GRRR

[Urban Hermit]

It has been so long since I've stepped a mast, been so long since I've had a Compac 16, for it to be a good idea for me to pull it up to the community center parking lot and do a trial stepping and sail bending. 

Trial 1:  I installed the waterproof through-deck multi-prong fitting directly behind the tabernacle.  Ergo the mast would have to raised about 60 degrees before I could get the bolt through mast and tabernacle.  Come home, relocate the fitting (in progress but the fitting isn't behind the mast any more.

Trial 2:  I had lowered the crutch and put a "filler" in the tabernacle to reduce the rake of the stepped mast so I could get it into my carport, the front of which is skirted.  Well, that balanced the mast on the upward curl of the hatch cover and I couldn't get the bolt etc. etc. Came home, drilled a new hole in the stem of the crutch, allowing it to support the back of the mast about 8 inches higher.  Then I was able to get the bolt etc. etc.

There are neighbors of the Rec Center.  It is possible someone has seen me twice pull a sailboat into the parking lot, climb onto it, fuss around with "ropes" and bungee cords, then reverse-fuss everything and drive off. 

(<sigh> 

Better now than at a boat ramp.

I might try again tomorrow.  Ain't no way I'm going to perform that little act twice in one day. 

[Urban Hermit]

Trial 3 was successful.  Thinking I didn't bring the jib I raised the genny, then saw the jib in the Enclave's floorboards when I broke down (unstepped?).  How pretty!  A couple broad diagonal bands of a nice yellow.  Pity, with a 10- foot foot, it will be useable only in the lightest of air.

All I need now is $150-worth of safety equipment and stickers.