The topic I would likely choose to speak of is the unconventional way I went about restoring “Minuet.” Undoubtably, eyebrows will rise as I explain the technique I developed (strip planks replaced carvel). My background is full of woodworking, but steam bending Oak was new then. Minuet was “pie in my face” as learning came fast at that time.
Humm, I see the bushes moving outside the window..could be some wind today..better get down to Cove Park soon….
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