Seasonal Reflections

I know many of you are still seeking that, “last sail”of the season, but I have started the transition from hard water to soft…….at least in my mind. I,myself, am satisfied with the season. Although late in arriving, it came in with some sweet plates of ice nearby. this allowed me to leave the rigs, (yes multiple) set up for extended periods. If I arrived and there was no wind, the skates were on in minutes to provided miles of gliding over some wonderfully smooth ice. I even managed to get in a few bike rides with the studded tires pumping more of that fresh air into the body. I was also happy to hear of other groups finding ice to play on. There were many “first rides” locally as well as resurrected classic boats that made it to the ice. Some fun sails for a couple stern stearers also happened.

It is now time for those good intentions to begin. That final sharpening of the runners and then a coat of wax to ward off moisture, the replacement of that fraying shroud, or the repair of the tack on the sail are all on the list. I might even add a strip and refinish the hull and runner plank to the off season list. A double check of the tool box for the replacement of extra parts or tools loaned to fellow sailors so their day was a happy one is on the list. The storing of sails in a mouse proof area is always a challenge.

The question of should I build that “Whizz” that I bought the plans for 5 years ago……or not. Should I try and sell at least one boat in the fleet? But maybe a friend would want to sail it next year. maybe plane down that runner plank that’s a little too stiff, or add a leaf spring layer to keep my butt off the ice. Maybe a new paint job or set of graphics could be added.

And don’t forget the media! Time to organize all those photos taken into folders with dates and places and definitely names! There’s nothing like a cold rainy spring day to start editing all those GoPro videos.

Yeah I’ll get to it all…..someday before next year……or maybe not. But for now, I still have fresh memories of a nice season with friends and fresh air. And as I sip a little whisky or rum by a warm wood stove on a damp early spring day, I might just doze off skimming across black ice with blue skies.

Happy seasonal memories.