Last week, ORION received a fresh coat of hull and bootstripe paint as well as new decals. Despite the lousy weather forecast for this past Sunday, I was determined to get her in the water for an April launch date, so I trailered her to Niantic where my father generously helped me step the mast and launch ORION from the beach using his four-wheel-drive Volvo.
It was pouring rain with wind whipping around 25 knots, but I managed to stow the gear inside the cabin and get her all set to put in the water. I hardly took any pictures because I was afraid of water damage to my camera, and I was in rush to make the tide. Fortunately, the launch at the beach went relatively smoothly, and ORION was on her mooring in the mid-afternoon. I couldn’t find the starboard jib sheet for some reason, but perhaps that will give me an opportunity to replace both jib sheets as they are starting to get a little worn.
Although I haven’t had a chance yet to stretch ORION’s legs and take her for her first sail of the season, I’m thrilled to have her in the water, ready to go. The 2020 sailing season has officially begun!