LOG OF PEGASUS - enter at your own risk!

[jthatcher]

hey marty,  happy birthday!   sounds like you had a great day despite the minor scupper problem.     i am looking forward to seeing you and bob and a few new faces in two weeks..  it must be a month since i have been at the marina..  that is a shame, but such is life this time of year..   see you soon..  jt

[Bob23]

Happy Birthday Marty!:
   I hope when I reach 70 that I'm in as good as shape as you. Maybe it's all that Swedish Iron keeping you young! Like JT, looking forward to meeting you, he and the other Compaconauts at the BBB 2012 version 2.0. Hey... I like that- "Compaconauts". I think I'll be using it in the future.
Glad that Pegasus is treating you well.
Bob23

[HideAway]

It s important to keep a log of your sailing adventures.   I started writing stories- more than a log- about ours in 1979 to preserve our family memories.  It is a treasure now.   Then in 2009 I discovered utube and have been able to share our adventures with over 100 thousand folks in 170 countries - truly amazing.    They come in handy now that HideAway is decommissioned for awhile. .... Do you remember when we sailed out of a South Dakota port and ended up shipwrecked on the Nebraska shore ---  those were the days M

[MKBLK]

Log for 9/15-16/2012 - go to Bob23's BARNEGAT BAY BASH 2012 in the "Lounge" to bust your stiches!   

[MKBLK]

The continuing adventures of the ComPac Yacht "Pegasus"...

11/12/13 - Veteran's Day 2012, the day promised to be most likely the last good sailing day of the year in the NE. Sandy has left, the nor'easter is gone and the temp promises to hit 70+. Pegasus has been patiently waiting (her skipper, not so patient) for this day. Didn't see much action this past summer... too hot, too busy. Headed to the ramp with crew, Ed. Surprise! The docks were beached for the winter, but the concrete ramp was still there. So, undeterred, into the water she went. Headed up river for a bit while enjoying our lunch. Wind at about 5-10. Current was down river, so I knew I could make it back quickly if the wind died (it didn't). On the way up couldn't resist a cell phone call to Bob23, "Guess what I'm doing? Sailing up the Delaware. Eat your heart out!" Well, karma was present. Upon returning to the ramp, the *$@#% winch stripped out it's gears! Being a prudent sailor, I whipped out my trusty "come-along", which almost saved the day. "Almost" because it too, jammed! It was getting pretty dark now. The water was pretty cold, but we perservered. The recently acquired stern light was appreciated even though its never been used on the water. Made prepping the boat for the trip home less miserable. Managed to get the bow within 9" of the bow stop, strapped her down real tight along with a safety bow line and headed home (about 6 miles).

Okay, Bob, I've learned my lesson. Don't beat me up too much!

Marty K.

[Bob23]

I can't resist this one:
   There I was- in the midst of some muddy, yukky Sandy cleanup job on the bayfront of Long Beach Island, NJ. Weather was warm and we are up to our elbows in alligators when what do I see? Some heartless, cruel skipper sailing- yes SAILING whilst I work. Oh, the agony, the taunting. But, not that wasn't bad enough. An hour later-same thing. I had just recovered from the blow when my cell phone rings and I see Marty's name. And what is he doing? Just what he described above...having a wonderful sail! He really wasn't taunting me too much but I was a bit envious. But- I would never, ever wish anyone any negative karma so your winch problems were your own, my friend!!!!
   Glad you had a wonderful last sail. And it was, and always is great to talk to you...I love ready the Log of Pegasus. I'm sure everyone here knows you are a capable skipper but soon, very soon- your reputation as a champion rower will be known to the entire world! Stay tuned!
bob23

[jthatcher]

hey marty,
  semi - retirement must be great!   you were sailing, and i was  stuck in a classroom all of that beautiful afternoon answering questions from students who just figured out that they should be preparing for final exams which began today!      and what was bob doing working?  i thought he was house bound with that bum foot..   glad to hear that you got out on the water.   I am sure that it was nice, even with the little difficulty that you ran into at the end of the day..  these are the things that make good stories a year later when we are again meeting at tice's shoals     if our plan for next year works out and Adagio ends up in Lake Champlain, i am going to have to crew for you next year!   

keep in touch.. we need to begin planning a mid-winter gathering..    jt

[MKBLK]

It's been a while since I last posted Pegasus' log (last November!). Got a lot of catching up to do, but first, the latest entry -

Adventure on the Delaware River on the last day of summer, 2013.

