Sea Sprite: 2012

The snow came early and left very late.

We spent part of the winter varnishing the rudder (recurring issue) as well as applying Cetol to our new table, cupboard door and instrument board. All built out of mahogany by my father in law. (thanks George)

Once again part of our winter relief was a trip to the Toronto Boat Show with some of our friends from the Club. We had a great breakfast visit and even made some purchases at the show. We bought a new depth sounder for Sea Sprite.

We also met the Editor of Ontario Sailor Magazine at the show. He was very interested in our Sailing Club.

Greg Mcdowell (the editor) called in May and made arrangements for an article about our Club. (Wildwood Sailing Club) I was very pleased to have many of the photos I take around the lake published in the story in the June/July issue.

You never know what will happen at the boat show.

We also took an early spring vacation to the Florida Keys. We enjoyed every minute soaking up the warm sun. The highlight of the trip was our stay at the Key Lime Sailing Club in Key Largo.

We would recommend this escape to any of our sailing friends. We sailed to a different island, swam and snorkeled everyday.

Palm trees, sunsets, tiki huts, and sailboats. Can you say relax, relax, relax.

We loved it and plan to go back.

Spring took forever to get here which made for a late launch. Lots of the prep work had to wait until the weather warmed. When it finally did we installed the new depth sounder, painted the bottom, (VC 17) put in the new table and cupboard door and installed a new gooseneck custom built by our friend, fellow club member, sailor and machinist George. Our gooseneck is now adjustable and much stronger than the old one. (thanks George)

By the time all this was done as well as the normal cleaning waxing and trailer preparation we did not launch until May 25th. Our latest launch ever.

With the help of my Father and his trusty truck all went well.

Lots of sailing again this year as well as some racing. We spent the remainder of our vacation time at the lake as well as many long weekends we created with our work schedules.

A few nights around the fire.

.

Some raft ups with friends.

We even had a patio party.

Checked the log book and found we sailed 35 days. (same as last year) We were at the Club more than this but some days did not leave the dock

We finished 5th in the June race and 2nd in the July race. Some improvement, perhaps a 1st is in our future. We met with our son for a short visit at the Toronto Airport the day of the August race.

We were joined by several of our family members for a day on the water.

Our talented carpenter.

A little sailing, swimming and refreshments.

On Canada Day Sea Sprite was decked out with a new record of 8 flags. Gord and Marlene on Tardis joined the celebration as well.

Very light winds so a raft up broke out near the dam. Passing traffic honked to celebrate the day with us.

We managed a record seven boat raft up. Joining us were the crew's of Airborne, Kinsale, Tardis, Blazing Matilda, Fortitude and Flying Dolphin. A great day with great company.

Gord and his good friend Jack suited up and cleaned the bottoms of both Tardis and Sea Sprite before haul out. This really makes spring prep a lot easier as most of the work is done. Thanks guys.