Sailboat racing at sunset off Hampton
As the cruising sailboats come and go from the Hampton Public Piers across the river, we are enjoying seeing some friends among them. Rick and Carla on Euphoria and Ron and Lena on Discovery have made stops here and we’ve enjoyed the time catching up, however brief. As fall moderates the temperatures and lowers the humidity, our walks to and from Cathy’s work or to the community center for a swim are actually enjoyable.
Dave removes one of the many connections to the engine
Boat Stuff
In preparation for having the engine pulled, we began draining all its liquids (oil, fuel, antifreeze) and disconnecting the many wires and hoses connecting it to the boat. To prevent any possibility of leaks, Dave connected the fuel line to its return. We also had a diver come to clean the prop and change the zinc while the drive shaft was still attached to the engine. With the cooling temperatures, the growth will slow dramatically over the winter, ensuring she sits well in the slip until Spring. Finally, we pulled out all of the engine spare parts and inventoried them, putting the best ones in a bag for the mechanic to use in the re-build, hopefully saving us some money in the process.
In preparation for having the engine pulled, we began draining all its liquids (oil, fuel, antifreeze) and disconnecting the many wires and hoses connecting it to the boat. To prevent any possibility of leaks, Dave connected the fuel line to its return. We also had a diver come to clean the prop and change the zinc while the drive shaft was still attached to the engine. With the cooling temperatures, the growth will slow dramatically over the winter, ensuring she sits well in the slip until Spring. Finally, we pulled out all of the engine spare parts and inventoried them, putting the best ones in a bag for the mechanic to use in the re-build, hopefully saving us some money in the process.
Steve's re-stitched dodger
While fall’s weather turned cold and rainy, Cathy hauled out the sewing machine for a project to help out our friend Steve, re-stitching his dodger and replacing the glass and zippers. Over the next several days, (one of which took Steve and Dave to the Annapolis Boat Show), she worked her way over the various seams and pockets, repairing and replacing everything that looked worn. It looks much better overall, but the project made her appreciate the space that she has at work to lay out a big canvas piece for this kind of stitching.
In the interest of de-cluttering Orion, we listed a number of items for sale on Craigslist, in the hopes of piquing the interest of the Caribbean 1500 boaters who are slowly starting to arrive in Hampton. (Or maybe you’re interested?) You can check them out below.
In the interest of de-cluttering Orion, we listed a number of items for sale on Craigslist, in the hopes of piquing the interest of the Caribbean 1500 boaters who are slowly starting to arrive in Hampton. (Or maybe you’re interested?) You can check them out below.
Sailboat uncomfortably close to bridge
Bridge Woes
On our way to the Hampton Fire Department’s Chili Cook-off fundraiser one Saturday afternoon, we passed over the nearby Settler’s Landing Bridge, seeing a sailboat “anchored” unnaturally close to the bridge. We were pretty sure this was the same sailboat that had earlier been anchored about a half-mile further south. With no dinghies visible on shore at the Public Piers, it was unclear who had left the boat, but it was pretty obvious that it had dragged. By the time we returned from the festival, the sailboat was amazingly even closer to the bridge, spanning the channel between the red and green mark that guided vessels through the bridge. As we boarded Orion, it became obvious that when the current changed in a couple of hours, this boat would be drifting back on top of us.
On our way to the Hampton Fire Department’s Chili Cook-off fundraiser one Saturday afternoon, we passed over the nearby Settler’s Landing Bridge, seeing a sailboat “anchored” unnaturally close to the bridge. We were pretty sure this was the same sailboat that had earlier been anchored about a half-mile further south. With no dinghies visible on shore at the Public Piers, it was unclear who had left the boat, but it was pretty obvious that it had dragged. By the time we returned from the festival, the sailboat was amazingly even closer to the bridge, spanning the channel between the red and green mark that guided vessels through the bridge. As we boarded Orion, it became obvious that when the current changed in a couple of hours, this boat would be drifting back on top of us.
Hampton Fire Rescue secures the sailboat before towing it.
So, we hailed the Coast Guard on the VHF to report the boat as a hazard to navigation. It wasn’t long before a nearby Fire Rescue Boat (perhaps leaving the Chili Cook-off?) responded that they were on scene and would report back to the Coast Guard. They pulled up beside the boat and tied it off to their boat. Once secured, they pulled up the anchor on a very short scope. (Hence the reason for the dragging.) Un tethered, the prevailing flood current started moving the 2 boats slowly toward the bridge (could it get any closer?). We yelled for them to look up as the mast was getting the closest it had been. They quickly powered up and moved the boat over to the Public Piers, where it remained for the next few days. Presumably, the owner had some explaining to do when he arrived back to the boat.
Sailing Off - Not yet
Our plans are firming up for our travel to Orion Jr. We will likely head out November 6th. In the meantime, if you’re passing through before then, let us know. We’d love to see you.
Our plans are firming up for our travel to Orion Jr. We will likely head out November 6th. In the meantime, if you’re passing through before then, let us know. We’d love to see you.
