Splash - no bubbles

Last Thursday September 20th, FBG successfully occupied her new berthing, (D-5) at HYC. Like eating an elephant, the trip was broken down into sizable mini-accomplishments connected together and spanning just under 24 hrs. Moving day went especially smooth considering the great opportunity for disaster; none arrived. All the while I kept hearing that childhood story, The Little Engine that Could.

I think I can: We headed out from the yard around 930 Wednesday night. The trailer made minimal noise and FBG was well strapped in. Nothing like having a Navy SeaBee on the team. Not only a great diesel engineer, but also a master shipper. FBG was snug as could be on our less than perfect trailer. We arrived without incident at Marina Cove Boat Basin just after 11:00.

I think I can: Thursday mid-morning the Marina Cove team got to it making easy work of lifting FBG from her 3.8 year home on the trailer and easing her into the basin just off Harris Creek. She didn't resist, as if she was eager to get back in the water. Waiting for high tide, to clear the basin and hit the natural deep channel of the Creek, we loaded the supplies and gear we would need for the ride from Back River to Hampton River. I was pretty ecstatic to see FBG back in the water. A quick inspection of the hull extrusions provided no bubble bubble. It was a great day indeed. She floats!

I think I can: At about 1:30 we fired up the filthy whore and she ran like a champ. Leaving the basin and heading out on the Langley Channel of Back River, we found the channel a little tricky but well marked. Remembering to take a right at green 17 as advised, kept us from making the turn early and hitting bottom. It had been some time since I last traveled Back River. I noticed some subtle changes in the channel, but the day was clear, the breeze was light and visibility strong as we headed out into the Chesapeake Bay.

I know I can: Last Christmas my Brother gave me a bottle of Sailor Jerry's and I told him I would save it for the day the boat hit the water. Well this was the day and once we cleared the channel and made deep water we popped the top and commenced drinking. I'm not sure how much diesel fuel the trip takes, but against 2 knots of current and speed over ground averaging 5 knots, we made it to Hampton River in (1) Fifth of rum. What a great Day!


So now onto the rigging! With the assistance of Performance Rigging of Hampton, the big stick should be back on FBG in a couple of weeks transforming her from a motor boat, back to a sail boat. I can't wait. FBG in 2012!