'Tis Summer, Alright! ! ! ! ! !

SHIP'S LOG:

ABISHAG is no longer in Slip #7 of Dock "B" of the Mystic Shipyard at Willow Point. No, she is safe and sound on her mooring off the Thames Yacht Club in New London! Huzzah! Huzzah!! Huzzah!!!

Yesterday, (Friday, May 28th), round about 14:30 hours, Russ and I "sailed" her from Mystic to New London on a truly glorious afternoon. I say "sailed" for we actually motored the whole distance owning to the fact that she had no sails onboard. They are still in the loft and I am not sure exactly when they shall make their appearance in the appropriate location on ship. Ah, but we are in New London and are "at home!"

This short jaunt took place without incident, the most difficult part being getting away from the dock! Not being used to being in a slip, the welter of lines holder her fast were confusing at first but with a push, a shove, and some nimble footwork, she was set free and we were off. It was, all in all, a disappointingly short trip, a little over an hour, but blessedly uneventful. And it was surprisingly chilly as well for it being the start of the Memorial Day weekend holiday. Few boats were out and about and clearing down the Mystic River, you could see many people hard at work getting theirs ready for the the season. I guess the "summer" sort of snuck up on'em!

Everything seemed to be working properly though the amount of turn of the helm to compensate for the set of the prop-wsh seemed more than last year. It is quite possible that the rudder to the windvane steering system is out of alignment and needs to be correct. It will be a simple fix and I really mean that. There were a number of serious scrapes on the starboard side of the hull that I will have to hit with paint. I am not sure of their origin but it is quite possible that they came during a storm this winter when she possibly rubbed against a piling. They are on the side of the boat that was away from the dock so I didn't noticed them until I was getting off at TYC. Hey, if it is not one thing it is another. Such is the fun of boat ownership!

MASTER'S PERSONAL LOG:

What a wonderful DAY! Too bad we had no sailing for we would have moved just as fast as we did with the engine. The wind was perfect for a trip to New London from Mystic. I can't wait for the first trip under sail!!!!!!!!