We left the house early on Saturday in hopes of a good sail before a weather front came over the lake. When we arrived at the boat, the diesel engine would not start. I tried every trick in the shade tree mechanic handbook to start the thing, but she refused. I used starting fluid, wd40, silicone spray, and even a few choice words, but after what seemed like an eternity, it finally started and even ran, albeit a little rough. Since it was still early and the skies looked clear, we decided to go sailing.
Our slip neighbors also had engine trouble: a broken pull cord for their outboard, so we asked if they wanted to join us for a quick sail. After nods of "yes" and stowing their gear they climbed aboard and we all set out. I decided to leave the engine running while we were sailing just incase it wouldn't restart again. Once we were on the lake I turned into the wind and put the mainsail out. Martina set the jib and we were once again, after almost 7 months, under sail. I'm sure I had a grin from ear to ear as she glided under sail.
The Yacht Club was having a sail race that day, so instead of going south and crossing their paths, we jibed and turned north. The wind was a steady 10-12 mph with puffs around 15 or so, and we were making good way with about 15 degrees of heel. A few gusts rocked us over to over 20 degrees a few times and made more than one person on board a little anxious, so we reefed the jib and loosened the mainsail.
As the skies darkened and the wind picked up, we decided to head back to the Marina. We reefed the front sail again and let out the main even more. We were flying back, probably above hull speed and heeling well over 20 degrees. The gusts were coming so fast, all I could do was point into the wind to keep the boat from heeling too much. I didn't want Martina on the deck at that angle trying to wrestle the mainsail down to reef again. We dipped the side of the boat in the water a couple of times and emptied the shelves of anything not tied down, but Aquilon handled the wind just fine. She was in her element and I just hung on for the ride.
When we got close to the Marina we rolled in the jib and I turned the boat into the wind so that Martina could safely lower the main. After the sail was tied off, we motored the rest of the way to the slip without any fanfare. When we arrived at the slip, however, the wind was so strong that we couldn't turn into our slip with out crashing into it, the wind was blowing the bow back towards the dock. I reversed the engine and we motored past, turned around to come in with the wind at our back. That helped but Aquilon is sporting a new Ouchy along her hull after our landing, but hey, it'll buff out. I'm glad we decided to leave the lake when we did because a few minutes after we arrived the wind really started blowing and the rain too.
After some snacks and a drink or two, I decided to take a look at the engine to see why it wouldn't start. I checked the compression and the fuel system. I found one loose injector and an air leak at the fuel pump line. After repairing both, replacing the fuel filter, and bleeding the air from the system, our little diesel was purring like a kitten, and even restarted after shutting it off.
Even though our sail was short, it was exciting and even fun, at least for some of us on board, and I'm ready to go again, hopefully for a longer trip. I am also glad that I listened to the little voice in my ear, the words of Bill Learn (our sailing instructor)"to reef when you first think about it". We did; and we were safe when the wind picked up. Trust your boat and your ability and she'll bring you home.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
Sailing and Being Green
To start off, I hate the term "carbon footprint" and the politicos that fly around in private jets that coined it. I don't think anyone can accurately measure each individuals impact on carbon monoxide in the atmosphere.
That being said, there is no doubt that there are changes in the weather on our planet. Are we causing the changes?, I don't think we really know. We have about two hundred years of data to look at on a planet that's hundreds of million years old. That doesn't mean that we should do nothing, we are the stewards of this world and its the only home we have, so if we can make a difference, I think we should.
Sailing involves travel by wind power; you cant get any cleaner than that. People who live aboard also live frugally and are usually outside of the consumer driven lifestyle that has created much of the pollution in our world. Although my reasons for transitioning to the cruising lifestyle has less to do with the planet, and more to do with our personal desires, it is none the less, a large reduction in the co2 that we produce today. Sailing will provide a inexpensive means of travel for Martina and I to visit the places we want to see, while compelling us, through reduced space, to live with less.
Many people think electric is the answer, but I disagree. If every car in America was electric, we would destroy the environment through mining for cooper, lead, lithium, and all the other heavy metals used in battery production. We would have to build many more coal powered electrical plants to provide the charging power and in the end would create more carbon monoxide emissions than we already have. Not to mention all of the hazardous waste created in battery disposal.
Our politicians need to stop pandering to special interest groups and corporate donors and establish real and effective policies to find a viable alternative to fossil fuels. We need to search for something different and not just try to make the old better. All the hybrids and electric cars will never be able to effectively replaced what we currently have. Commerce moves on trucks, trains, and ships, all using diesel fuel, and are some of the major producers of soot and pollution. There is no electric alternative to those, so we need something new.
Everyone seems to be on one side or the other on global warming or climate change or whatever else you want to call it. They yell, and show data, and preach gloom and doom, but no one is offering a real solution. We have become a nation that is so consumed with hate for someone else's opinion, that we loose sight of the issue that's in front of our noses? I say its time to return to the America that found solutions for problems, put aside our differences and disagreements and work together for the common good.
