Well, I am (almost) back...

Not to get into too much now, but I will be returning to Skylark and will be getting back to the way things were right after the summer visit with my son.

I can't wait....so much more to come!

Interesting Exercise

So this morning I was in the Blogger Dashboard and noticed I had 78 Blogs in my reading list. My first post was in November of 2009, so needless to say, I have been doing this for a while and have read a lot of blogs. There have been great friends I made along the way with these silly blogs, I am grateful for the opportunity.

Anyway, out of the 78, five of them are not sailing related, while the other 73 were. It made me think for a minute as there are only a few, maybe 6 or 7 sailing blogs on my list that post regularly...and when I mean regularly, I mean once a monthish. There are some, you know who you are :), that post daily and I usually start my day with a cup of coffee and a peruse of who is doing what and where. Since I am basically land locked for a lot of reasons, I enjoy reading along.

So what about the other 60 or so folks I started following at one time or another? It made me wonder, so I started going down the list one by one and taking a look at when the last post was entered.

I have to admit I was somewhat surprised at what I found. I never realized that so many people hung up their sailboats for good until I found post after post saying goodbye. In most cases, there was a final post that said goodbye, thanked everyone for following and that they were sad to go. Some posts I remember, others I do not. It was a tough thing to see, as it seemed like there were a lot of dreams put on the mantel and unfortunately, in some cases, I don't know why.

Of course they weren't all like that. I am sure some folks just got tired of blogging and just stopped, while others maybe in a place that they can't blog or something else unexpectedly popped up and...you get the idea. Regardless, I deleted about 34 inactive blogs this morning and it was somewhat depressing. It is possible that one day I will post one more time thanking everyone for following and wishing everyone still out there fair winds, but for now, I hope to still get on-board and sail off following the dream. Till then, Skylark will just have to wait patiently for me to be as ready as she is.

December 1, 2013

You might remember this picture from a post quite a few years ago. It was taken of me at the helm of Skylark about 20 miles off the coast of North Carolina. It was one of  the best times of my life, albeit one of the most intense as well. Not too long after this picture was taken, we were hit with an unpredicted storm that threw us around like a cork for about 16 hours before we ran for cover at Cape Lookout Spit. I had never been so exhausted both mentally and physically in my life.

That trip however sparked something in me that changed my life. I will never forget the feeling I had on that midnight to 3:00 am watch when the winds were right and Skylark cut through the water like she was meant to do. Never have I ever felt peace like that, and I will always continue to look for that, whenever I can.

Unfortunately though, life does get in the way and the time needed for a good adventure has been very hard to find. Although Skylark is ready for such a trip, I am not and continue to battle with time, work and everything else that makes up a modern life we lead today.

I will continue to hope for the best and have Skylark and myself ready to go if the stars ever align, but in the meantime, I will think back to that time when I was a very small being on a very small boat in the middle of a very big ocean. Hopefully, it will be enough...

Fair winds.

Not Dead, Just Missing

Quick update for those wondering where I am. I am in Letterkenny, Ireland and have been for the last 4 weeks. And the kicker, I have 3 weeks to go still. That's right, almost 2 months in the Emerald Isle for work. Certainly can think of worse places to work, that's for sure.

Anyway, I am alive and well and fighting my way through Leprechauns, pots of gold and 4 leaf clovers. Not too many pics yet, but I think I might have a few from my walkabout around town.

On the Hard

Skylark safe and sound. Finally getting that well deserved bottom job.

Rare Treat for a Space Fan Such as Myself!

So as I lugged my groceries down to Skylark this evening, I noticed a very large orange object being pushed and pulled by a couple of tremendous tugboats about a mile off the marina headed south down the river. After staring for a couple of minutes, I looked around and noticed quite a few of the local liveaboards standing on their boats for a better look as well. A quick conversation was had, and I found out that it was the large solid fuel tank that the Space Shuttle attaches to during lift-off. It was on a barge headed for Green Cove Springs, just down the river where it will be moved to the Wings of Dreams Aviation Museum at the Keystone Heights Airport in Starke, Fla., about an hour southeast of Jacksonville. Here is the story from the paper with some great pictures of the fuel tank as well as my grainy attempt of a picture with the phone. collectspace.com
It was very neat to see in person to say the least. I was finally in the right place at the right time!

