I haven't been afloat in Little Dragon (or anything else) since my last post which is see was four and a half months ago. Since late March I have had some spells of ill health and it has been a horribly cold winter.
It was great to meet the BRSC regulars again and have a couple of hours sailing. Like most new parents who think their baby is the best in the world I still reckon Little Dragon is pretty special.
When I left Byron Bay I doubted that I would launch as the wind was gusting 26 knots. Fortunately it was less than that Harwood. John Hayes and I headed out into the river well reefed. Then the wind dropped off and we could have shaken out the reef but didn't bother and had to motor back to the clubhouse unable to stem the strong ebb tide. That didn't matter as I wanted to give the engine a good run after sitting idle so long.
I was keen to show off how spick and span Little Dragon looked with freshly varnished bright work, touched up red topsides and the chips in the white fibreglass filled in. I have even varnished the wooden step down from the cockpit into the cabin. Not a good idea with semi-gloss varnish. It is dangerously slippery. Never mind: the Ancient Mariners of the BRSC always seem to have a solution to boaty problems. John Hayes suggested I revarnish and while wet sprinkle on granulated sugar and hose off when dry. I will report if this works.
I have left Little Dragon semi-rigged at Harwood saying "see you again next week". I will have to go back as soon as possible as I stupidly forgot to flush the outboard with fresh water. I am clearly not back into the routine yet.
Report: Sugar does work and I have washed it off very carefully so I don't attract ants.
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