Breaking in a New Boat (…at least, new to us)

MM 132

We departed our lovely anchorage around 9am for a marina just east of Belhaven NC. Perhaps because Blackbeard the Pirate sailed these waters in the 1700s, pirate ships are common:




So this Captain is has been in the sun way too long!







Once we reached the Pamlico River, it was a good chance to open the sails again. Winds were light, around 9 knots, and we reefed the main as we made adjustments. We deployed the jib fully, which is a 130% compared to our 106% on our former boat, the 409. (Jib sizing is based on the percentage of the triangle forward from the forestay support cable to the deck). 

Needless to say, with the added size of the boat and the increase in the percentage, there is a lot of sailcloth out there. But an issue arose with the main sail, where the First Mate noticed that the sail was pulling away from the mast for the bottom 12 inches (ie. the bolt rope was not in the foil). The Captain moved forward on the deck, and the more he tried to secure the sail back into the foil, the further the separation increased (like a zipper you can’t stop from opening!). 

Of course, the wind had picked up to 12 knots by this time, and there was pressure on the mainsail as well. By loosening the halyard and then the outhaul, using a plastic trim tool that looks like small spatula, the sail was restored to its proper orientation. 



We have most of the mechanics and electronics worked out, now we have to get these sails into proper Frick operating condition.

Our destination was the Dowry Creek Marina, and we borrowed the marina car for a quick visit to Belhaven. 


It’s a cute town, and perhaps seemed more sleepy because we were there on a Monday. The museum had been closed for 2 years due a fire resulting from a lightning strike, there are a few decor and clothing stores (shout out to the Cosy Mermaid on Main Street, with a proprietress who shared local details), and a beautiful manor house that’s primarily an event venue (River Forest Manor).




Comments

  1. AnonymousApril 29, 2024 at 11:47 PM

    Thanks for sharing your wonderful adventure. We are reading it everyday. Good luck with the remaining part of the trip. Ours starts tomorrow toward Albania .
    Jean-Luc and Annie

    ReplyDelete
  2. RozenaApril 30, 2024 at 8:39 AM

    I had a man that I went to school with he & his wife lived on the water in Belhaven. They always wanted us to visit and it was never on our travel route, and we never went now he & George are both gone & his wife is not well. They always told me how pretty it was there, but a small town. No matter the town most places on the water have charm. Guess lack of funds to not be able to restore museum, but you would think insurance would have covered. Sad note, history is so important to learn from where we came & the going forward.
    Pic of sails up is beautiful.
    How many days until your destination?
    Happy sailing!!

    ReplyDelete

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