There we found Follyfin, safely on land in her winter quarters but in serious need of some TLC. So here we still are, busily cleaning and polishing the whole boat - all stainless steel, topside and hull, cleaning and applying antifoul to the bottom of the boat, overhauling/servicing the engine, re-rigging, etc. etc. etc. A lot of work needed to prepare the boat for the season and looking her best. Actually we were not in any hurry to launch Follyfin because since the beginning of May, the weather has been like winter!
On the bright side, instead of being out on the water in the cold, wet and windy conditions, the Skipper and I have been experiencing the wonderful New England hospitality of our sailing friends Lee and Deborah. Although we met them only last year in Maine, they have welcomed us into their home as if we are family. It’s not everyone who would offer the use of their house and all its comforts, for 3-4 weeks, to a couple of somewhat eccentric Brits whom they have known for less than a year. Luckily for us, they took the chance...and it turns out that they are only slightly less eccentric then we are.
Lee, being a very experienced sailor as well as an official US ‘Captain’ (a title that is hard earned), is a mine of nautical information and tips, with a veritable plethora of contacts in the area, so of course very helpful to us. And when not involved with matters marine, he is an accomplished musician and jazz guitarist, who delights the household with occasional spontaneous ‘jam’ sessions. Deborah is a recently retired executive from the corporate world of high fashion and is revelling in her newfound freedom ... although training for a half-marathon may not be everyone’s idea of enjoyment! She makes her house so welcoming and peaceful for us workers - a true oasis of calm after each day’s toil on the boat. So we are indeed extremely fortunate - and eternally grateful - to have such wonderful friends.
The other unexpected bonus from this delayed start to our sailing season is that we are only a couple of hours by train from son Warren, Lara and their three children Noah (5), Bella (3) and Amelia (1) (see above). Indeed, this weekend we travelled over to Jersey City to see them all. Beautiful weather on Saturday enabled a trip to Hoboken to their friends and a walk back along the Hudson River.
It was also fortunate that on Sunday we were in the audience to witness the ballet debut of young Isabella (aged 4) on the big stage. From the balcony of a packed auditorium, our binoculars ensured that not a moment of the 4 minutes that Bella was on stage near the end of the full 21/2 hr performance was missed. She was of course brilliant.
Weather is now improving. Today the highest temperature was 27°C. So hopefully, all being well Follyfin will be launched next week. Fingers crossed!
No comments:
Post a Comment