Kuan Yin having come into our stewardship on Wednesday 4 June
2003, we wasted no time in getting out to sea on her. The first
weekend following we drove on Friday night to Rock Hall, MD where she was
berthed in the prior owners' slip for radar repairs that were now complete
(it was just a loose connector). We sailed to Annapolis early Saturday
morning and docked at City Dock for the traditional visit to Fawcett's
Marine Hardware. We then loaded up the rest of the crew and set off to
enter the BOR Bermuda Ocean Race ShortTail qualifier race sponsored by the
Eastport Yacht Club. Steve Alexander was cook and navigator.
Brian Johnson was race tactician. C. J. Diamond was the mechanical
propulsion advisor. Steven's friend John, a former Sea Scout buddy,
came along to help with sail trim. With all the topside positions so
ably filled, the Skipper was able to stay below much of the trip sorting
through the lockers and the other stuff onboard to figure out just what all
had come along with the boat at the time of her purchase. Also on
board were Sea Scouts Greg, Phil, Carl, Nyssa, Drew, and Leah plus female
chaperone Lorna Brenneman.
At Annapolis City Dock, Sea Scout Carl bails out the Whitehall, which took on water during the
crossing from Rock Hall.
Kuan Yin moored port side to the sea wall at City Dock, Annapolis,
MD.
Kuan Yin moored port side to the sea wall at City Dock, Annapolis,
MD.
Sea Scout Fearless Phil is hoisted aloft in the boatswain's chair to reeve signal
halyards in the spreaders.
C.J. and Drew tend to the main halyard with Phil aloft while Brian secures
the new signal halyard.
Brian's son Michael steps lively while Nyssa and Greg contemplate race strategy.
Chef Julius Child puts in an appearance at breakfast for the first meal ever
served to Sea Scouts on Kuan Yin. Bon Appetit! In his other life, the chef
is also known as Chesapeake Flotilla Wardroom Rear Commodore Steve
Alexander.
Leah and Nyssa look on as Mrs. B serves up some smoked salmon for
breakfast. Who says that Ship 25 doesn't have female adult
supervision?
Drew, Phil, C.J., and John prepare to get the boat under way while the chef
takes a break topside to enjoy one of his breakfast creations.
This was about all we saw of the rest of the racing fleet - their
transoms. Near term plans for Kuan Yin include a new suit of
sails. After 23 years, the original sails need a rest. With new
sails, maybe they'll see OUR transom next time. At least we won the
GRIT award!
Drew poses for a commercial for Sam's Cola.
Brian at the helm expresses the view that new sails are a MUST HAVE if we
are to be competitive.
View of the butterfly hatch under way.
Carl takes a break during his "off watch" time.
Happy Face peaks out from all the detritus in the V-berth.
C.J. muses that in Willit Run??, we'd have been around the buoys long
ago. Sorry, C.J. - I don't think you are allowed to use twin V-8's in
a sailing race.
The skipper's berth at left, the starboard quarter berth.
The Annapolis Spider Buoy and the Naval Station's three "Towers of
Power."
Greg and Leah also sack out during an "off watch" moment.
Rare early colored lithograph of the Right Honorable Captain Horatio
Hornblower, R.N., M.P., blowing his genuine all brass Dutch fog horn.
In his other life, Captain Hornblower is also known as Chesapeake Flotilla
Wardroom Rear Commodore Steve Alexander.
Northeast Region Sea Scout Commodore Bruce Chr. Johnson in his Coast Guard Auxiliary
capacity gives Kuan Yin her annual Coast Guard Courtesy
Inspection. After a double time trot to Fawcett's for some new
up-to-date flares, Kuan Yin passed with flying colors.
The skipper affixes Kuan Yin's new Coast Guard courtesy
examination decal to the mast.
The skipper affixes Kuan Yin's new Coast Guard courtesy
examination decal to the mast.
Inspection complete, the skipper and Commodore Johnson exchange smiles.
After a hard day of racing, the crew kicks back with some NON-Alcoholic
beer.
After a hard day of racing, the crew kicks back with some NON-Alcoholic
beer.
On Monday, off Rock Hall, Nyssa takes her turn at the helm.
It was warm enough for a change (after a cold, rainy spring) to open Kuan
Yin's beautiful butterfly hatches.
Nyssa says this is a great way to spend a Monday. "It's almost as
much fun as being in school."
