I just wanted to say that tomorrow I head up north to the boat after a very long winter layup!
All late fall, winter and early spring, those of us who keep our boats above 45 degrees latitude, just have memories and pictures to remind us of the fun we had and the fun we plan to have, on our excellent Catalina 36 sailboats!
(Went to the Miami Boat Show this winter, and toured the Catalina Factory, how many of you would trade your 36 for a Hunter ?)
For just shy of 8 months the boat has been in a dark storage building sleeping like a hibernating animal.
Monday morning I start with a hull rub and waxing and by Wednesday, if the weather gods allow it, we will floating again.
It's foolish, and childish, and simple minded, I know, but I am really looking forward to the 5 hour drive and the next 10 days of projects while I'm "working on my boat".
I just thought I'd share my plans with those year round sailors who don't understand what 300 miles and 8 months away from the boat feels like.
Bill Matley
Bill Matley
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan, Michigan
Lakes Huron, Michigan,
Canadian North Channel
"Spirit of Aloha" Hull #1252
It sounds like 'absence makes the heart grow fonder', Bill. May you never lose that passion.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Last week I was finishing up waxing the hull when a fellow who owns a fairly new Hunter 38 passed by. He said to me the boat was looking really good and then he said that he thought the Catalina 36 had beautiful lines and was a gorgeous boat. I couldn't agree more and I thanked him for his comments. Would I trade him boats? Not a chance.
Bill, I would venture to say that the majority of us feel the same way about working on our boats. Fortunately for some of us, we are able to leave ourboats in the water year round. I know what it is like to have to wait until the ice melts to launch in the Spring. We had a boat in the upper Midwest for over 15 years. It's funny really, I have never considered it "work" to to on my boat. It's therapeutic for me whenever I am working on our boat; yes, even when I am frustrated with how a project is progressing.
By the way, to answer your question to us about trading our boats for a Hunter, it woiuld never happen with me...
Glenn Druhot
Carpe Diem
New Bern, NC
35* 6' 10" N / 77* 2' 30" W
2001 C36, Hull #1965
Std Rig; Wing Keel; M35B
Well I waxed, I polished the stainless, I faired the bottom, and painted a coat so smooth it looks like glass. I was LAUNCHED. and for the last 8 DAMN days nothing but RAIN
Seems like last year again, I'm starting to think I am the satr in GROUNDHOG DAY.
FAIR WINDS & FOLLOWING SEAS
Jeff Costa
S/V KAIROS Hull #0235