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Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Launching ‘Minnow’






There was no ceremony, and there were no spectators as I pushed ‘Minnow’ off her trailer into the muddy water of Burnham Yacht Harbour. A gentle wind from astern helped me yuloh her to a nearby pontoon where she will spend the night. I’ll rejoin her tomorrow, probably between 10.00 and 11.00.

After launching ‘Minnow’ I did a quick check to see if she was taking water, and as far as I could ascertain, she was as sound as a bell. Having made a cup of tea, I tried the Honda 2 HP outboard, and to my delight it fired and started after three or four pulls.

My plan for tomorrow is to do a little work on the gimbal for the cooker to ensure that the twin axels stay put. I don’t want the kettle or saucepan coming adrift. I could be scalded, or more to the point, the cooker could start a fire! Therefore, it is essential for me to put it right.

Afterwards, I’ll probably take ‘Minnow’ for a sail towards Fambridge on the flood tide. If the wind continues from the northeast, I’ll have a broad reach up river and a beat back towards Burnham. I’ll be interested to find out if the sheeting arrangement keeps the sheet clear of the engine and if I can get enough purchase to flatten the sail.

‘Minnow’s’ road trailer has been hosed with fresh water and it is now in her boathouse until required again. This may be a matter of days, weeks, or months. I cannot tell.

Thank you to all readers who have sent me good wishes and congratulations.

6 comments:

  1. Don't know about you Bill but I'm grinning from ear to ear! WELL DONE.

    Steve

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  2. Nice one Bill, congrats on the launch, been following avidly from down in Plymouth. Hoping to launch my "elderly" Fireball sometime this month, hope its as painless as yours was!

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  3. Brilliant! Fair winds, Bill!

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  4. Had a good sail on Thursday, but so far I have not been able to publish the day's log.
    Cheers Bill.

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  5. GGGRRREAT. Looking forward to pictures and further reading.

    Steve

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  6. I'm so pleased for you Bill, you clearly have deserved your success so far. Had I been organised, you would have had me as a spectator for sure.
    God bless and take care.

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