I am just a common person who enjoys sailing, but I see the benefit of living a cleaner life and plan to live it in retirement. All I ask of anyone is consider the world you leave your children and grandchildren; because if we don't do anything, we might leave them a dying planet.
That being said, there is no doubt that there are changes in the weather on our planet. Are we causing the changes?, I don't think we really know. We have about two hundred years of data to look at on a planet that's hundreds of million years old. That doesn't mean that we should do nothing, we are the stewards of this world and its the only home we have, so if we can make a difference, I think we should.
Sailing involves travel by wind power; you cant get any cleaner than that. People who live aboard also live frugally and are usually outside of the consumer driven lifestyle that has created much of the pollution in our world. Although my reasons for transitioning to the cruising lifestyle has less to do with the planet, and more to do with our personal desires, it is none the less, a large reduction in the co2 that we produce today. Sailing will provide a inexpensive means of travel for Martina and I to visit the places we want to see, while compelling us, through reduced space, to live with less.
Many people think electric is the answer, but I disagree. If every car in America was electric, we would destroy the environment through mining for cooper, lead, lithium, and all the other heavy metals used in battery production. We would have to build many more coal powered electrical plants to provide the charging power and in the end would create more carbon monoxide emissions than we already have. Not to mention all of the hazardous waste created in battery disposal.
Our politicians need to stop pandering to special interest groups and corporate donors and establish real and effective policies to find a viable alternative to fossil fuels. We need to search for something different and not just try to make the old better. All the hybrids and electric cars will never be able to effectively replaced what we currently have. Commerce moves on trucks, trains, and ships, all using diesel fuel, and are some of the major producers of soot and pollution. There is no electric alternative to those, so we need something new.
Everyone seems to be on one side or the other on global warming or climate change or whatever else you want to call it. They yell, and show data, and preach gloom and doom, but no one is offering a real solution. We have become a nation that is so consumed with hate for someone else's opinion, that we loose sight of the issue that's in front of our noses? I say its time to return to the America that found solutions for problems, put aside our differences and disagreements and work together for the common good.
I am just a common person who enjoys sailing, but I see the benefit of living a cleaner life and plan to live it in retirement. All I ask of anyone is consider the world you leave your children and grandchildren; because if we don't do anything, we might leave them a dying planet.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Being Prepared
I have watched several videos about ocean sailing in high winds and large waves; how to make sure not to under power the boat because of wind, and leave yourself moving too slow, and unable to crest the next wave, stuck in an ocean sized spin cycle. All the reading and videos in the world; even sailing in high winds on Carlyle lake, are not going to get me the experience I need to live aboard a sailboat on the oceans of our planet.
I am, however, a person that craves experience and likes a challenge, so Martina and I have decided to go and get the experience we need. We are planning in the next few years to take some off shore sailing classes and perhaps crew on some ocean traversing sailboats. There is no guarantee that we will be sailing in big waves or high winds, but to be on a boat away from shore will definitely be a starting point.
When we began our quest a few years ago on an early April morning in Carlyle, we didn't expect to be sailing in 30 mph winds, 40 degree weather, and 4 foot waves on a small lake either: But we did, and I think we are better sailors given the experience.
So putting ourselves in a situation that can not only challenge our ability, but also scare the hell out of us, will undoubtedly make us better and more prepared to live aboard. We don't plan to be open ocean sailors, but to get from one paradise to the next often requires traversing large bodies of water and could mean several days out of sight of land. In those situations, we have to be prepared for any weather or any size seas.
This past week Aquilon made her way back into the water and thus the sailing season has begun. We have a lot of time to sail and relax before we hit the big time and follow other "Boulder-rites" into the deep blue, but our time is coming, and its coming faster than either of us could have imagined just a few short years ago. So, with a little luck and pure determination, we will soon be cresting those waves like a pro.
I am, however, a person that craves experience and likes a challenge, so Martina and I have decided to go and get the experience we need. We are planning in the next few years to take some off shore sailing classes and perhaps crew on some ocean traversing sailboats. There is no guarantee that we will be sailing in big waves or high winds, but to be on a boat away from shore will definitely be a starting point.
When we began our quest a few years ago on an early April morning in Carlyle, we didn't expect to be sailing in 30 mph winds, 40 degree weather, and 4 foot waves on a small lake either: But we did, and I think we are better sailors given the experience.
So putting ourselves in a situation that can not only challenge our ability, but also scare the hell out of us, will undoubtedly make us better and more prepared to live aboard. We don't plan to be open ocean sailors, but to get from one paradise to the next often requires traversing large bodies of water and could mean several days out of sight of land. In those situations, we have to be prepared for any weather or any size seas.