A Week so Far in April

Have been down in Jax now for about a week. Have enjoyed the weather, being in the high 70s, although this weekend was a washout. Zachary's baseball game was cancelled, so we headed over to the Barnes and Noble for a bit to check out the new magazines and of course for a coffee.
Nothing too much planned at this point. Work has been outrageously busy, so I am just going day by day.

Have been doing small projects on Skylark while I have been here, but I am happy to say all the major work is done and working great. Would like to get some deck scrubbing in tomorrow afternoon if the weather breaks, but that too will be decided as we go. Think the rest of the day will be spent below doing homework and reading. I could use the break, and will be happy to sit still and relax. Maybe even a nap, can you fathom??!!

Wanted to say congratulations to my friends Doug and Tina on S/V Pieridae. About 2 weeks ago, they sold off the rest of their land based possessions and officially moved aboard Pieridae, their O'day 40. They are currently bobbing happily in Southport, NC and will be there for a bit before setting off into the sunset. I wish them fair winds and look forward to seeing them out there.

Wow, Now This is Impressive

Yacht sets record sailing from New York to San Francisco

A racing yacht named after one of the world's fastest cars has docked in San Francisco after what organizers said was the fastest passage of a single-hulled sailing vessel from New York to San Francisco.

The 70-foot Maserati sailed under the Golden Gate Bridge late Saturday morning and tied up at Pier 39 Marina around 11:30 a.m. Saturday, 47 days after pulling out of New York City, said Judy Laws, a spokeswoman for the event.

The 13,225-mile journey around Cape Horn at the tip of South America is what sailors have said for centuries is one of the most challenging sailing journeys in the world.

The Maserati finished the trip in 47 days, two hours and 33 minutes, easily beating the most recent record of 57 days, three hours and two minutes set in 1998, Laws said.

"They beat it by a little more than 10 days. They smashed it," Laws said.

The eight-member crew of the Maserati — led by its Italian skipper 47-year-old Giovanni Soldini — left New York City on New Year's Eve.

Though calm winds late Friday had pushed back the vessel's expected arrival by a few hours, Laws described a festive atmosphere as dignitaries, including Mauro Battocchi, Consul General of Italy in San Francisco, and others greeted the crew when they arrived at the dock.

"It's just been a happy, happy time," Laws said.

Read more at the San Francisco Examiner: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/2013/02/yacht-sets-record-sailing-new-york-san-francisco#ixzz2LALuYEFD

Amen

Friday, February 1

I will be heading down to Skylark on Friday for about a week. Looking forward to some time on the water, warm weather and spending time with Zachary. It's been so cold up in NC for a few weeks now, have really had enough. Going to try to get out at least overnight, but of course need to be back for the Superbowl. Even though New England is out, you still gotta watch. :)

Lots of People Looking but...

Just looked at the stats for the first time in a while and noticed a lot of folks looking through the posts. Feel free to say hi or ask questions. You would be surprised how much useless information I have to give. :)
Enjoy.

Merry Christmas 2012

Wow, that was a quick year. Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. I hope it brings everything you wish for.

Four Months Since My Last Post...Really??!!

Sorry folks, life has had a nasty way of taking over and keeping me up in NC longer than expected. Was also in Houston Texas for a week on business. Lots of running around but I was able to spend 5 days last week on Skylark. Had a fantastic weather window and enjoyed day after day of mid 70 degree days, a light breeze and perfectly clear skies.

Skylark was waiting patiently to see me and all was well with the new systems. Was too busy to get out but was able to run the engine in gear for about 45 minutes and was very happy with what the gauges were telling me. I had a problem with oil pressure and engine temp at first, but Ralph seems to have taken care of everything at this point (what else is new:). She started right up and ran very smoothly. I do think the engine is ready to go. Now if I can just find a few days to make that happen.

