Launched

[Spartan]

Launched my CP16 yesterday with the assitance of my son Cullen.  Finished up a couple of projects before loading up the trailer including putting the hatch and board rails on, cushion back in and installed the repaired motor mount.  Left the house around 2pm and arrived at the lake at 3pm.  I rasied the mast and Cullen after a brief training was able to loosen and attach the forestay.  Tied on the fenders and dock links, disconnected the electrics to the trailer.  Then came what is usually the nerve racking part, backing down the ramp.  With Cullen giving directions it actually went pretty smoothly and I had the trailer pointed decently straight down the ramp.  I did get some wet feet coaxing my boat off the trailer bunks.  Cullen took the painter and had the boat turned around by the time I returned from parking the trailer.  Once boarded the trolling motor was lowered and with a turn of the handle the silent motor started and I motored over the my dock space.  After tying up at the dock we took a quick break and decided the 10 knot winds warranted a quick shakedown sail.  We bent on the sails and found and headed out.  We motored out of the marina with Cullen at the tiller.  I went forward and raised the jib which filled nicely almost immediately.  Followed by the mainsail, tightly sheeted. We shut down the motor and lifted and we were off.  As Cullen was learning to steer with some direction I messed with the sails. I tightened the down haul then went aft and saw there was no outhaul, (project 1).  I did have a 40 foot of roll of cord but my trusted swiss army knife was missing from my pfd. 

Afer about an hours sail and sailing lesson we headed back in and dock, however my starboard aft cleat broke.  (project 2) 
Question working down the bunk the the only way to the bolts?  Luckily the part between the bolts is still solid to tie to the dock. 
The highlight of the day was when Cullen said, "Dad I understand now why you do this, it's relaxing to get away..."

Here's a couple of picture from the day:

Mast up in Parking lot:



Cullen!!



Motoring to dock



Motoring #2:

[Pacman]

Sounds like a great day.

I can barely reach the nuts behind my aft cleats by reaching into the lazarette cover but it is much easier to just go headfirst into the quarterberth with a ratchet and socket while a helper holds the screws fron above.