Making Ready 12

 

The boom plug (Selden part number 319-872, I know it by heart), fits as snugly as Cinderella's slipper. Stargazer is finally fully ready for sea. The original was damaged during the winter rig overhaul. A replacement was ordered. . . . .with, what turned out to be, a perpetually 'manyana' delivery date.

Stargazer had sailed, for her Early Bird East Coast shakedown cruise, without the plug. A weather eye kept on the integrity of the 'axle' for the boom's reefing pulleys (which it secures). This week, with no sign of the plug being delivered, I began ringing round the nation's riggers. Discovering, through Deborah's good offices, that Mike, up at Fox's, on the Orwell, had two. Quite literally in his back pocket. On Thursday I collected them. All offers of payment were declined. Thank you to Deborah and Mike, at Fox’s Boatyard!

Back home, the fencers have finished their work . Replacing the flattened wooden posts and panels, felled by storms Eunice, Dudley and Franklin, with more robust affairs. Securing the house for the summer.

During the week ahead tides turn fair. Better still, north east winds are forecast, perfect for a passage south. Soon Stargazer will discover what adventures our 2022 cruise holds in store for her.