Nothing else really to report at this time. Just preparing for the holidays and working. I did get a new toy for when I am in NC, perfect for the mountains and the Blueridge Highway.  It's a Heist from CCW, a small company in Cleveland. If you are looking for something small to run around your home town, I highly recommend it. Check it out...  Cleveland Cycle Werks.


Next on my list for winter sailing. A propane heater for the cabin...

Solar Panel, Nav Station and LPG Install

I know I said I was getting away from the refit stuff going forward, but I have had quite a few people ask about the nav panel, solar and LPG tank install, so I figured I would end out the refit chapter with a bang. Everything we set out to do is complete and I am ecstatic. Thank you Ralph for all the incredible work you have done, which of course was pretty much everything!

Solar Panel 

After doing a lot of searching online, I decided to go with a 100 watt panel from sunwindproducts. I was very happy with the customer service, prices and options. If you are in the market for solar or wind products, check them out. It's early in the game, but the panel seems to be doing exactly what it says it would and is putting the amps into the batteries as expected.
We decided to mount the panel to the stern rail with hinges that will allow it to be swung down in bad weather. Used a deck fitting for the wires, but other than that, it was straight forward.
The charge controller is a basic 7 amp unit from Sunforce. Since I only have the one panel generating less than 7 amps, I didn't see a need to spend hundreds of dollars on a bigger unit. It fits nicely behind the nav station making it easier to hook into the system. Both the solar panel and wind generator can be set by the main battery switch to charge what ever battery bank I want. Of course the house bank gets most of the juice, but in an unforeseeable happenstance that both banks are drained, I can send all the power to the starting battery and get the engine running.


Nav Station

The final components to the Nav Station have been added. All the wiring has been replaced with proper gauge, tinned marine wire and connections. A new 4 stage Protech 1220i battery charger was installed behind the panel as well as the 7 amp solar panel charge controller. Included in the panel is the LPG solenoid switch, VHF, stereo/CD player, amp meter for the wind generator and wind generator control switch, Raymarine chartplotter, 120 AC breaker panel and the DC 12 breaker panel* with built in volt meter.
These were all placed in a custom built panel that was mounted on the starboard side shelves above the quarter birth. It's a great feeling to know that when I flip a switch, it's going to work. It was a big job sifting through the rats nest that was there, but Ralph knocked this one out of the park.
* As you might have noticed, I am still waiting for the new breaker panel labels to arrive. I promise there are no trim tabs on Skylark.

LPG Solenoid, Switch and Tank Locker

Skylark did not come with a propane tank locker, so we had to build one. Actually, we were able to get a "tub" that would fit a 20 pound tank that was left long ago and sitting in the marina. From there, Ralph cut a hole in the aft "seat" behind the tiller and mounted the tank from underneath. There was plenty of room below that area in the locker, so it was the perfect place for it. A spill hole, tube and through-hull were installed to get the propane gas overboard in case of a leak, the purpose really for the locker in the first place. A square water proof hatch was then installed over the tank making it very easy to replace when necessary.
In addition, a solenoid control switch was installed in the galley which operates the solenoid valve attached to the tank. This is a safety feature that allows you to easily turn the propane off from the galley as well as monitors pressure from the tank.

So that's it, time to start enjoying the fruits of out labor.

Bayou Morning in NC

I woke up to the smell of something cooking this morning. That in itself is rather odd, but at 8:00am, it's unheard of. When I could finally pull myself up to investigate, I found Amy in the kitchen making beignets for breakfast. If you remember from a previous post, we went to the Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans for their famous beignets and coffee. Of course we were not disappointed. Somewhere along the way, Amy had found a box of mix and planned on surprising me one day...it was today. They really were excellent and came quite close to the real thing. If you ever wanted to try them and can't get to Nawlins', give these a shot.
Enjoy!

