Had a nice sail on Sat in 10 knots of wind with a few gusts of 15 or so. Sailed out in to the Gulf of Mexico. Beating to weather we were holding a steady 6 knots and about 30 degrees off the wind. Some spray over the bow. Forward waterproof locker and new drain system worked great. Changes a lot of things in a positive way! We tacked to take off on a broad reach. As I went to raise the drifter, I grabbed the wrong end of halyard and ( you guessed it) pulled the halyard up and through the block and back to the deck. I had forgot to tie off the end. But with no drifter, and using jib and main, we were still surfing on some waves, hitting at least 8.5 knots. Maybe higher, but that was the highest I spotted. Roller furling Jib worked great.
So, now we are getting to the minor stuff. I tied in the required reef point ties on Sunday. Still have to try reefing the main. We sailed with full canvas last year, but I understand why we need to be able to reef. Fiberglassed on the stern light base. 5200 did not hold. Rigging a second block for the drifter with a light line, just in case I’m stupid again. Still need to repair the mainsheet attachment to the boom. Have to add some new line on the trampolines. Still have some touch up paint for the bottom. Last year when we beached the boat full of water, my new bright red paint job got scratched up on the bottom. Putting gaskets on the “cooler” lids and adding tie downs to them. Also going to try putting in tupperware containers, just to help keep water out and stuff dry.
Next test is in about 2 weeks. We are loading the boat as close as possible to the race load exempt for all the food. Taking a 8-14 hour sail in the Gulf, a little night sailing. Should really be a good shake down to test all of the gear. Work on night reefing and using the drifter at night. Overall feeling much better than last year.