Zen Again 26

 

Calm and balmy conditions, bring Stargazer's skipper out into her cockpit, to enjoy breakfast and supper. Lunch is more comfortably eaten below, out of the glare of the midday sun. In this most exotic April.

Overnight, a Class40  race boat arrives. Ahead of the CIC Normandy Channel Race. I take a close look at her dyneema rigging. The backstays in particular. Then call Alan, at Wilkinsons, back in Faversham Creek.

Before taking the plunge, and turning DIY rigger, for a day. My first step is to take the load off Stargazer’s backstay. Using a cantilever of main halyard, boom and kicking strap. Tensioned by a winch.

I lower the suspect wire bridle to the deck. The eye has an ominous 'set' to it. Exiting the ferrule awkwardly. It cannot be relied upon.

Following the Class40's method, and Alan's advice, I rig Stargazer a new backstay bridle, using my 5mm dyneema. But do not quite have the heart to chop down the old wire bridle. Leaving it lashed to the rail. Pending sea trials.

Each day, a sea breeze pipes up during the mid afternoon. Bringing the fledgling Charlie Dalin's, of tomorrow, racing home.

Short tacking through the confines, wind shifts and marine traffic of the inner harbour. Honing their boat handling skills.

Tomorrow's forecast is for twelve, increasing to eighteen, knots of east north easterly breeze. On the last (just about) daylight, evening, opening (21.44 CET) of the St Vaast lock, for this lunar cycle.