2020 - Spring Preparations

Here in Vancouver it seems spring is taking its time arriving - we are even forecast to have sub-zero temperatures this second weekend in March!

I have a few sailing plans/goals this year which include trying to participate in one of the several small boat events here on the west coast:

The Montague Rendezvous (May)
https://salishseasmallboatrendezvous.wordpress.com/montague-harbour-rendezvous

The Sucia Island Small Boat Gathering (July)
https://salishseasmallboatrendezvous.wordpress.com/sucia-island-rendezvous/

 For several years now I have been missing out so keen to join these informal and friendly gatherings again.

My hard goal for prepping the boat and myself is the one week Barefoot Raid 2020 through the Gulf Islands starting June 27th.
http://www.barefootraid.net/
There will be about thirty small sailboats and a 'mother ship' with a morning and afternoon sail/row leg each day.  The $600 fee for boat and captain includes all the organization plus three meals per day.  I understand this is a great event and am stoked to be a participant this year!

2019 Raid - Mothership rafted up with some of the participants 

Leading up to these events I would like to get as much sailing in as possible including some local overnight cruises.

With regards to modifications and improvements for Fib itself I have the following plans:

• Boom tent - something fairly simple and quick to build for my 1.0 version.  Likely custom cut/fitted poly tarp with taped seams.
• Re-boarding system - a simple stirrup type as described by John Welsford
• Furling system - looking into a permanently mounted bungy cord on boom system
• Sail cover - to cover boom/yard/sail bundle for storage and travel
• Reseal hatches - I was a little too stingy on the silicone sealant when I installed these as I noticed some unwelcome water egress.  Plan to remove, reseal and reinstall.  Lesson learned.
• Mast/boom protective leather or fake leather installation

Items I plan to purchase or already have purchased (details to follow):

• Compass - small bulkhead mounted

• VHF Marine Radio - upgrade to newer version.  I have signed up for a Marine Radio Operators course May 9th.

• Camera - replacement for my trusty Olympus TG-2 that was destroyed in a fall in Vietnam

Good old TG-2

PFD - I have an 15 year old inflatable Mustang and a 35 year old kayaking PFD neither of which in ideally suited to small boat sailing and rowing.  Picked up this MEC Fulcrum on sale and I will be perfect for sailing and paddling.

• Order up a sea anchor that I plan to use when reefing or dropping sail

• Order up an Anchor Buddy to facilitate beach stops

• Order up and install a small, simple mast head wind indicator like this one:

April 1, 2020 Update...

Due to the Corona pandemic both the Montague and Sucia Rendezvous have been cancelled.  The marine radio course too. Rats

Looks like it will be lot of solo sailing this year.