Inspiration vs. Perspiration (Maiden Voyage)

Propelled by the invisible, yet all pervading power of WIND, we sailed Me Voy! Magical ride. OK well, if you want to get picky about it, we did rely on Tow Jamm to get out of our tight little spot in the Oxford Marina, but, after that, it was all wind, all the way.

Now I don't know much about sailing and I still have that slightly woozy surreal feeling when I look at Me Voy floating in the water but, it seems, just seems, that sailing is about 90% inspiration and 10%perspiration.

(Not counting that stanky odor of hard work,that went into getting her this far, of course) What I mean is, sailing was actually relaxing, and pleasant, and fun. There were moments of intense activity, like when we touched bottom once and everyone sprang to action. But unlike our one past sailing experience where we knew nothing about anything, and freaked out at the smallest heel of the boat, no one freaked out about anything on this trip, and we all worked together to keep her on track.No wonder really old people can do this! (If there are any really old people reading this, I'm not talking about you, I'm talking about really old people... )

Don't get me wrong, I know there will be times when I will want to go below and suck my thumb in a fetal position while cursing the day I ever thought sailing was a good idea, but, this was not that day, and I am inflated with our success, and therefore saying reckless things sailing is Awesome!

Docking, however, is tricky. I did get our

dock meister Bill (who for some reason is kissing my hand in this pic) to assist us when we come in, and he turned up with half the marina ready to grab a line. This was reassuring, in the kind of way that seeing a familiar face in a crowd of strangers is reassuring. Yes reassuring, but not really helpful, because that familiar face turns out to be only an aquaintance, and you realize that its still up to you. So... it was still up to us to maneuver Me Voy, in the dark, into a little slip, under sail, with the wind against us, and our helpful line grabbers shouting things like, "Go that way!" "Starboard!" "The other way!" Well you get the drift, it was tricky.

After the helpers stopped giving helpful pointers, we managed to squeeze into our spot, absorb some ooohs and ahhhs, clean up a bit, and crawl into bed next to Billy, who was wondering where the hell we've been the last three days, and why we smelled like the wind.

Today...

is the day. Me Voy looks ready to go. Passersby ask us if we're heading South and look dismayed when we say we're headed North. We estimate a 10 hr. sail. No engine, going it ol school, except for our Raymarine instruments that shine with confidence in the cockpit. Got Boat US insurance for towing. What a great deal no one told us about! They're towing us from the marina out to the river, and setting us free...to SAIL.

LAUNCH!

Maggie:

It was a beautiful day. Sunny, 70 degrees and dead calm, very unusal for November in Maryland. A good omen, said our friend Richard (seen here toasting Me Voy), especially since it was cold and dreary the week before, and warm but rainy ever since. Another good omen, was the surprising appearance of two of our boatyard friends Henry and Karen (also in the picture).We met them three years ago as we began working on Me Voy, but they bought a house and we have not seen them since, until, that is, this beautiful day, when out of the blue they appear just as Me Voy is ready to splash in. Their appearance coupled with Me Voy's smile, the bubbly champagne, and that gorgeous blue sky, made me burst with joy. But, I'm getting ahead of myself...

The day was filled with moments of intense action , unspeakable excitement, and unbearable waiting. For the most part we tried to stay out of the way and let the boatyard guys do their thing. There was some touch ups to be done as the jacks supporting our sweet Me Voy were taken away, and again later when she was put into straps at the travel lift.

The best moment was when she was gently lowered into the water and FLOATED all on her own. Travis was first aboard to check for leaks. He had a near heart attack as he noticed some water coming in around the depth sounder, but being the awesome Mr. Fix it that he is, he soon had that worked out, and came out from below with a big grin and two thumbs in the air. We are dry AND floating. Now it was time to toast!

So you'd think that would be enough excitemtent, right. But wait, seems like something is missing.

Yup there was still the mast to step. The riggers got a kick out of the peso that layed patiently waiting to be smothered by 60' of wood . That was one tradition I had to observe, after reading to what happens to people who don't put a coin under the mast. Bad, bad things happen to those people.

Everything again went beautifully. The calm conditions made the rigger's work a pleasure, and the mast was soon standing where it belonged. Now T and I hooked up the standing rigging, and there it was.

Check out Chopper's lizard tongue!

Funny enough as we were nearing the completion of the rig set up ,the weather began to turn. First wispy clouds, then dense clouds, and soon misty rain followed by what has now been five days of rain. I had to leave for B-more soon after the mast was up and have yet to spend a night aboard Me Voy as she (still!) floats in the water. T and Chopper have been staying on her, continuing to work on the rest of the rigging, getting her ready for our maiden sail. Did you hear THAT? For real, really absorb that for a moment...That's right, we (and some more experienced sailing friends) are sailing Me Voy to our marina in Baltimore. This storm system that has brough so much rain and wind, is passing us Sun. and on Tues the winds are favorable. That is when plan to depart Oxford and make the 100 nautical mile trip to Baltimore. ahjdhtoaplfnfhs!!!

Chaos in the belly

Tomorrow we are launching Me Voy and stepping her mast! T has been working non-stop on the rig, staying on the Eastern shore, amid the chaos on Me Voy. He joined the growing number of unemployed this week, as E Yacht Builders have no new boat commissions. We both have high hopes as to the things he'll be able to accomplish on both boats during the time off. The funny coincidence is that I got a raise in both of my freelance gigs at the same time. So once again the tables have turned, T is now the "housewife" and I'm again the "bread-winer". Life is amazing!