I went sailing Saturday with my friend, Ed, on the Delaware. What an adventure! I should have known,
when one of the trailer rollers died on launching, that it would be a memorable day! Well, we got in the water anyway.
We launched from Neshaminy State Park at low tide in what was a dead calm, for about a New York minute!

As soon as we left the sheltered marina, we got hit with 15 - 20 mph steady wind from the SSW and gusts of
about 30. One of which really shoved us over to the combing. I was expecting 10 - 15. And now I was out there
with full sail! And the big Genoa. After the adrenaline took hold, headed up into the wind to steady her, then dumped the jib.
Stuffed it into the cabin and sealed the cabin... just in case! Turned around and headed north at a pretty good clip (about 5 – 7
mph, which is hull speed) with just the main. Would've reefed the main, but was too chicken to stand on the stern to do it.
Had a pretty good wake. Flew under the Burlington-Bristol bridge and was at Bristol, PA pretty darn quick. Since we had
reached our planned destination, it was then time to turn back. Wasn't happening. Way too much wind and the current was still
flowing north. It became obvious that we weren't returning to Neshaminy, at least not in Pegasus! Aimed for the
Edgely Yacht Club and called home for help. Was able slip alongside their floating dock which made my feel pretty good 'cause
between the wind, the current, the tide and power boat wakes, it was darn rough out there. While securing Pegasus to the dock,
the NJ State Police River Patrol pulled some clown over who was responsible for some of the havoc. Meanwhile, Ed and I could
hardly stand on the dock it was bouncing like an earthquake! Ed's wife, Barb (not to be confused with my wife, Barb) arrived to
drive us back to Neshaminy to get the trailer. She had that funny look that said, "Are you kidding?" Anyway, I still had to get to
West Marine to buy a replacement roller and shaft. Stopped at my son's home in Bristol to draft him in case additional muscle
would be needed when retrieving Pegasus. He was home, so Barb was able to be relieved from rescue duty and David (my son)
took us to West Marine.

After returning, by car, to Neshaminy State Park, the repair to the trailer took about 30 seconds. Then drove up to Edgely
(about 5 or 6 miles) to retrieve Pegasus. The folks at The Edgely Yacht Club were very friendly and enjoyed our antics, stating
that none of their members had the intestinal fortitude to be out on the river on a day like today! I still had to get to the ramp,
so, took a deep breath, fired up the MinnKota and pushing with all 36 pounds of thrust, fought the tide, the current and the wind.
As I was leaving the dock, someone yelled that if I couldn't make it, to head out into the river (so as not to smash any of their boats,
of course) and they'd send out a boat with a real motor to tow me in. Well, the MinnKota performed admirably and I made a beeline
right into the waiting trailer. It was now high tide and retrieving was a piece of cake. Phew!

1st (and only) Mate, Barb, after hearing our tale, later said, "you really need to get a gas motor". That can't be a bad thing, can it?
Hmm, a Honda 2.2 sounds real good!  

Marty K.

[jthatcher]

Hey Marty.. great story!    sounds like you had quite an adventure.     if the boat is still ready to go and the weather holds, perhaps a sail on nockamixon in late october would work.   let's keep in touch.    Glad that you  had a positive outcome  and an exciting time on the river..   a gas outboard sounds like a great plan!   jt

[MKBLK]

jt,

Pegasus and I are always ready to go! Late October should be fine as long as it doesn't get too cold. I kinda draw the line at 60. If you recall, two October's ago, it snowed (and stuck) early in the month. Yet, we were able to sail twice on Nockamixon after the snowy precip. Last October, my friend Ed and I sailed on the Delaware with an air temp of 70, but I didn't factor in the water temp in the 40/50's! The cold water just sucked the warmth out of the air. A wee bit chilly as testified by my blue ankles! (I've since invested in boots!!).

Marty K.

