Spreaders On!

While boats stacked up everywhere in NY and NJ, I watch for the rain to clear so I could get to work on the rig. The tru-bar installation went smoothly with the aid of some teflon tape. (thanks for the tip internet sailing forums). The spreaders are tighter with very little play. I can see this helping with rig tuning as well as increasing efficiencies in the transfer of energy from the rig to the boat. Translation, I think it will be faster. I attached the upper shrouds and wire-lashed them to the spreaders. I have opted to secure them with tape rather than installing spreader boots to save a little on weight and windage. I am hopeful all of these little things will add up to increased performance on the race course. Of course we have to get out there.  

I also added a new steaming light. It's an LED (Light Emitting Diod)  so I was able to use smaller wire (pulls less current than a traditional bulb) up the rig minimizing weight aloft. The total package was less than a pound of new weight replacing an easy 1/2 pound light and a pound or two of wire. These weight savings have my inner sailing nerd all a glow. I still need to cut the backs off of screws in the spreaders. I'll hit that this week but otherwise the rig is ready to go up! 

One step back. Farfen Diesel aka the filthy whore is acting up. I suppose it is in protest to her less than flattering name. Chris thinks it's the fuel filter which we did not replace before the long run, and has sat up for about 4 years. Could be suspect? We are going to replace it this week. With it getting dark at 5:00 I'll have to take a drop light down. And a heater, it's been cold. 

Rig this week? Maybe, but we are forecasted to get a Nor'Easter Wednesday. Depending on what follows it may be rig week. Good luck NY and NJ. God Speed in your recovery and boat repairs. FBG in 2012!