Chapter 3

If you have been following for the last few years, you have probably noticed a lot of project posts...a lot. There was a few weeks of sailing mixed in as we brought Skylark down from Washington, NC to Jacksonville, FL, but that chapter was a quick one and ended way too fast for my liking. Don't get me wrong, I have truly enjoyed all of the feedback and had a lot of fun talking to folks out there working on similar projects. I have learned a tremendous amount about the boat and myself along the way, as well as the ups and downs of a full classic sailboat refit. I have a lot of thoughts on the matter now that it's done (you are never really done, just in a spot to start enjoying the fruits of your labor) but I will save that for another time. I am happy though to be turning the page and moving to the next chapter.

Since we have finished Chapter 1, The Refit and Chapter 2, The Short Journey Home, it is now time for Chapter 3, Skylark is Finally Out There. So unless there is something specific that you would like to see or hear about in more detail from a project perspective, I will start gearing my posts to what this Blog was always meant to be, Sailing Adventures on a Cal 34. Let the games and nightmares begin!

I think Chapter 3 will start off with a nice shakedown cruise north to Cumberland Island, GA. It's a wonderful place to anchor out and enjoy for a week or so making sure all of the systems are working as expected. Zachary and I will make the trip at the beginning of July, weather permitting. There is a good chance one of my friends and his sons will be buddy boating with us from the marina. I am very much looking forward to getting away from the dock and getting back out to sea.

It's time.

So Let's Review...

Over the last 4 months, we have gotten more done on Skylark than over the last 3 years. It's been hectic yet extremely rewarding to see the transformation happen. I couldn't be happier with how things came out. Ralph is certainly a master of his trade and did everything exactly as it should be done, period. Again, I couldn't be happier.

Tomorrow, I will be heading back to NC for a little while, then up to visit with the family in New York. Yesterday was Zachary's last day of school, so he too is looking forward to some time up north. In late June, we will be back in FL ready to take a trip up to Cumberland, GA on Skylark for a week or so. Needless to say, I will be looking forward to that.

I have posted quite a few of the projects as we went a long, but I thought a list of the completed jobs would be fun to see. If anyone has questions on anything I did, please let me know, I will be happy to send pics or pass along any tips.

What did we do?

1. Water tank - Built access hatches to the water tank under the V-birth. Removed tank and cleaned. Installed all new fresh water hoses to the faucets in the galley and head. Replaced both faucets.
2. Cold Plates - Converted the icebox to refrigerator with Norcold cold plates. (There is a post on this)
3. Sea Hood - Customized an existing sea hood found at Sailors Exchange to fit over the sliding hatch over the companion way. (There is a post on this)
4. Deck Paint - Painted the decks white on white. (There is a post on this)
5. New Navigation Station - Have not posted the full project yet, but will soon. We custom built a navigation station above the starboard shelf over the aft quarter-birth. Ran all new 12v and 110 wire through out the boat including all wires in the engine harness. Built new panel to cover where the old electric switches were.
6. New House Battery Bank - Replaced existing 2 group 27 batteries with 4 6volt golf cart batteries totaling 430 amp hours. Moved the starting battery into the engine compartment and is charged as a separate bank.
7. Bow Roller Install - Moved the deck mounted navigation lights and installed a heavy duty bow roller and cleat. Added a 22 pound Bruce anchor to the roller and kept the Danforth on the deck.
8. Headliner - Insulated with quarter inch sheets and then stained and polyethylened wood.  (There is a post on this)
9. Propane Locker - Glassed in a 20 pound tank "tub" under the aft seat, installed an access hatch and ran a spill hose out a through-hull below the aft transom. Installed a solanoid control switch in the galley and a solanoid on the propane tank.
10. Wind Generator - Installed 400w AirX wind generator that is controlled through the main panel and can charge either or both banks at the turn of a switch. 
11. Bilge Pump Configuration - Removed the original 500 gallon per hour pump and replaced with a 1500 gallon per hour pump and automatic float switch. Removed the old hose that emptied the bilge water into the cockpit and ran a hose to the aft where a through-hull was installed below the transom. Cleaned the bilge of all dirt, oil and debris.
12. Bow Navigation Lights - Removed bow rail and welded a flat piece of stainless so lights could be mounted. Ran the wires through the bow rail tubes and then below decks.
13. Engine - Finished install of new engine. Took carburetor off for a complete cleaning, replaced all electrical components. Ran all new wires to and from batteries, switches and gauges. Installed new muffler and built new water exhaust elbow. Ran all new tubing for blower.