[Bob23]

Marty:
   Seems like anytime and anywhere you sail it's an adventure! Great tale...thanks!
Bob23

[Eagleye]

Thanks for sharing that story, Marty.  It seems that Pegasus took care of you again. 
Bob is right about your adventures.   Maybe a possibility for a title change?
"Marty's Greatest Adventures"
I'm looking forward to racing with you again.

-Allen

[MKBLK]

Log of ComPac Yacht Pegasus -

As mentioned earlier, I kinda backslided and haven't religiously posted my adventures with Pegasus. A brief look-back follows:

First trip out in 2013 was to Mercer Lake in Mercer county NJ with my niece Katelyn and nephew Greg. Some may remember that Katelyn was the brave soul who accompanied me on the 400+ mile round trip to pick up Pegasus in Groton, CT. This would be her first outing on Pegasus (or any sailboat for that matter). We had a good time with Katelyn spending all her time sunning herself on the forward deck.
This particular day was really hot! I thought I'd die after retrieving Pegasus from the lake. Had to lie down in the grass and recoup my energy to finish the chore of tidying up for the trip home.

Second trip out, also to Mercer Lake with neighbors, was a pleasant day with moderate winds which made for some enjoyable sailing. Mercer Lake isn't terribly large, so without a lot of room to minimize tacking/jibing, it wasn't easy making headway against a decent breeze. But, we certainly had fun. One downside was that while pulling the trailer to the ramp, the snap-pin on the fore-stay let loose! Not pretty. Fortunately, the only damage was to the goose-neck casting. I just ordered a replacement from Dwyer.

Third trip out was the overnighter on the Barnegat Bay Bash 2013. My thoughts on that are, "what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger" (thank you Kelly Clarkson). Seriously, as trying as it was, it was still fun.

And, of course, my most recent adventure on the Delaware River (see my previous post). Isn't trailer sailing fun?

Marty K.

[MKBLK]

Log of ComPac Yacht Pegasus -

Well, the "sailing" was pleasant, the company cordial and the weather grand. Made it out of the marina with no hint of a problem
until I was a mile or two down the road. Then the "fun" began. After 2 or 3 aborted attempts to get to 313, I felt that discretion
is better than valor and opted not to make the left onto 313. That would have been a looong downhill (no problem, of course)
and an impossibly looooonger uphill, not happening!

Prior to getting to 313, Matt and his CP19 pulled over to see if they could lend a hand. His company was welcome, for sure.
It gets lonely out there when you don't know what the near future holds! Shortly thereafter, a nice couple stopped and asked if
they could give me a ride. They were really great and I'd almost bet they'd have taken me all the way home (50 miles!) if I
asked. Fortunately, they knew of a local 24 hour towing service (Kirk's) nearby. We pulled into their parking lot (they were
closed, of course) and called their number. Told they'd be there in 15 minutes; I figured "sure they would (Saturday afternoon).
Ten minutes later the truck arrived! I bid John (the fellow that provided the ride) farewell and went to retrieve the poor Volvo
(1990 with 295,000 miles). Don't know for sure, but suspect the fuel pump has pretty much given up the ghost. We towed
Pegasus to Kirk's lot and secured her there, then transported the Volvo to a repair shop in Perkasie. Meanwhile, I had called
my son for the rescue mission and he showed up just a minute after the tow truck driver dropped me off back with Pegasus.

It is now Sunday and David (son #2) is picking me up with the F-250 to go and bring Pegasus home. Hopefully, no more
excitement! The Volvo will have to wait until Monday to determine the damage$.

Of course, although the sailing went well (JT was certainly an asset), there was virtually no wind, so the MinnKota and big
battery got a workout. If there was even the slightest wind, I would have tested the battery to it's limit, but wanted to make
sure I had enough reserve to make the dock. Everybody else on the lake that didn't have iron wind was paddling back.

When JT and I arrived at Nockamixson, there was a "race" in progress. I sure hope they got back before dark!

Marty K.

[Bob23]

Well, Marty:
  No one can accuse you of boring sailing adventures! Maybe CrazyCarl and you are distantly related. Hope your low mileage Volvo are gonna be ok. We're waiting for the next edition of Adventures with Marty and Pegasus!
Bob23