Sailing Season 2015 - Launch!

The warming weather finds Fat Bottom Girl wanting a new motor. The BMW D7 has had it. It's most likely the valves that need to be seated. And I may pull it off and try to get it going but mostly I am focused on raising the money for a new Yanmar. The Yanmar 2YM15  is the engine of choice. It's the engine J Boats put in the J30 and they have no issue getting out to the course or powering against a strong current or breeze. You know, the times when you really need an engine. 

If we are going to go on distance races a reliable engine will give me better piece of mind. Also I'd like to get the kids out and would have better piece of mind with an engine that works every-time it's needed. 

Hudd did a fine job getting the winter beard off the bottom Wednesday before last and we pushed out  for our first 2015 Wednesday night. Sid brought 4 Nuc's from the USS Abraham Lincoln engineering department and we ran around the course non-spinnaker. We had a great start but neglected to look at the course. Thankfully, another boat nudged in front to the first mark so we could see what mark it was. As I took the high lane, in case we tacked out, the 2nd mark became apparent. As we beat towards the HRBT against a strong current there was a big advantage taking the inside lane hugging the shallow water of the Hampton Bar. We were back out front nearly all the way to the next mark. The rest of the way in one cruising fleet boat and one spinnaker boat got in front of us and we were the 3rd boat to finish. Nice job Abraham Lincoln crew! 

Last Wednesday, our second, was a little more eventful when the breeze remained up as were the waves. It could only be described as wet and wild as 2 Abraham Lincoln Nuc'c and 3 Naval Academy Graduates, 1 Naval Officer and myself held on for deal life as we slowly bounced towards the first mark. I need to have batten stuffing training as we launched all 4 when we raised the mainsail. Also, the loose windvang decided to jettison as well. It was really blowing. But still with all the excitement and wind blowing about it was still a great night on the water with old and new friends. Sitting on the dock afterwards sharing a survival beer, it was totally worth it. 

Thanks US Navy for the crew - Working to get back out next week (awaiting battens)...

Give it All You Got! 

Fat Bottom Girl

USA 30812