This past week Aquilon made her way back into the water and thus the sailing season has begun. We have a lot of time to sail and relax before we hit the big time and follow other "Boulder-rites" into the deep blue, but our time is coming, and its coming faster than either of us could have imagined just a few short years ago. So, with a little luck and pure determination, we will soon be cresting those waves like a pro.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Becoming Self Aware
The American Dream: At the end of the nineteenth century, the call went out around the world to come to America for a new start. A chance to climb above your station in life, to own property, to start businesses and make your fortune. All it took was hard work, determination, and a bit of luck. After that call went out, the United States saw the largest migration of people ever recorded in history and doubled the population of the country. With the immigration, the American Dream became the new reality for many and a bitter-sweet struggle for others.
Fast forward about one hundred and twenty years: The dream is still alive. The dream, however, has been manipulated by corporate America through advertising and credit. Many Americans are caught in the revolving door of debt, purchasing things that they don't really need just because some slick advertising made them think they did;. then those items are often discarded when a new model comes out and the remaining balance that they owe on the old one is put on top of what the new items costs. This, in the eyes of corporations, keeps you locked into debt, never getting your head above water.
The new American Dream lets you have anything you want, as long as you can make the monthly payments. Its not uncommon for people to borrow money for their home, automobiles, motorcycles, boats, vacations, and use credit cards for everything, even their groceries. Our country is drowning in debt, and at some time, the bill will come due.
Five years ago, I became self aware. Aware that I was caught is this cycle of greed; trying to have everything and live above my means to pay for it. I decided that I wanted to live a simpler life, a life not dependent on material things and not beholden to the corporate greed masters. I'm not saying that you cant own anything, finance what you must have, and pay cash for other things you need.
We paid off all of our credit cards and then destroyed them, are paying off the things we have financed, stopped buying things that we didn't need, and started saving money. Loving history and travel, we set a goal, when we retire, to live along and explore the Mediterranean coastline. We decided the best way to live free and frugal but still be able to travel, was to live on a sailboat. We will be able to sail to all of the sights of antiquity and with the power of the wind, take our home with us.
We still have several years to work and save before we can live our dream, but we are working for ourselves, and the money we make is ours and doesn't belong to some bank or corporate slavers.
So, the next time you are watching or reading ads and commercials, think about what is important to you, and not what your peers will think about you. You can become self aware and break the cycle of greed and live the American Dream, the way it was intended.
Fast forward about one hundred and twenty years: The dream is still alive. The dream, however, has been manipulated by corporate America through advertising and credit. Many Americans are caught in the revolving door of debt, purchasing things that they don't really need just because some slick advertising made them think they did;. then those items are often discarded when a new model comes out and the remaining balance that they owe on the old one is put on top of what the new items costs. This, in the eyes of corporations, keeps you locked into debt, never getting your head above water.
The new American Dream lets you have anything you want, as long as you can make the monthly payments. Its not uncommon for people to borrow money for their home, automobiles, motorcycles, boats, vacations, and use credit cards for everything, even their groceries. Our country is drowning in debt, and at some time, the bill will come due.
Five years ago, I became self aware. Aware that I was caught is this cycle of greed; trying to have everything and live above my means to pay for it. I decided that I wanted to live a simpler life, a life not dependent on material things and not beholden to the corporate greed masters. I'm not saying that you cant own anything, finance what you must have, and pay cash for other things you need.
We paid off all of our credit cards and then destroyed them, are paying off the things we have financed, stopped buying things that we didn't need, and started saving money. Loving history and travel, we set a goal, when we retire, to live along and explore the Mediterranean coastline. We decided the best way to live free and frugal but still be able to travel, was to live on a sailboat. We will be able to sail to all of the sights of antiquity and with the power of the wind, take our home with us.
We still have several years to work and save before we can live our dream, but we are working for ourselves, and the money we make is ours and doesn't belong to some bank or corporate slavers.
So, the next time you are watching or reading ads and commercials, think about what is important to you, and not what your peers will think about you. You can become self aware and break the cycle of greed and live the American Dream, the way it was intended.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Winter Blues
Locked in what seemed like a never ending Winter nightmare, our boat sat upon its cradle, ice and snow hung from her stanchions and rigging, drifts of snow blanketed her pad. The lake and everything around it was covered with craggy ice. It had only been a few weeks since Winter began, but with the polar vortex dipping into our region, we were living in conditions not usually seen outside of Canada.
For a sailor its pretty depressive, so depressive in fact, I only visited Aquilon one time this past winter. Usually, I visit every couple of weeks and do a few small projects or just sit in the cockpit and dream of sailing. But when it seemed it would never end, suddenly the air was fresh again and the sun began to feel warm on my skin. We have had a week or two of warmer weather, so I am confidant that Spring has finally joined the party. I checked on Aquilon a week ago and was pleased to find that she survived the harsh winter with only a few minor areas where the varnish wore away. Inside she was fresh smelling and dry and only needed a light dusting.
In the next few weeks I will replace the diesel fuel, change the filters and if there is enough water in the lake, get her launched. Over the winter I had her roller head sail repaired and a new UV cover added to match the new mainsail cover and Bimini cover. I don't have any major plans for the boat this season though, I just want to relax and enjoy the quiet solitude of a sailboat underway and spend the night at anchor and few times, (which we haven't done yet), and try to imagine how life will be during our retirement.
