Thank you, Stevensons

[Bill Paxton]

Over the course of the looong winter, I forgot just how nice the Weekender is.

I took Surprise for the first sail of the season today. The sun was warm, the winds light to breezy. I don't know about you, but each year I have to practically learn to sail again. It was a great day to get back into practice.

I had to smile at how nicely the boat handles. She's quick and nimble; tacking without effort. I was amazed again this year by the sensation of sailing a bigger, heavier boat. I guess that's a function of the jib going all the way to the end of the bowsprit. She looks so stately, too, on the water. Everyone at the ramp wanted to know all about her.

As I sheeted in the main, and felt her heel to around 15 degrees. I just grinned. Here I was, sailing a boat that I built, on a perfect sunny day. Man, that's just about as good as it gets.

None of this experience, or the past four sailing seasons, would have been a reality if the Stevensons hadn't designed such a great boat - a boat that a novice could build and be proud of. Thanks, Peter! Thanks, Mike! Your work has enriched my life.

Bill Paxton

[Dave R1]

Bill, great post. I heartily agree. Looking forward to getting out there again myself. How was W. B. Lake? Have you looked at Nokomis?

[Bill Paxton]

White Bear Lake was terrific. The water level is normal, and the ramps at Matoska park are the best in the area. The water level at Nokomis is very low. I don't think I'll do much sailing there. I'll probably use Crystal Lake instead.

[Dave R1]

Maybe we'll be getting familiar with W.B. or Crystal too, then.

Since you played hooky yesterday I decided I should.

I managed to get the shoe onto the keel. I ended up doing it single handed which was a bit of a challenge. I made good use of a couple of Pony clamps designed for applying edging on tabletops and the like.

Thanks for the idea.

D