done for the year

[kickingbug1]

    well i guess we are gonna put the 2014 sailing season in the books. the boat is in her spot in the garage, trailer on blocks (to save the tires) cushions and sails stored in the basement buttoned up for a long winters sleep. having decided to move up in size we spent time looking for a good clean (and affordable cp 19 but never found one driving distance away, so we opted for a plan b, an 87 catalina capri 18.  it has much more room than our venerable cp16, is a little harder to rig (about 20 minutes more) but is much more comfortable (im 6'5") and is faster. i cant tell you how much i hated to see the 16 go to its new owners but some things have to happen. we are still hoping to own an eclipse someday. anyway i just wanted to say thanks to those we have had the joy of sailing with this year, especially rich, john and jason. thanks guys. a special thanks to all of our friends new and old who attended this years CLR. even without wind it redlined our fun meter. you are such special people and i can safely say its the best week of the year, (actually a close second to the two weeks that our granddaughter comes to stay). to mike and brenda-----next year im hoping that you have to jump on plane to come to the clr (ill pick you up at the airport and you can stay with us). any skipper would be lucky to have you as his crew. well i hear snow is on the way for us today. gotta go put the chains and blade on the tractor. everyone be safe on the roads

[HeaveToo]

Good luck with the new boat.

Keep looking around...from time to time you see good deals out there.  Ebay had one a while back that looked okay.  Driving distance is definitely a factor.

After my short cruise this year to Solomons Island I have a list of things that I want to do before my next cruise.  I have been able to prioritize things more so since I know what is really needed and what would be something I would like to do.

Who knows, maybe you will find the right deal on a CP23.  I am pretty impressed with mine and the sailing characteristics are impressive.  On one day I did over 30 nautical miles in six hours, or less!

[Bob23]

  Tis always a sad time when sailing season indeed comes to an end. I've chosen to remain in denial and freeze my butt off and extend it at least until Black Friday. Then, while the Admiral and all the other crazies are out for their sales, I'll be out for my sail. And the best part- no malls! I hates 'em.
  Also looking forward to CLR 2015. To say it was a wonderful weekend doesn't even come close.
Bob23

[crazycarl]

this could be a god buy, and it's not too far.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-Hutchins-Compac-201-Sailboat-Trailer-Michigan-/390975197303?forcerrptr=true&hash=item5b07f01077&item=390975197303&pt=Sailboats

cc

[wroundey]

After having spent almost every decent sailing day working on my house, I am not quite ready to call it a season. I am hoping that we get a decent day (in the 50s or so) that I can get the boat out one more time this fall. Of course looking out my back window at 2-3 inches of snow does not help me any right now.

[cw021382]

I know how you feel bob.  I hate shopping as much as I love boats.  I am not giving up either.  I am determined to sail the new boat this year even if I have to do it in the snow.  That's easy to say when I am sitting by the wood stove.  We got 3 inches of wet snow today, but it's supposed to be sunny and almost 50 this week.  I am thinking about an overnight trip to the lake.   If it happens I will take pics.  I wish I could make it to this clr you guys talk about.  What is it exactly?  Just a compac gathering?

Chris

[Bob23]

Chris:
   The CLR is a gathering at Carlyle Lake, Illinois. I've only been to one (2014) but I have to say it was the best weekend of the year for me. And I drove 14 hours to get there! I'd do a search here at the site under "Group outings and Compac Events" and you'll find out more information. Maybe more than you care to know!
   In past years, I'd been meaning to attend but life, work and time always got in the way. This year, I made a surprise trip and I didn't regret it one bit...even after the Visa gas bill arrived! There are many  here that know more about it than I do so they'll probably chime in. Stay tuned for the latest news on CLR 2015.
   Temps here in NJ are getting cold. But at the very least, I'll get out for a Black Friday sail.
Best,
Bob23

[cw021382]

Thanks for the info bob.  I am excited now.  Carlyle lake is only 3-4 hours from me.  I will be there for 2015.  We have a 6 week  cruise planned for june and the first half of august.  I hope CLR is not during that time.  We will be crusing northern lake michigan and maybe the canadian side of superior. 

[kickingbug1]

  chris, i guess you wont be able to make the clr (its going to be the last week of july). a shame since last years "newbies" found out how well they fit in. and they also won trophies!

[cw021382]

That works great.  Once I get the dates for sure I will move the cruise forward a week or two, and we can stop for the clr on the way home.  I won't even have to make a special trip.  I can't wait. 

[kickingbug1]

  super news------you might even win one of these "priceless" trophies i have procured for the event

[crazycarl]

every year at this time i hesitate putting the boat away as i'm always looking for that last warm day to take her out.

i was smart and found inside storage for $50 a month and just before halloween, put her to bed.

currently it's 14* with a light snow falling.

this is the 1st year i'm not trying to secure a tarp in the cold wind.

"with age, comes wisdom".

CC

[Christopher]

Hey All,
  I had such a good time at my first CLR this year that I decided to attend the Suncat National Regatta in Punta Gorda.  I had a great time.  The nice thing is my boat is still in Florida waiting for me to go back down after TG.  A couple or so more weeks sailing down there and then I will be towing her home to Ohio and back into the barn until spring.

Chris

"Second Wind" 

[kickingbug1]

    sure wish i could get away to warmer climes but family concerns wont let that happen----glad you had a great time chris. maybe we will see you in july