For a sailor its pretty depressive, so depressive in fact, I only visited Aquilon one time this past winter. Usually, I visit every couple of weeks and do a few small projects or just sit in the cockpit and dream of sailing. But when it seemed it would never end, suddenly the air was fresh again and the sun began to feel warm on my skin. We have had a week or two of warmer weather, so I am confidant that Spring has finally joined the party. I checked on Aquilon a week ago and was pleased to find that she survived the harsh winter with only a few minor areas where the varnish wore away. Inside she was fresh smelling and dry and only needed a light dusting.
In the next few weeks I will replace the diesel fuel, change the filters and if there is enough water in the lake, get her launched. Over the winter I had her roller head sail repaired and a new UV cover added to match the new mainsail cover and Bimini cover. I don't have any major plans for the boat this season though, I just want to relax and enjoy the quiet solitude of a sailboat underway and spend the night at anchor and few times, (which we haven't done yet), and try to imagine how life will be during our retirement.
Monday, January 20, 2014
My Quest
Chapter 1: Portage de Sioux
When I talk to people about my dream of retiring on a sailboat, the first question is always the same: How did I decide on a sailboat? Well, the answer, is a series of events that led us on our current path. Several years ago, Martina and I visited Puerto Valarta Mexico, while there, we chartered a Whale watching cruise: It was aboard a sailboat. I liked the way the boat glided through the water with only the sounds of the wind and ocean. The Captain told us stories about his sailing past and his desire to sail on to Hawaii after the tourist season. This gave rise to an idea in my mind and watching those majestic creatures swimming so close to our boat just added to the appeal.
Martina also had a friend that she worked with who, along with her husband, had purchased a sailboat and started reconditioning it as a live aboard. After several years of sailing lessons, sailing trips, and finishing their boat, they quit their jobs and set sail. They had planned to go to Belize and start a sailing charter business, but ended up starting their business in Mobile Alabama instead. After the oil spill in the Gulf, they sold their boat and moved back to land.
Martina and I started talking about the possibility of using a sailboat to travel the Mediterranean. I love history and love visiting ancient sites and could spend many years exploring the Med. We decided to buy a cheaper starter boat to see if we even liked to sail. The boat we chose was a Lancer 25. It was listed on Craigslist as having a motor that didn't run and a good list of included items. When we looked at the boat I noticed that it has several bags of sails, and the engine didn't have an electrical cord. Being from a mechanical background I was confident I could fix the engine. We settled on a fair price and the lancer was ours.
We renamed her Sentio Ventus: Latin for Experience the Wind. I repaired the electrical cord on the engine and after new spark plugs, new fuel, and a shot or two of starter fluid, she fired up and purred like a kitten. We also hit the jackpot with the bags of sails; We had two main sails, two front sails, and a storm sail, all in good condition. The boat has originated in the great lakes and came packed with safety gear and charts for the Mississippi and great lakes regions.
Even though I had never had a sailing lesson and had only been on one sailboat in my lifetime, I felt confident that I could sail: After all, I had read several books about sailing. So we prepared the sails, pulled the lines and backed out of the slip. We motored into the canal leading to the river and the engine promptly died. After pulling on the rope for what seemed like eternity and using a few choice words, the engine not making a peep, we paddled the boat out of the way of other boats and tied up to a bush. After pulling the rope for another eternity with no results, I called the Marina owner and requested a tow.
After being towed back to the slip and securing the dock lines, I tried the engine again and it fired right up and ran like a top (of course) but after running for a few minutes it stalled again. The engine was overheating and I hadn't even noticed the fact that no water was coming out of the back of the engine. The elderly sailor next to us pointed out that the pump wasn't pumping, grinning at my lack of marine knowledge as well. So off the engine came and into the back of my Explorer it was laid to make the trip home to be repaired. After wrestling with the three foot long shaft on the motor and replacing the impeller, back to the river we went.
This time after starting the engine, we got the stream of water out the back that I should have noticed missing on our last trip. Once again we prepared the sails, backed out of the slip, the boat abruptly turned the wrong direction and we ended up motoring out of the Marina in reverse. After correcting our direction we pointed her into the wind and raised the main sail, shut off the motor and turned to let the sail fill. Fill she did, and the boat heeled over hard to starboard and scared Martina and I out of our wits. Martina was frantically trying to pull the sail down while I started the motor (yes, it started) and back into the Marina we motored. It turns out it was too windy to sail that day, Hell, I thought you needed wind to sail. My neighbor was there grinning again, asking about our sail when we returned.
The next trip out seemed to be perfect, We motored out and set the sails and sailed out across the river and even had our first tack to bring us back. After sailing up river towards the Marina for about an hour I notice the statue of our lady of the river was still on my port side and had been there after we tacked. Yes, we were sailing but at the same speed as the river current and not gaining any ground, but the sailing was relaxing and the background of the cliffs on the Illinois side made for a perfect day.
