Seasons End?

S/V Blue Flower ready to get under way with The Typesetter and S/V Pica in the background

 It's been a busy few weeks here at the IP&NCo. A hitch has been installed on my 1970 VW Beetle and I've been heading out to the local scum pond every chance I get. There has been an awful lot of sailing going on. And one minor mishap bur more on that later. Seze has been everything I hoped she would be. A boat that is enough of a challenge to keep my interest but not enough of a challenge to not want to push her limits. I've continued to explore how the gaff rig works and have enjoyed every minute of it! I don't have a lot to report save for some wonderful pictures I've taken along the way.

Doing about a knot or so.

Running wing and wing

S/V Pica with her full 67sqft

Following a swamping at dock. Just like the square riggers of old she's vulnerable with no ballast!

Two beautiful Teals

So far there has only been two nagging issues and they are kind of related. I was having a block hang up on me which prevented rapid movement of the boom when I most needed it. This was a contributing factor in what was my first and so far only knock down. I was running in heavy winds and she just death rolled and submarined on me. I am pleased to report a Super Teal floats relatively high and dry for it's class and can be rescued in warm water with with a close shore by one person! Those air boxes, although not air tight (yet) do the job of making the craft not sink.The water was warm and while I can't say I fully enjoyed the experience the knowledge gained makes up for any loss of comfort during the event! The block issue was easily tackled, no pun intended, and the fix of turning the troublesome device ninety degrees seems to be work well.
 I've been in email consultations with Dave at Polysail and I think the Blue Flower will be getting some new sails this fall. It only seems fitting. I just hope I get a chance to try them out!
So sailing will continue until I get bored or the pond freezes up. Great times had by all. Well most of the time!

Gettting Closer

Flemish Coils on the deck of S/V Blue Flower

 It was a fairly busy day at the IP&NCo. boat yard! I've recently started work again and with loads of Belegarth stuff it's been tough to get time with Seze. But with our 2nd Annual Frenchtown Messabout coming up I had no choice but to get ready! My buddy and Journeyman Electrician Trevor Stene came over and kindly wired up my 1970 VW beetle for trailer lights. We're missing a few of them right now but it should get me to the pond and back in a somewhat more legal manner then what I was originally planning. As he was working his magic I spent time rigging and cleaning my Super Teal. The rigging was made good, and the whole boat swept and wiped down. She seems to be a very happy and eager boat at this point in time. I can see where and how she needs work but she'll sail for at least another season without major work. Of course major work is on the horizon but she's a well built craft and I can't wait to get her back in her true element.

 There is another project awaiting me. The PD Goose S/V Flying Fox. She's right now not much to look at but there is a lot of potential. And work LOTS of work. Right now the goal is to simply stabilize her for the upcoming winter and tackle her on a time needed basis. Here is a shot of her on the ways.

S/V Flying Fox eXpedition Goose by Andrew Linn

 We're in a full on Indian summer here in Western Montana and I don't think the sailing season is done yet. Well not if I have anything to say about it! I'll keep you posted and if your in my area check out the WMHBBA links on this blog. Hope to see you about!