I love sailing in the fall season for a number of reasons. There aren’t as many bugs, it’s cool enough to wear long-sleeved clothes so you don’t have to wear sunscreen, the changing leaves are gorgeous, and there’s not as much boat traffic on the water. Unfortunately, due to work and home commitments, I didn’t get out sailing this fall as much as I would have liked, and with more obligations looming, I decided it was best to take ORION out of the water for the winter so she wouldn’t just sit on her mooring collecting barnacles.
Last Thursday, I beached ORION and took off the rudder, boom, and mainsail, and with help from my sister, I unstepped the mast. The next day, my father helped me haul the boat out at the Waterford launch ramp, and I brought it back to Riverbank to powerwash the bottom and get everything packed up and ready to go home. It all went smoothly, although it always takes about twice as long as I think it’s going to take. But, at least she’s home and there were no towing problems.
The Sailing 2024 page is now completed. Here’s to the 2025 sailing season!
On the beach with her mast unstepped.
Shorn of her rig, back on the mooring.
At the launch ramp, waiting to be hauled out.
Powerwashed, mast strapped down, ready to head home.