Drake -- 40' LOD Munroe-influenced ketch

[Dave Hadfield]

Wire-brushed, because you walk on it.

[Dave Hadfield]

But now it’s so clean and fresh I don’t want to.

[Dave Hadfield]

This though... bedding deck fittings is supremely important! Water goes sideways in wooden boats!

[Dave Hadfield]

This is why you labour in a boatyard.

And Robin likes the new bimini!

[Dave Hadfield]

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Fun sail combo today — spinnaker from the mizzen and genoa from the main.

Lovely easy run.

[Dave Hadfield]

The only boat in Hopewell, which in normal years would have 20. Wonderful!

[WI-Tom]

Good for you, Dave. That's where I'd be right now if the border were open. Ah, well. We all play the hand we're dealt, and I've gotten a better one than many people have right now even if I can't cruise Georgian Bay this summer.

Enjoy!

Tom

[Dave Hadfield]

Next year Tom, we’ll meet up, somewhere along this shore.

[Dave Hadfield]

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[Dave Hadfield]

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[Dave Hadfield]

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[Dave Hadfield]

It’s like 1955 up here. Not a soul came into this beautiful cove, Hopewell Island Harbour, all day.

I skinny dipped repeatedly, in the wonderful warm sun.

And I don’t think that’s why!

[Chris249]

Today was Day 12 of spring preparation for launch. Normally I’m in a mad panic because of all the warbird flying spool-up which happens about now. But this year, mostly grounded, I’m actually tackling the “I’m gonna paint that someday”, items.

It’s kind of fun. Is this what retirement is supposed to be like?

Nope, I think you are normally supposed to retire from doing a crappy boring job that you hate.

You, on the other hand.......

[Dave Hadfield]

Every half-century you should replace the cushions in your focsle. (I think LFH said this...)

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[Dave Hadfield]

Finishing up a circumnavigation of Georgian Bay. Just left Lion’s Head, for Christian Island.

[Dave Hadfield]

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Robin is happy. We’ve been using a the new bimini on the hot days.

[cstevens]

Very nice Dave. How long are you planning to stay out? We got back from our most recent cruise a few days ago and we are already wondering why we came back.

[Dave Hadfield]

Today we should get back to our home port, Penetang. It’s been almost 3 weeks.

[Dave Hadfield]

Had a great welcome yesterday after our crossing.

[Dave Hadfield]

Bump, for a friend.

Also, I really enjoy winter evenings in the shop, repairing or refinishing small items from Drake. Here are the jib-sheet blocks, which I made many years ago from jotoba and ash. They had 2 long seasons of use and needed some varnish. (Hung from the ceiling where it's warmest in the shop.)



The grommets (straps) are good quality 1/2" manila rope, soaked in my special sauce. I'll trash them and make 2 more, but they showed no wear, just minor weathering. I like using rope-strapped blocks because they don't damage the deck as they thrash around during tacks.