On the Water

Yesterday, all I needed to do was paint the registration number on the hull, post the tax sticker, and bolt the license to the trailer.  For whatever reason, I was feeling rushed.  I made nice templates for the numbers (I didn't like those I could purchase).   I took my time getting them positioned. 

Then, painting became a chore.  I should have left off for another day, but wanted to get it done.  I ended up with runny ...and then torn paint.  ...should've left off.

It was good enough for floating, so I made a late start for Wabasis Lake a few miles to the east.  No wind to speak of, but I wasn't there primarily to sail.  I wanted to get my boat wet.  ...to practice trailering, mast setting, and launching from a ramp.

...and to make sure the hull didn't leak.

I was a week and a day past my purchase, so I was eager to confirm the hull's integrity.  My Tanzer 14 is a breeze to launch, even when new at it.  All went well.


I paddled away from the launch ramp, and hoisted the sail.  Not much happened due to the lack of wind.  ...but I was able to study that lack of wind and its subtle effects on my dinghy.

What more, I was afloat!  A few fishing boats were quietly engaged nearby, and a single jet ski was giving tube rides to some kids across the lake.  The evening was lovely, and worth taking in.  I was afloat.



After an hour of < 1 knot progress, I decided to paddle back.  I still needed to practice landing, trailer recovery, and post-sailing gear stowage.  Everything turned out fine.  I'll certainly return when the winds are brisker.