I have long said that my selfish desire to sail was really "community service." Somebody needs to by out on the water making the scenery look good. That's why people live on the shore. There needs to be a boat on the water to be painted. 
May 2, 2024. First sail of the season. First time solo for me and Meyg. Wind predicted at about 8 mph. About a half hour after we launch the wind climbed to 16-18 mph. Almost thought of putting in a reef. At one point practiced being hove-to.  Drifted a bit leeward. Functioned well for dropping the main at the end of the day. Biggest take home for me was the effectiveness of the mizzen. A GREAT day sailing. A terrific start to the season.

Meyg's Maiden Voyage Weekend, Sept 29 - Oct.1, 2023. Chippewa Lake and Fairport Harbor. Many thanks to all who were able to be there. Looking forward to the 2024 Season. 

With the help of two of my Ham radio friends, Nick (KD8SLG) and Carey (W8CTM). Meyg passed her first water test at Portage Lakes. We launched at the Old State Park boat ramp and toured the West and East Reservoirs under the power of an iron jib. We ended our day with a stop at the tequila bar. (Sails should be ready sometime in July.)

With help from friends, local CABBS and SARA members, along with Bud Miller's crane, Meyg is now on the trailer and awaiting an ODNR inspection to get a hull number.

I was quite certain about attending the CFARC Hamfest (Cuyahoga Falls Amateur Radio Club ham radio flea market). I had no clue that I would be walking home with a sewing machine. I got this little beauty for $10. Solid steel. Circa 1950. Motor is on the outside. I just need to replace some wiring. I can clamp this down to a work bench in the garage and start making sails. I found a kit online with all the precut canvas and parts.

How to treat the trim? 100% pure tung oil mixed 1:1 with mineral spirits.  Three coats applied 24 hours apart, so far. May go up to 6 or 7 coats. She is going to live indoors when not sailing, so I think this will be MY best solution. Yours may be different depending on your environment and needs. I can cover with varnish or choose to add cetol in the future if I so desire. 

Well, this is a minor milestone. I knew I over built the bow at the time, and I finally trimmed it to size. You can go to The Build timeline. Getting ready to finish the topside.

I remember being a little kid when my Dad had an old pair of leather loafers he used as work shoes. I cannot remember if they were black or brown, but he wore them to mow the lawn, paint the house, change the oil in the Oldsmobile F-85, or oil my bike chain. These shoes are a tribute to Meyg and my Dad.

I came across a reprint of this great little article from Small Boats Magazine about Phil Bolger's Chebacco. The description is remarkable and makes me so pleased to have settled on this particular design. Give it read. Find me next summer for a sail.
The Chebacco Boats: A Trio of Options.