We decided to motor in the rest of the way and fired up the old Evinrude. Just outside of the Marina entrance there is a whirlpool and the boat jerks back and forth as you motor through. Right in the middle of the whirlpool our motor jumped up and down and abruptly fell off the back of the boat with me still holding the tiller in my hand. No, I'm not making this up; our engine would have gone to the bottom except for the fact that I left it tied to the steering shaft; I tied it there when reinstalling it so it wouldn't fall overboard as I remounted it. The sails were still up and I quickly adjusted them so I could sail into the canal. We barely made it in before the current pushed us past and tied up on a log. I reinstalled the motor and even though shaken, we motored back to our slip.
The motor came loose a few more times and we determined that the transom was loose. I repaired the transom and through bolted it with stainless steel bolts so it would never come loose again. We sailed a few more times on the river and then decided we should move the boat to Carlyle lake to a better learning experience. We visited all the Marinas at the lake and decided on Boulder Marina. The Harbor Master, Schmitty, even offered to move our boat.
The day we moved the boat, Schmitty showed up with a trailer and I motored over to the haulout area. He backed the trailer into the water and I pulled the boat on. Schmitty said the trailer didn't fit the boat and would have to be adjusted and that he would pull the boat out first and then make the adjustment. Out she came for the first time in who knows how long and up the hill we went. The boat was balanced on her keel and Schmitty yelled up for me not to move at the same time that I did, and you guessed it, the boat fell over on its side, crushing a trailer fender in the process. After righting the boat using the mast and mainsail halyard, we adjusted the legs on the trailer and bent the fender back to make it road worthy, and off she went.
Chapter 2: Carlyle Lake
By now you may be wondering why I even continue to sail? Well, the short answer is that I like it. When Sentio Ventus arrived at Carlyle Lake it was the beginning of the sailing season, so we took advantage before putting her in the water to make some improvements, we had her bottom painted and replaced the old Evinrude with a four stroke electric start motor.
With spring Martina and I signed up for sailing lessons with St. Louis sailing and learned the ropes from Bill Learn. Bill is the best sailor I have ever met, I would trust him in any boat in any weather. The weekend we trained it was cold and rainy with high winds and high waves, the worst conditions to sail in but the best to learn in. Over that weekend Bill taught us things that we never even thought about, his confidence and ability showed me what a seasoned sailor could do with only the wind as engine power. I will take his lessons with me whenever and wherever I sail.
We decided to enter a few races to hone our skill and with new found friends in the Marina we had willing crew members to help. One particular race, a night race comes to mind. I had never sailed in the dark and wanted to try it. Martina opted to sit this one out, but William (my son), our slip neighbor, and I accepted the challenge and set off into the twilight. Its an eerie feeling sliding along in the dark, at one point we had to round a tower, actually a partially submerged grain silo; seeing that tower emerge from the shadows and closing in fast lead to a tense few minutes, but reflecting back after the race makes me proud of how far I've come. One of our crew falling into the companion way after docking because he had a few too many made it priceless. he didn't even spill his drink.
After a trouble free season of sailing we decided to upgrade to a bigger boat, one that was more in line with the one we will live on in the future, all be it a smaller version. We looked at several boats and decided upon a Catalina 27, it was big enough to be comfortable but still small enough not to be too intimidating to sail. I also like working on and upgrading her. We named her Aquilon: Latin for North Wind, because she is fast and nimble. Trouble, however, caught up with us again, on our second trip out, while motoring back to the Marina, smoke started bellowing out of the engine compartment. The impeller had failed and the engine overheated; sound familiar? This engine, however, is a inboard diesel, I have experience working on diesels, so it was an easy fix.
In the time since we have had Aquilon, we have upgraded the interior and I also built a custom folding bed to make for more comfortable sleeping, we have also made many upgrades topside including changing the sail covers from red to blue. We added a gas grill and using it to make breakfast along with fresh coffee is one of my favorite times on the boat. I like listening to the wildlife around the Marina in the early morning hours (except for the Carp banging on the bottom of the boat all night). Recently I finished staining and sealing the teak on the top of the boat and this winter the headsail is getting an overhaul along with a blue uv cover to match the other covers.
I will continue to sail and enjoy the sounds of the wind and water and dream of sailing on clear blue seas. I know that every mile I sail makes me better and every challenge I overcome make me stronger and I have made many friends who share the same dream and that encourages me even more.
When I talk to people about my dream of retiring on a sailboat, the first question is always the same: How did I decide on a sailboat? Well, the answer, is a series of events that led us on our current path. Several years ago, Martina and I visited Puerto Valarta Mexico, while there, we chartered a Whale watching cruise: It was aboard a sailboat. I liked the way the boat glided through the water with only the sounds of the wind and ocean. The Captain told us stories about his sailing past and his desire to sail on to Hawaii after the tourist season. This gave rise to an idea in my mind and watching those majestic creatures swimming so close to our boat just added to the appeal.
