Maybe It's A Sign?

SHIP'S PERSONAL LOG:

I got down to ABISHAG again yesterday, moving load of mostly navigational stuff down to her. I am now "charted" to run from the Maine/Canadian Border to Venezuela. That is the "BIG" picture. Truth be told, I would like to be able to leave New England in the Fall (safely) and go South (safely) and just enjoy how that feels.

More little projects completed. The radar reflector that is attached to the ensign hoist on the port spreader of the Mizzen got repaired. The "radar reflector" is basically three circular pieces of aluminum fitted together in a "ball-shape" this is "supposed to" reflect back any radar signals that hit it to its source making ABISHAG visible on radar. Fiberglass is not a good conductor/reflector of such signals and considering all the boats running around out there, it is a good thing to be seen. The "ensign hoist" is simply a line running through a small block that allows one to raise and lower flags. The "port side spread" is one of two(2) metal tubes exiting the mast through which runs a wire that helps to hold the mast upright and in place, and in this case I am referring to the one on the left side of the mast. The mizzen is the mast at the rear of the boat. Everyone clear on that? The radar reflector had been hoisted and held in place with cable ties and light line which was unsatisfactory as it rubbed against the shrouds (wires) and came apart allowing the reflector to swing crazily, making an horrendous noise every time it stuck something, which was constantly. A couple of clips, some stainless steel seizing wire and everything was put right. Hopefully this new approach will be successful and long last.

The second little project concerned the "Genoa blocks." The "Genoa"/jib/ front-most sail on the boat is controlled by a line that runs from the back corner of the sail - the clew - through two(2) blocks (pulleys), the "Genoa Sheet Block" and the "Turning Block", to the winch so that one can taken and let out the sail as wind and desired course dictate. The "Genoa" , in 15 knots of wind, puts a strain of something like 4,500lbs on the sheet and without the blocks and winch would be uncontrollable. These blocks are shackled to slides on the "Genoa track" that allow for position adjustment - you can move them around. On ABISHAG, the edge of the deck is surmounted by a a cap rail a few inches above the deck. Sometimes, when there is no tension on the sheets, the block flop over and get caught under the rail. I had to come up with a little tie up system that keeps them sort of in place, still allows movement and yet will keep them from banging on the deck or getting caught under the cap rail.It involves just a bit if light line tied to the top of each block and then to the lower cable of the lifeline. I doubt that it will last to long as the lifeline cable should saw through the light line relatively quickly, but it is easily replaceable, so who cares?
These two projects, along with cleaning up the navigation station and arranging charts and the like, plus a short nap(hey, all work and no play, your know), consumed the afternoon and as I had an evening appointment, I left ABISHAG about4:30PM, just ahead of the influx of Wednesday Night Racers.

MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:

The maybe "sign" happened getting onboard. As I stepped up out of the launch onto deck, I pushed off with might right leg and something happened in my right knee. I jammed it when the accident happened last week, as my right leg was pressing down, straight and stiff, on the brake when contact was made. That made it sore for the last few days but nothing all that bad. True, it would stiffen up if kept in one position for too long, but it wasn't a big deal. This seems a little bit more. Straight or bent it is fine, but getting into either position is a bit painful. The knee is stable but painful on the outside, just below the joint. I think I pulled/strained/partially tore a tendon or ligament. I went and procured a a knee support and it seems to help some, but as I said, the knee is stable, just painful, and one when I bend it for an inch or so from full extended. It doesn't hurt to walk on it so long as I don't bend it or don't full straighten it. So I'll stay off it, and the boat for a day or so, and allow it to heal up a bit. I am not sure what this is all about, what sort of message God is sending this time, but I am sure I will find out in time. Until then, its Advil, heat and elevation. AH, the joys of boat ownership!