March 23, 2015 - Haul-out time!

One of the most important thing to have done prior to racing is to have a clean smooth bottom! Every mussel and/or barnacle will slow you down. Well today is that day... going on "the hard" at our yacht club.

Just Hank and me motoring to our appointed schedule. The weather was just OK, a bit of rain, a bit of sun, and a bit of wind.

And we are off to the yacht club!

Leaving Horseshoe Bay

Nothing to exciting on the way to the Club, just a nice motor. We were hoping to sail over but lack of wind with the lack of time prevented that... maybe on the way home. :)

At the entrance of Fisherman's Cove, going past the fuel dock

Here is a view of our Yacht Club - "West Vancouver Yacht Club"

 on the home stretch to the elevator

It takes two people to put me onto the elevator, one has to be a certified operator. Hank has placed me on the elevator numerous times, but the club rules have changed... now needs to be certified. Hank will get this endorsement this summer!




 sitting on the elevator....

With the help of the Club's workman, I am now exposing my black bottom!












As you can see from the photographs, not too much growth in 6 months...

just a few mussel at the bottom of the keg.

and a few under my keel.

All in all, not too bad.
Hank power washed my entire bottom.
One thing learned... always bring two spare zincs for my drive shaft!
Needless to say, Hank did not bring any! and to make matters worst, it was Monday and Thunderbird Marine shop was closed. Looks like another trip on the elevator. Well at least I will be clean for the race coming next week!

All clean now - note the worn down zincs

 

now back in the water

Sailing home

The winds were light on the way home, but we did try to sail... doing around 3.4 kts.
About half way home, the clouds opened up and really started to pour down. Needless to say, time to wrap it up and motor our way home.

Now sitting back at the dock in Horseshoe bay, waiting for my next outing.

Tarka out!