Martina also had a friend that she worked with who, along with her husband, had purchased a sailboat and started reconditioning it as a live aboard. After several years of sailing lessons, sailing trips, and finishing their boat, they quit their jobs and set sail. They had planned to go to Belize and start a sailing charter business, but ended up starting their business in Mobile Alabama instead. After the oil spill in the Gulf, they sold their boat and moved back to land.
Martina and I started talking about the possibility of using a sailboat to travel the Mediterranean. I love history and love visiting ancient sites and could spend many years exploring the Med. We decided to buy a cheaper starter boat to see if we even liked to sail. The boat we chose was a Lancer 25. It was listed on Craigslist as having a motor that didn't run and a good list of included items. When we looked at the boat I noticed that it has several bags of sails, and the engine didn't have an electrical cord. Being from a mechanical background I was confident I could fix the engine. We settled on a fair price and the lancer was ours.
We renamed her Sentio Ventus: Latin for Experience the Wind. I repaired the electrical cord on the engine and after new spark plugs, new fuel, and a shot or two of starter fluid, she fired up and purred like a kitten. We also hit the jackpot with the bags of sails; We had two main sails, two front sails, and a storm sail, all in good condition. The boat has originated in the great lakes and came packed with safety gear and charts for the Mississippi and great lakes regions.
Even though I had never had a sailing lesson and had only been on one sailboat in my lifetime, I felt confident that I could sail: After all, I had read several books about sailing. So we prepared the sails, pulled the lines and backed out of the slip. We motored into the canal leading to the river and the engine promptly died. After pulling on the rope for what seemed like eternity and using a few choice words, the engine not making a peep, we paddled the boat out of the way of other boats and tied up to a bush. After pulling the rope for another eternity with no results, I called the Marina owner and requested a tow.
After being towed back to the slip and securing the dock lines, I tried the engine again and it fired right up and ran like a top (of course) but after running for a few minutes it stalled again. The engine was overheating and I hadn't even noticed the fact that no water was coming out of the back of the engine. The elderly sailor next to us pointed out that the pump wasn't pumping, grinning at my lack of marine knowledge as well. So off the engine came and into the back of my Explorer it was laid to make the trip home to be repaired. After wrestling with the three foot long shaft on the motor and replacing the impeller, back to the river we went.
This time after starting the engine, we got the stream of water out the back that I should have noticed missing on our last trip. Once again we prepared the sails, backed out of the slip, the boat abruptly turned the wrong direction and we ended up motoring out of the Marina in reverse. After correcting our direction we pointed her into the wind and raised the main sail, shut off the motor and turned to let the sail fill. Fill she did, and the boat heeled over hard to starboard and scared Martina and I out of our wits. Martina was frantically trying to pull the sail down while I started the motor (yes, it started) and back into the Marina we motored. It turns out it was too windy to sail that day, Hell, I thought you needed wind to sail. My neighbor was there grinning again, asking about our sail when we returned.
The next trip out seemed to be perfect, We motored out and set the sails and sailed out across the river and even had our first tack to bring us back. After sailing up river towards the Marina for about an hour I notice the statue of our lady of the river was still on my port side and had been there after we tacked. Yes, we were sailing but at the same speed as the river current and not gaining any ground, but the sailing was relaxing and the background of the cliffs on the Illinois side made for a perfect day.
We decided to motor in the rest of the way and fired up the old Evinrude. Just outside of the Marina entrance there is a whirlpool and the boat jerks back and forth as you motor through. Right in the middle of the whirlpool our motor jumped up and down and abruptly fell off the back of the boat with me still holding the tiller in my hand. No, I'm not making this up; our engine would have gone to the bottom except for the fact that I left it tied to the steering shaft; I tied it there when reinstalling it so it wouldn't fall overboard as I remounted it. The sails were still up and I quickly adjusted them so I could sail into the canal. We barely made it in before the current pushed us past and tied up on a log. I reinstalled the motor and even though shaken, we motored back to our slip.
The motor came loose a few more times and we determined that the transom was loose. I repaired the transom and through bolted it with stainless steel bolts so it would never come loose again. We sailed a few more times on the river and then decided we should move the boat to Carlyle lake to a better learning experience. We visited all the Marinas at the lake and decided on Boulder Marina. The Harbor Master, Schmitty, even offered to move our boat.
The day we moved the boat, Schmitty showed up with a trailer and I motored over to the haulout area. He backed the trailer into the water and I pulled the boat on. Schmitty said the trailer didn't fit the boat and would have to be adjusted and that he would pull the boat out first and then make the adjustment. Out she came for the first time in who knows how long and up the hill we went. The boat was balanced on her keel and Schmitty yelled up for me not to move at the same time that I did, and you guessed it, the boat fell over on its side, crushing a trailer fender in the process. After righting the boat using the mast and mainsail halyard, we adjusted the legs on the trailer and bent the fender back to make it road worthy, and off she went.
