Little Dragon was looking great for the start of the sailing season, the rudder painted red, the timber trims freshly varnished and the white deck all polished. The new sails arrived a week ago to replace the 30 year old ones. So I was all set to show her off at the Big River Sailing Club and put the new sails through their paces. Andrew Landenberger (Olympic NS14 sailor and sailmaker) was coming the next day to check out his handiwork and I hoped he would give me a few hints on tuning the boat up.
I arrived early and took my time rigging. No pressure. Then my crew Lee and Nicky came and we launched anticipating two great days sailing. Unfortunately that was not to be ....
There was a strong SW wind which meant we had to get off a lee shore. Easier to motor than sail - or so I thought. The outboard started (it sometimes refuses) but I couldn't get the motor down. I was being yelled at from the shore "you'll burn it out!" I didn't need telling. I knew. I was blown back onshore and the "experts" also found it wouldn't go up and down properly. End of that story seems to be that a bolt has sheared and it will need drilling out and replacing.
John Woods hopped aboard and we managed to get off the lee shore. The rescue boat took him ashore and delivered me my crew - Lee and Nicky who we had left behind.
We thought our troubles were over. We hoisted the new sails. The mainsail set really well but I think the jib could do with a bit of fine tuning. The next problem was the brand new jam cleat for the mainsheet. I replaced the old one as it kept slipping. Well it certainly jammed but it proved very hard to unjam. It is a Ronstan fitting so it should do its job. I need to have total control over the mainsheet. Um... I reckon I need to consult with more of the "experts".
We sailed for about and hour and a half. The dinghy racing was about to start. I was at the helm. We were on a broad reach. All seemed well in the world. Then wham - we were dismasted! I had no idea why. No-one was hurt and the mast and sails looked ok. I started the motor and headed towards the bank planning to anchor in shallower water. It was too deep out in the channel. Luckily Harriet and John were in the start boat for the dinghy racing. They spotted us and came and towed up back to the ramp. Thanks to you both and apologies for causing a delayed start.
We pulled the mast and sails aboard and decided that we had better get Little Dragon ashore where we could see the damage. Now for the next drama of the day (I reckon it was one too many). I backed the trailer down the ramp to exactly the same depth as usual and we winched the boat onto the trailer. However my Subaru Forrester couldn't tow her up the ramp. It was very low tide and heaps of sticky mud had been dumped on the ramp in last year's flood. So my trailer had sunk into the mud. I was pulled out by a Pajero, more thanks to club members. By the way I wasn't the only one. The Pajero had to rescue another stuck trailer half an hour later.
By this time we were all soaking wet and cold but came back to life with hot showers and cups of tea in the clubhouse.
Finally John Woods took a look at the damage. He immediately found the cause of the calamity. I plead guilty. I hadn't attached the starboard stay correctly to the fitting on the deck so the pin broke. I promise I won't make the same mistake again. It turns out that the only damage was to the mast step and the gooseneck. They both needed a bit of hammering back into shape. The sails were fine. John offered to do the minor repairs overnight at his place in Ashby. John you are a gem.
Sorry to my crew Nicky and Lee that you didn't get any Sunday sailing and to Keith and Noela that Monday was also off. Of course I also had to cancel Andrew Landenberger - sorry you didn't get the text message.
I don't reckon I can continue to launch at Harwood at less than half tide until the mud has been dug off the ramp.
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