2016 Launch

The slight hints of spring draws me with anticipation of sailing; the wind caressing across my skin, the smell of water, and the sparkle of sunlight dancing with broadway fashion of the New York City theatre district off the lake. Spring is where the beginning of life starts as the winter is nothing more than a retreat from having to mow the lawn. Oh sure, winter provides time to think about boat projects, and to save money for those boat projects, but when one is almost forced into a hibernation on account of freezing temperatures, little sunlight, and food exposure of the high carb kind, it is difficult to have the inclination of the sorts to feel like spring will ever take it turn. Kidding aside, winter does make the spring and summer so much more appreciative for us northerners that we do make the most of it during summer.

 Oh but brrrr,,,still winter months are nothing but the slow torture of denial for any sailor or wanna-be sailor. Those who share the slips in the marina with me must also endure looking at their boat on the hard; the loneliness of our boats sitting without a word or sound of their nature, no creeks, no pings of halyards against the mast, no howling of rigging, no flapping of sails, nothing,,, but silence.


Great Ketch waited more patiently than I, and she stood her ground under her tarp blanket. She had been tucked in during the month of October, and endured the cold days and nights. The frigid frost, snow, and rain made did not awaken her; rather,  only the warm spell in March that soaked across her bow did she call out.

The blanket came off, and her winter frame was removed. Enjoying the sun and warm days, she received a washing, polishing and waxing to good shine that she displayed a look of readiness. Alas...it wasn't long after her exposure to the sun when the cold winds came back to remind everyone that old man winter is alive and kickin'.

When I could, I would make my way to Great Ketch during the winter weekends to work on boat projects, I did remove a few cabinet doors to varnish, and other trim pieces as well (Another blog coming soon.)


It wasn't until the month April, after the first weekend that Great Ketch was was paraded to the launch by the travel lift and splashed down into the lake. Checking for leaks and priming the driplass before she was set afloat ensured a good beginning of the season. Starting the engine proved to effortless and the management and care of her engine was returned in the easy startup. Her Yanmar GM20 heart pumped healthy and smoothly

Every year, she performs such a ritual, and every year, it is new to me. A sailboat simple does not look like a sailboat until she is in the water. It is only upon boarding Great Ketch that the dreams of sunsets, morning sunrise, and waves feather against the hull does it feel like spring has truly come to be.

For some folks, a sailboat does not look like a boat until the masts are up and completely rigged; for me my initial satisfaction is when Great Ketch is in the water.


***** Future post will show the wood work, varnish of cabinet doors, sole varnish work, and trim work****