Chapter 2: Carlyle Lake
By now you may be wondering why I even continue to sail? Well, the short answer is that I like it. When Sentio Ventus arrived at Carlyle Lake it was the beginning of the sailing season, so we took advantage before putting her in the water to make some improvements, we had her bottom painted and replaced the old Evinrude with a four stroke electric start motor.
With spring Martina and I signed up for sailing lessons with St. Louis sailing and learned the ropes from Bill Learn. Bill is the best sailor I have ever met, I would trust him in any boat in any weather. The weekend we trained it was cold and rainy with high winds and high waves, the worst conditions to sail in but the best to learn in. Over that weekend Bill taught us things that we never even thought about, his confidence and ability showed me what a seasoned sailor could do with only the wind as engine power. I will take his lessons with me whenever and wherever I sail.
We decided to enter a few races to hone our skill and with new found friends in the Marina we had willing crew members to help. One particular race, a night race comes to mind. I had never sailed in the dark and wanted to try it. Martina opted to sit this one out, but William (my son), our slip neighbor, and I accepted the challenge and set off into the twilight. Its an eerie feeling sliding along in the dark, at one point we had to round a tower, actually a partially submerged grain silo; seeing that tower emerge from the shadows and closing in fast lead to a tense few minutes, but reflecting back after the race makes me proud of how far I've come. One of our crew falling into the companion way after docking because he had a few too many made it priceless. he didn't even spill his drink.
After a trouble free season of sailing we decided to upgrade to a bigger boat, one that was more in line with the one we will live on in the future, all be it a smaller version. We looked at several boats and decided upon a Catalina 27, it was big enough to be comfortable but still small enough not to be too intimidating to sail. I also like working on and upgrading her. We named her Aquilon: Latin for North Wind, because she is fast and nimble. Trouble, however, caught up with us again, on our second trip out, while motoring back to the Marina, smoke started bellowing out of the engine compartment. The impeller had failed and the engine overheated; sound familiar? This engine, however, is a inboard diesel, I have experience working on diesels, so it was an easy fix.
In the time since we have had Aquilon, we have upgraded the interior and I also built a custom folding bed to make for more comfortable sleeping, we have also made many upgrades topside including changing the sail covers from red to blue. We added a gas grill and using it to make breakfast along with fresh coffee is one of my favorite times on the boat. I like listening to the wildlife around the Marina in the early morning hours (except for the Carp banging on the bottom of the boat all night). Recently I finished staining and sealing the teak on the top of the boat and this winter the headsail is getting an overhaul along with a blue uv cover to match the other covers.
I will continue to sail and enjoy the sounds of the wind and water and dream of sailing on clear blue seas. I know that every mile I sail makes me better and every challenge I overcome make me stronger and I have made many friends who share the same dream and that encourages me even more.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Friends Lost
I have been working in the same field and at the same place for most of my adult life, in those 20 plus years a lot of people have come and gone, some become good, close friends.When you work closely with people for many years you get to know them very well, sometimes better than their own families, Lord knows we spend more time with them. You share their heartache from lost loves, their pain through the loss of a loved one, and their different joys in life as well. I have had several friends that passed away for one reason or another over the years, but 4 that I considered close friends and this story is about them.
I will only mention first names in my story out of respect for their families:
When I left the Army I bounced around several jobs until I found my niche: I started working at a Ford dealership as a apprentice mechanic and Sonny was my teacher and friend. If you saw Sonny in a dark alley you would probably turn around and run the other way. He was a 6'2" bearded giant who could pick an engine up off of the floor and set it on his work bench with little effort. Sonny was the personification of a "good ole boy", farm raised with country values, although a giant, a gentle giant. He joked all of the time and used the funniest sayings to describe any and everything: we called them "Sonny-isms".
Sonny was in some ways a Father figure for me, my own father had passed away a little over 3 years before Sonny and I met. He taught me, not only to work on vehicles, but more importantly, how to diagnose what was wrong with them, a skill that some mechanics just don't have. Over the years we stayed close and I survived his practical jokes. His favorite joke was wiring my toolbox to the ignition of a car, so when I went to get a tool out, he would crank the engine and I would get shocked. If you asked him if he was busy you would usually get a reply like " I am busier than a one legged man in an ass kicking contest". He always put a smile on my face and I miss him dearly.
Ken, we called him Kenny, was a straight laced, no bullshit, kind of guy. Kenny wouldn't give you a second glance unless you earned his respect, and you had to earn it. I worked next to him for over a year before he would even talk to me. The first time he did, he embarrassed me: He told me my ears were dirty, and to this day, every morning when I clean my ears, I think of him. After I earned his respect, we were good friend. He was a quite, hard working man, that loved his family above all else. He was clean and organized and taught me a lot about being more efficient through organization. You could always count on Kenny to tell you like it was and his word was respected by everyone in the shop.
