Tammy, Tamala and I can now sail the boat.....

So we finished the American Sailing Association ASA101 and can now sail our boat; well once the standing rigging is all replaced.  We had a blast.  The first day the winds picked up to 40 knots and about an hour early we had to knock it off, learning had ceased to exist.  The second day we had to make up the hour.  Man overboard drills etc.  As soon as my next time off we are sailing!

March 5, 2012

Spent first night on boat...it was great...we have a clanging outside...but for the most part slept well...rocking didn't bother either one of us...of course winds were calm...just piddling today...cleaning her up and getting to know her...she is starting to come together and become our own...enjoy spending time with Tamala also...she is great on the boat...still thinking of moving to Kemah port...just being patient until we know what she will do and we know what we are doing...next trip down the mast will be fixed and we can take her out...till next time...

March 2, 2012

Winds were better...class was better...wind started picking up later and we were a little frazzled...but we made it through and all passed our test...Captain Chris came to our boat and hung out...gave us some pointers about our boat...complimented is was a nice little sailing vessel...we feel if the winds aren't too high tomorrow we could take her out and play...but we still needs lots of practice...engine is working fine so we always have that...very glad we took lessons...

March 3, 2012

Took our first lesson..OMG...it was 25 knots of wind gusting to 35...it was fast and furious...it was hard to understand...Tamala pulled us out of port and I was able to pull into port...but all the I between was intense...unfortunately I accidentally Jibed...it was nerve racking...fortunately we didn't know what I did and no one got hurt...Captain Chris was a little worried...no one was hit by the boom...we were all aware of it swinging back and forth the whole time above our heads...tomorrow winds will be calmer...only 5 to 10 knots...it will be less wind and stress...realized there is a lot to learn about sailing...

February 29, 2012

So far expenses haven't been too bad...have a few more to add...boat slips for Corpus Christi for March are $228.25...we've spent about $200.00 in gear...

Well we purchased the 1978 25' Hunter!  Champagne had by all at the ceremony!  Tammy cleaned the outside.  I worked on the outboard motor with partial success, got it to run and found the carb needs cleaning; it has sat too long.  Had the standing rigging checked out, the spreader tips are to be replaced along with all the standing rigging but the mainstay.  I will get the outboard serviced on March 1st, in case we need to use it (I suspect new sailors as ourselves, will have no choice but to use it in and out of the marina, lol).  Sailing class on March 3rd and 4th for Tammy, Tamala and myself.  The rigging will be installed on the 5th.  Then next break from work she will sail, woohoo!  Can't wait to be bug hunting with S/V Veranda http://veranda422.blogspot.com/.

February 15, 2012

Well, it's a done deal...$2400.00 and she's ours...We decided on her name...Living and Loving Life...because that is what we do...we bought boat soap and washed her down...she looks great...saw some of the rigging and tips need replacing...found a guy to do that for us...little less than $1100.00...more may need to be done...but glad we are doing it to be safe...haven't looked at sails yet...hoping they are good...if not replacing them also...Chris worked on the motor...seems we need to order parts for that...we want her to be safe for smooth sailing...signed up for sailing lesson on March 3-4...Chris, Tamala and I are all taking the class...this will be fun...