SPLASH!!!!!

The wind has been blowing like snot for the last two weeks! But today, it calmed down and s/v IDRIS got wet.

Bert and Sheri, my former co-workers, wanted to witness this momentous occasion, so they joined me for the shakedown cruise.

She performed beautifully. Coming out of the local ramp, it is surrounded by mangroves blocking the wind. Luckily, there is a current that was running down wind and in the direction we wanted to travel. We only had to push off and take a few paddles to get in the canal, and we were on our way. The water is very skinny coming out of there, but since it was 3/4 high tide and she doesn't draw much, we only bumped a couple times.

Once in the wind, she took off. She performed well with three aboard, and Bert supplied us with champagne to toast the occasion.

I'm also pleased with the sail. I used a 3.3 oz tarp from Tarps Direct. I plan to build one from heavier material for stronger winds. She sailed close to the wind, and was easy with a jibe and tack... no problems at all. I guess I had her balanced.

I had both hands full most of the time, so Sheri took most of the pictures and video. However, her phone is not sharing those pictures at the moment. It doesn't feel like turning on right now. So, I put together a video taken with my GoPro.  You can see it here: Maiden voyage

Love that water!

FL2282RC

Today, my boat received her title and registration. She is official! I wasn't sure how difficult it would be to get these documents, but it was simple. I just filled out one form and within 15 minutes the transaction was complete.

SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL BOAT BUILD: PART THREE

By Saturday, all 18 sheets of plywood have two coats of epoxy. Patterns for all the bulkheads were  made and then transferred to the coated plywood. The Saturday Night Special is built on strongbacks, and right-side up.

John Goodman checking a part against the plans.

Christine DeMerchant flew in from Canada to help with the build. She thought it was hot in the shop today... I think it was mid-70s.

Christine was able to get both centerboard cases together today. She is so organized, she brought her own safety gear and metric tape measure. She is about the only one that doesn't curse the metric measurements on the plans.

Tillers

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The transom and two of the bulkheads are cut and ready for the framing to be glued on.

John Allison, John and Rosa Goodman made it down yesterday and put in a full day today. Charlie Jones was here a few days this week, as was Mark Bugyi from Austin. Ray Deming has been at the shop everyday.

Every day a feast is spread for the hard working volunteers. We don't go hungry.

Back at the cottage, John Allison cooked up a delisious meal.

It has been four days at Farley's Boat Works, tomorrow we rest. Everyone helping has been wonderful. John Allison, John and Rosa Goodman made it down yesterday and put in a full day today. Charlie Jones was here a few days this week, as was Mark Bugyi from Austin. Ray Deming has been at the shop everyday.