Kevin was a tall lanky fellow that also liked to goof around and joke. He had a drinking past but stayed sober for many years, mainly for his son who he loved dearly. I remember Kevin crushing his foot with a manhole cover, and I, carrying him to my office to wait for an ambulance. I also remember banging said hurt foot on the door frame going into my office and Kevin howling in pain while all the mechanics giggled and laughed. Kevin rode a Harley and together we logged a lot of miles, cage free. Sadly, Kevin's wife left him for another man, and he turned back to the bottle to find solace for his pain. One night he took a final ride after leaving a bar. His name is painted on the water tower on highway 100, and he is missed by many. He died too early in life and to see his slide into depression left us all feeling guilty that we couldn't do more to help him.
Tom was in sales. He used to ride a foreign bike until we finally shamed him into buying a Harley. He was so proud of that Fat Boy; the look on his face the first time he rode to work was priceless. We also logged a lot of miles together. He was the only salesman that was ever accepted in the shop as one of the boys. Tom liked to stop in and sample many a dish at greasy spoons along a rides course and I share his enthusiasm for that. Tom and I and a few other friends would meet at the gun range in Busch Wildlife and shoot clay birds almost every weekend in the summer and hone our shooting skills. You could almost always count on a cold drink and snack to follow. Tom went into the hospital one day for a problem with his leg and never came out. He had cancer and didn't even know it.
Three of the four died of cancer, all died much too young. One of the hardest things in life is see proud strong men wither to a weak defeated frame. Going to the hospital to say goodbye to someone that has been a major part of your own life for many years, leaves you with a sadness that lasts a long, long time. I have made that trip too many times and attended too many funerals. My greatest hope is that I measured up in their eyes because they were the best I have ever had the honor to know.
I will only mention first names in my story out of respect for their families:
When I left the Army I bounced around several jobs until I found my niche: I started working at a Ford dealership as a apprentice mechanic and Sonny was my teacher and friend. If you saw Sonny in a dark alley you would probably turn around and run the other way. He was a 6'2" bearded giant who could pick an engine up off of the floor and set it on his work bench with little effort. Sonny was the personification of a "good ole boy", farm raised with country values, although a giant, a gentle giant. He joked all of the time and used the funniest sayings to describe any and everything: we called them "Sonny-isms".
Sonny was in some ways a Father figure for me, my own father had passed away a little over 3 years before Sonny and I met. He taught me, not only to work on vehicles, but more importantly, how to diagnose what was wrong with them, a skill that some mechanics just don't have. Over the years we stayed close and I survived his practical jokes. His favorite joke was wiring my toolbox to the ignition of a car, so when I went to get a tool out, he would crank the engine and I would get shocked. If you asked him if he was busy you would usually get a reply like " I am busier than a one legged man in an ass kicking contest". He always put a smile on my face and I miss him dearly.
Ken, we called him Kenny, was a straight laced, no bullshit, kind of guy. Kenny wouldn't give you a second glance unless you earned his respect, and you had to earn it. I worked next to him for over a year before he would even talk to me. The first time he did, he embarrassed me: He told me my ears were dirty, and to this day, every morning when I clean my ears, I think of him. After I earned his respect, we were good friend. He was a quite, hard working man, that loved his family above all else. He was clean and organized and taught me a lot about being more efficient through organization. You could always count on Kenny to tell you like it was and his word was respected by everyone in the shop.
Kevin was a tall lanky fellow that also liked to goof around and joke. He had a drinking past but stayed sober for many years, mainly for his son who he loved dearly. I remember Kevin crushing his foot with a manhole cover, and I, carrying him to my office to wait for an ambulance. I also remember banging said hurt foot on the door frame going into my office and Kevin howling in pain while all the mechanics giggled and laughed. Kevin rode a Harley and together we logged a lot of miles, cage free. Sadly, Kevin's wife left him for another man, and he turned back to the bottle to find solace for his pain. One night he took a final ride after leaving a bar. His name is painted on the water tower on highway 100, and he is missed by many. He died too early in life and to see his slide into depression left us all feeling guilty that we couldn't do more to help him.
Tom was in sales. He used to ride a foreign bike until we finally shamed him into buying a Harley. He was so proud of that Fat Boy; the look on his face the first time he rode to work was priceless. We also logged a lot of miles together. He was the only salesman that was ever accepted in the shop as one of the boys. Tom liked to stop in and sample many a dish at greasy spoons along a rides course and I share his enthusiasm for that. Tom and I and a few other friends would meet at the gun range in Busch Wildlife and shoot clay birds almost every weekend in the summer and hone our shooting skills. You could almost always count on a cold drink and snack to follow. Tom went into the hospital one day for a problem with his leg and never came out. He had cancer and didn't even know it.
Three of the four died of cancer, all died much too young. One of the hardest things in life is see proud strong men wither to a weak defeated frame. Going to the hospital to say goodbye to someone that has been a major part of your own life for many years, leaves you with a sadness that lasts a long, long time. I have made that trip too many times and attended too many funerals. My greatest hope is that I measured up in their eyes because they were the best I have ever had the honor to know.
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