RACINE - Mast Going Down!

SATURDAY,  SEPTEMBER 1st - MAST UN-STEPPING

After we moved the boat to the work dock with the crane at our side, the workmen gathered and the process began.  With tension on the line around the mast, one by one the shrouds and stays were disconnected, then all cables and halyard lines were strapped to the mast. 

The crew removed the mast, and placed it on a trailer on shore so that Ron could secure all the cables and halyards to his satisfaction. 

 Then the crane lifted as the men guided the step of the mast forward and placed it into the boat cradle and the top of the mast was lowered and rested on the top of the cockpit.  Ron spent the  better part of an hour securing the mast to the cradle and stern making certain it was ready for rocking and rolling in Lake Michigan seas. 

The un-stepping was a very smooth process this time and we were extremely pleased with the work Pugh Marina performed. 

 

Bob and Madeline rode their bikes over from their slip to check on our progress which allowed Ron to conspire with them to force me to go to a walk-in clinic.  After more than a week my sore throat and congestion was still hanging on and my eyes were red and swollen—seemed like a sinus infection.  Carey and Nancy Cook, the Great Loop Association’s Harbor Host for Racine, were on their boat this weekend and they were more than happy to provide transportation to the clinic.   The nurse practitioner confirmed a sinus infection and off to the pharmacy we went for antibiotics. 

While I was gone, Bob and Madeline helped Ron strap the boom under the mast and stow away all the sail bags to complete the transformation from sailing cat  to power cat.

I was ordered below to start my medication and rest while the group studied weather predictions for tomorrow.  High winds and seas are still in the forecast, which will require another day in Racine.  Plans were made for breakfast out tomorrow before Madeline and Bob left to return to the Betty L.