Morning in Belair
I started my day at sunrise with some work, but that ended suddenly when the internet decided to disconnect. Zanshin’s launch was scheduled at 09:30 so I headed to Tyrell Bay in good time. But then, unsurprisingly, I found out that the busy schedule had been changed and that it would take a bit longer before I got my turn. I was told around 2 hours. I used that time to get my dodger set up and by the time noon rolled around it looked like it was finally going to be my turn.
Noon
They finally got Zanshin into the slings and put her into the water. I had to climb aboard to get the lines set up, and all went well. Once the slings were lowered I checked the bilges and they were dry, so the travelift departed (slowly, as the top speed is slower than an octogenarian with a limp going uphill). The engine wouldn’t start, but the starter battery showed only 11V so I assumed that this wasn’t enough “oomph” to get my diesel started. I found the jumper cables and attached the starter battery to the house bank (which was also pretty low at 11.5V) but the combined reserve capacity was enough to get the engine fired up.
I motored out of the slip and went the few yards to the floating dock and let the wind push me sideways on. A yard worker helped me secure the boat and I let the motor continue running to charge the batteries after their long period of rest and discharge.
Rest of the day
Andy came by to assist in getting the genoa sail hoisted and furled. The winds were coming with a strong southerly component, so I ended up changing my position at the dock from the windward to the leeward side with Andy assisting. I set up a spring line and that made docking without a functioning bowthruster a piece of cake.
We got my sail unflaked on deck, then began hoisting the sail using the electric winch. After only about 10m of lifting we encountered a big problem with the metal guide jamming the bead of the sail. It jammed completely and even WD-40 and judicious use of a hammer couldn’t move it. I rigged up a Dyneema string line that would put the metal feed under pressure and we worked at the problem for a good hour until it finally separated.
Then all I had to do was pay Andy for his time and expertise, and get my old batteries carted off to my vehicle.
Rest of the day
I was dehydrated and exhausted after all this work. It was approaching 5PM so I stopped off for a hydrating Caribe beer at the Fig N’ Bluggoe, then returned to my cottage for a cleansing shower and some rest.