Cap Rail Project Started

The Cap Rail Project is a big one, all ceiling panels around the underside of the deck and all light fixtures from inside the cabin have had to be removed in order to access the through bolts of the stanchions and the jib sheet track the cars run on.  There is about 25 man hours in the removal of the deck hardware and the removal of the bungs and screws holding the rub & cap rails.  Seems like a massive project, at least I won't have to deal with this again in my life time.  A bit of maintenance each year will keep any water egress at bay. The temperatures are getting down to the point where it is cold to work at this point... And a bit of a break for Christmas is nice.  Every weekend since the season ended has been spent on working on the boat. It looks pretty bad at the moment, but I've been told she'll be ship shape before spring.

Cheers.

"I start from the premise that no object created by man is as satisfying to his body and soul as a proper sailing yacht."

Arthur Beiser 1978
The Proper Yacht

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Winter Restoration Work Begins

Moon Dancer II is now inside and the work begins on some of the restoration projects.  It was decided that the first order of work would be to reseal the cap rail along the gunwale.  That became the priority as the boat was getting a bit of rain water inside.  That only leads to bigger problems later, not to mention the dampness and must if she sits the way she is.  Ceiling tiles have to be removed, light fixtures, some of the cabinets ...  One thing leads to another. Cap rail and all fittings will be in need of repair and restoration.  Also cleaning and fixing anything as we disassemble. So it begins.  Maybe the winter is good to us. 

Hopefully she floats again in the Spring ;-)

"And the Sea will Grant Each Man New Hope, As Sleep Brings Dreams of Home" Christopher Columbus (???)  Hunt for Red October

Hauled Out and On The Hard

Moon Dancer II on the Hook

This weekend was the last sail for the season.  Masts are removed and the boat is on its tri-axle trailer.  The cradle fit beautifully under the boat.  The cradle did have to be moved back on the trailer to better balance the load.  All in all, the lift worked fine. Thirty five minutes on the hook.  Now the work of winterizing and the beginnings of refitting and repairing for the 2012 season.  We shall post some of the project work as they happen.

In the Yard ready for winterizing

"It's not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails, that's what a ship needs, but what a ship is... is freedom." -
Capt. Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Carribean

Dry Docked for Cradle Measurements



Moon Dancer II on the Beach in
St. Andrews, NB

That time of year when the rush is on to prepare for Haul-out...  Had to dry dock Moon Dancer II to get the final measurements for the cradle uprights.  Funny feeling leaving her high & dry for about 10 hours as the tide crept away and slowly back to float her off the bottom.  Measurements were taken and the cradle is now complete.  Next weekend for the crane out.  Then the winter work begins...

"You must know the sea, and know that you know it, and know that it was meant to be sailed upon."

Harry Pidgeon

The 2nd Annual "Man Cruise" from St. Andrews to Campobello NB





Michael at the Helm of Moon Dancer II

Under Full Sail



Just to prove the point that the guys (Captians) CAN survive without the Admirals aboard...The Man Cruise was created...  This past September it involved a group of four father and son (and nephew) boats heading out for the weekend on a short sail and indulgence in much eating.  The first day was a beautiful day under sail and great time had by all.  Second day was calm and we had to motor from Head Harbour, Campobello back to St. Andrews.  All-in-all we have to admit (well at least I do) that without the Admiral aboard, things are not quite the same.  Michael, my nephew, & I had a great sail and caught several mackrel before setting out for St. Andrews on Sunday.

From the Bow, as heading out into
the Bay of Fundy

Cheers,

Dave (& Michael)

"If a man is to be obsessed by something,
I suppose a boat is as good as anything, perhaps a bit better than most."

-E. B. White



Better Late than Never... Starting the blog...



Moon Dancer II at the Mooring in Salem, MA

Between a busy summer and a bit of procrastination, finally getting around to starting a blog for our spring purchase of the now called Moon Dancer II.  Moon Dancer II is a 1981 Endeavour 37 (Plan A) Ketch Rigged sailboat with a dry weight of about 20,000lbs.  A summary of this past summer will be posted as I get time to reflect and look back at the log book.

Cheers,
Dave
"Houses are but badly built boats so firmly aground that you can not think of moving them..."
Quote from Arthur Ransom