Kris Cringle 956 #1 Posted November 8, 2020 It was nice to have a capable partner along in my daughter. She took all these photos, starting with this one, of her boots. Not just boots, it's hard to see in the photo but the thwart she is sitting on is just above water. Good balance. She had bailed our dinghy (which wasn’t easy). I was across the harbor waiting for her to pick me up. Once aboard, she insisted on rowing the half-mile into the 10-15 SW - gusting to 20 to our boat, that had built up a nice steep chop in Rockport Harbor. She nearly made it but didn't resist (too much) when I took over for the last 100 yards (I was glad that was all I had to do). As you can see, Thursday was a beautiful fall day in November. The temperature reached into the mid 60’s but the South wind was cool. Matt, the travel lift operator said at the docks, 'As soon as you see the slings dip into the water, drive her in'. We arrived too early so we drove around a bit. Plenty of space, all the fishing boats are still in the water. Sea birds have reclaimed the harbor now that the people are gone. Finally, we saw the travel lift slings in the distance slowly dip into the water at the docks, and we headed in with a 15 knot tailwind. On approaching the travel lift, some long bursts of reverse were needed. Reverse brakes (a little), and kicks the old boats stern to starboard. That had to be followed by a burst - forward with the rudder set to starboard, to bring the boat back in line. The boat wanted to twist broadside to the wind. About that moment I could see Matt was alone. I was flattered,…sort of. The 4 docks lines Mary Jane had led and coiled would stay coiled on deck. There were no hands to heave them to. So we backed and filled our way into the slot ahead. About the time I saw the aft sling go by the bow, Matt mouthed a gentle “whoa” in my direction, which I followed by yanking the gear lever up. Seconds later, I felt the gentle jostle of the slings contacting the hull below. There was nothing left for Mary Jane to do but pile off aft into the tied dinghy and head over to the dinghy dock a few yards away. Christmas was rising. For some, seeing the sailing season end brings on sadness. For me, hauling our boat brings an end to a chapter in a long book. 13 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sail4beer 2,013 #2 Posted November 8, 2020 Those are Doc Martens, not boots. Now I can’t wait for the next chapter!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checkstay 0 #3 Posted November 8, 2020 I think I have a Christmas card with your boat on it, or something similar. Is that a Nutshell? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris Cringle 956 #4 Posted November 8, 2020 1 hour ago, checkstay said: I think I have a Christmas card with your boat on it, or something similar. Is that a Nutshell? Nutshell 9'6" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ajax 1,987 #5 Posted November 8, 2020 You have such clear delineations in your sailing life. It's 74F down here today. Good for some epoxy work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris Cringle 956 #6 Posted November 10, 2020 On 11/8/2020 at 4:07 PM, Ajax said: You have such clear delineations in your sailing life. It's 74F down here today. Good for some epoxy work. We do, but it's getting warmer. October, usually one of our best months for sailing, was a near bust. We got a few sails and overnights in. When it was bad (mostly), the weather was too nasty to start stripping sails, etc. for haul out. I'm lucky (I know this is rare) but I can usually pick my weather for haul out. I waited until the first week of November and scheduled on a warm dry day. Today, we had the stick pulled at 9am.. It nearly reached into the 70's. This season I had to change my usual un-step and store at the yard. I wooded and built 7 or so coats of varnish in 2000. This year, that finish is serving notice. The stick is going into my back yard to renew the coating. I know more now so I'm not surprised it only went 20 yrs. This doesn't even turn a head around here. Boats up to 60' on trailers and spars much longer and heavier than mine on rack trucks go through town regularly. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan H 427 #7 Posted November 11, 2020 Wow...that is one gorgeous boat....and a setting so totally unlike my own. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ajax 1,987 #8 Posted November 11, 2020 6 hours ago, Alan H said: Wow...that is one gorgeous boat....and a setting so totally unlike my own. I love the maritime colonial vibe and small town feel of @Kris Cringle's location. I'd move there if the winter wasn't so bloody long and cold and the sailing season so damn short. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elegua 718 #9 Posted November 11, 2020 October in Maine is a nice month. It's getting colder but there are still these brilliant sunny days and many things aren't in hibernation yet. An October ice cream from not my favorite, but a good shop. By the end of November it can be like this. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan H 427 #10 Posted November 11, 2020 For me to see something like that I have to drive six hours to Lake Tahoe. On the other hand, I get to sail year-round, though "winter" here is usually pretty light winds. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan H 427 #11 Posted November 11, 2020 You know, I'd love a photo tour of your boat, maybe a few paragraphs about her history, and all. You know, since you won't be sailing this winter! Are the kids pulling the $1 sailboat out for the winter, too? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris Cringle 956 #12 Posted November 12, 2020 13 hours ago, Alan H said: You know, I'd love a photo tour of your boat, maybe a few paragraphs about her history, and all. You know, since you won't be sailing this winter! Are the kids pulling the $1 sailboat out for the winter, too? Thanks. CHRISTMAS is a 1961 Alden Challenger (38'6" X11'), Alden's first GRP (now called FRP) hull and deck (solid, no coring). The hull was cast in the UK then shipped to Denmark with a fat roll of blue prints, to be finished in wood at the Poul Molich boatyard. I've owned the boat for 20 years. The kids $1 is already hauled out for the season. We never really 'stop' sailing around here, we just take a needed break. 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Alan H 427 #14 Posted November 12, 2020 Oh my. Yes. Feel free to not stop there, BTW. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cruisin Loser 1,370 #15 Posted November 13, 2020 On November 11, 2020 at 7:59 AM, Elegua said: October in Maine is a nice month. It's getting colder but there are still these brilliant sunny days and many things aren't in hibernation yet. An October ice cream from not my favorite, but a good shop. By the end of November it can be like this. Pralines? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cruisin Loser 1,370 #16 Posted November 13, 2020 11 hours ago, Ajax said: *Sigh*... Yes, indeed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elegua 718 #17 Posted November 13, 2020 2 hours ago, Cruisin Loser said: Pralines? Close....Butter Pecan. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris Cringle 956 #18 Posted November 13, 2020 26' K Agee Neilsen double-ender heads for the ways. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