A few things that will be done before I get back.

1. Solar Panel - Install a 100w solar panel and charge controller.
2. Tiller - Reinforce tiller in the new bracket. Install tiller pilot.

Well, I told you we were busy. :) It has been a lot of work, but Skylark is really looking good!
Have a good June, I hope to see you out on the water soon.

Very Cool Blog, Very Cool People

If you haven't had a chance yet to take a look at the adventures of Windtraveler, now is the time. I have been following for a while and look forward to the next chapter of their journey including a new boat and a new crew member.
Check them out

Tropical Storm in May, Really??!!!

Yup, here we go again. Tropical storm Beryl is heading directly for northern Florida, more specifically Jacksonville. Looking at 40 to 50 mph winds and a ton of rain all week. Oh well, so much for a weekend on the water.

New Orleans Jazz Fest

NO Jazz Fest 2012

Had a wonderful time at the Nawlins' Jazz Fest this weekend. I left Jacksonville on Tuesday night after work and made it to about Pensacola FL before getting a room for the night, about a 5 hour drive. From there, I started the Pascagoula run (you Parrotheads should know what I am talking about) through Alabama, Mississippi and then into Louisiana. It was very neat seeing the sunrise over the Gulf, my first time.

Pascgoula Run

I got to New Orleans early Wednesday and picked up Amy from the airport around 10am and from there, we went over to the hotel to drop off our stuff. A short cab ride later, and we were in the French Quarter walking though the narrow street taking in all of the delicious smells from the restaurants and admiring the architecture. I have never been, and Amy was there once for Martigras, so being the only ones on the streets at times was new for both of us.

Beignets at Cafe du Monde

After lunch, we headed over to Cafe du Monde for the famous Beignets and strong black coffee. Wow, they were delicious to say the least. Of course Jimmy's song, The Wino and I Know kept playing over in my head, where he goes for strong coffee and donuts too hot to touch, but I would expect nothing else. :)

Thursday morning was hot, real hot and humid, so we know the day to follow was going to be interesting. The festival grounds had 2 main stages and about 5 smaller ones where local and big named bands came from all over to play. I was there to see Jimmy Buffett on Thursday and the Zac Brown band on Friday but really enjoyed all the local sounds that was going on.

Good seats

I lucked out with Buffett being there at all. He wasn't supposed to be there this year as he just got off his 2012 tour and was on vacation. Eddie Vedder was the Thursday headliner but was hurt and couldn't play. That's when JB stepped in and saved the day, at least as far as I am concerned. :)  Because it was a last minute thing, he didn't have the band with him, only Mac Mcanally and a couple of local artist and put on an acoustic show. They had a lot of fun with it and it felt like we were in their living room watching an impromptu jam session. It wasn't crowded at all and we were quite close to the stage, my favorite show of his to date.

Zac doing his thing

Amy baking in the sun

On Friday, we waited for the Zac Brown and the boys to close the day and once again, it was an oven. But in the end, it was very worth it. It was my first ZBB concert and it was fantastic. They are such great performers, that even if you are not huge fans of the music, their talent just blows you away. They played their biggies and threw in a few new ones to a very happy crowd. This time though, I mean crowd...it was PACKED. Still got pretty close, but it was standing room only everywhere.

Bridge over the Mississippi

I had such a great time in New Orleans. I would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't been. There was so much we didn't get to do, but I was able to stand up on the banks of the Mississippi River and watch some tugs push their barges down river. That was very cool indeed. I hope to get back there someday soon.