Reunion with TERN

Having spent all winter in the Bay Area, I was eager to return to our place on Orcas Island in April.  I was optimistic that TERN had fared well over the course of the winter, and friends had repeatedly checked up on her for me.

The giant tarp I had set up over a taut-line had kept any debris from making contact with the boat, and the custom boat cover had kept tree detritus off the decks.  I puled the boat cover off to open up the space under the tarp, and have some working room to tackle a few small projects while TERN is so close to my shop.

Clean and dry, custom bow pulpit ready to have attachment tabs welded on.

The list of projects aren't necessary, but will make TERN safer and easier for offshore sailing:

-Install custom bow pulpit
-Replace old plexiglass portlights with new bronze-tint lexan
-Have stainless bails (which attach to and strengthen cockpit coaming) made for attaching the sheet-to-tiller self steering components
-Bottom paint touch-up, and install zincs
-Renew gaskets on water-tight bulkheads, and acquire canoe-style float-bags to inflate in water-tight compartments while offshore.
-Touch up brightwork
-Install oarlocks and order oars for engineless maneuvering

Side view of TERN showing cradle and bow pulpit.

She was a little dusty from pollen, but smelled dry and cedar-like down below.  A quick sweep on deck showed that no piles of debris had accumulated, she just needs a nice washing.  I will try to launch her in early July.  As much as I still want a small multihull to be able to carry kayaks with, I just love sailing TERN, and can't wait to launch her again...