2018 season opener status

[Finbar Beagle]

folks,

After discovering frozen dark and stormy' s at The Black Pearl, Newport, RI on Friday, Terrapin was launched on Sat, and safely powered to slip this morning ( mighty Torqeedo power, so it was a multi-hour event).  Launching and slip back on Barnegate Bay, NJ.

With aid of Beaton's boatworks, we now have new bow pulpit, with running light.  Previous owner cut our middle part of the original one, including light, so they could board over the bow sprit.  I upgraded the flat metal rudder to a Rudder Craft (ida) foil.  I also removed the galley to make more usable space below.  New main cabin hatch boards, teak grate cockpit and cabin soles, and cockpit cushions, also made the completed list.

CDI & 135 genoa jib, was ordered too late.  So June 15 target date for that upgrade, including new mailsail cover.

The admiral was very understanding, but now all extra finance stuff goes into the house fund, and future retirement savings.

Which, I suppose, would logically be for bigger liveaboard Compac when I retire....

Best not to discuss with Admiral at this time.

Best of luck with your splash downs...

[Bob23]

Whazat you say?? Frozen Dark and Stormy's?? Got my attention there.

[Finbar Beagle]

They were masterful.  Stopped for a drink and cup of chowder at The Black Pearl.  Our Uber driver said it was the best chowder, New England, in Newport.  It was at warfside outdoor bar, hand printed sign on frozen margarita style dink machine.   Bartender Luke said it was only one in NE, and that he first found in in San Francisco. He provide free sample to all comers.  Gosling Rum was added last, on top of the frozen slush.

Ellen and I stopped for one, stayed for 6 (or 7?), had great conversations trading sailing yarns with Australians, Canadians, and most of the eastern seaboard sailors in town for the Volvo round the world sailing challange. In fact, it was to be first stop on pub crawl that became a pub stall.  Chowder did live up to recommendation, as did the Reuben sandwich dinner.  Thanks Uber for the easy transport.