Ahoy J/109 Vento Solare Friends,
As winter is behind us now we need to get the boat ready to launch! The winter cover was removed on 19 March. The bottom was sanded and painted in the fall so we only need to do wet sanding. I would like to ask for help at Borden Light Marina with the tasks listed below and am flexible on timing over the next few weeks. Beverages will be supplied.
Please verify your schedule and set availability: I ask that everyone please verify and set their availability for the season events at this link. I will make assignments for events that are oversubscribed and give priority to those who are consistently available. There may be a few exceptions for special events.
Please reply and let me know if you are available for boat work to help with the spring chores and when you might be available. My schedule is very flexible and I can support both during the day and after work, plus some weekends.
- Wax topside surfaces
- Wax and Teflon coat hull (1st coat was done in fall so should go quickly)
- Polish topside stainless
- Inspect and tape all lifelines
- Wet sand bottom 320, 400, 600 grit
- Pressure wash topside
- Remove winter halyards & run halyards
- Declutter inside boat (tools, boxes, etc.)
- Vacuum inside boat
- Wash down inside boat with Murphy's oil soap
- Clean & Lubricate Winches
- Flush and fill fresh water tank
- Install safety gear on stern rail
My goal is to get Vento Solare launched by Wednesday 10 April. After launch tasks:
- Go up mast to replace wind sensor, windex and steaming light
- Stock refrigerator with appropriate beverages
- Cushions and sails to boat
- Initial rig tune
- Bend on sails
- Weather permitting (no wind, flat water) head out under power for calibration runs (compass, speed, wind)
- Shakedown sail and fix any discrepancies
Any day after those tasks are done, we can coordinate a nice delivery from Borden Light to the Navy Marina on a nice day!
Looking forward to sailing with a keel again!
Recent Comments
This photo from Block Island Steve
98TH CONANICUT YACHT CLUB AROUND THE ISLAND RACE
Great time on the water today and after at the CYC awards party. Third place finish in a class with 11 boats.
These pictures taken by Block Island Steve after the start of the Ida Lewis Distance Race.
Henry & Matt Trimming
Henry Trimming
Elena Trimming
The 2025 ILDR was a light air challenge for the Vento Solare crew. Pia, Elena & Henry made up 50% of the crew to qualify as a youth entry. They were joined by Peter, Matt & Bill. The crew was recognized at the awards ceremony with the 1st place Youth trophy and 3rd of 8 in the Coronet class.
Youth Trophy 1st place presented to Vento Solare crew
3rd of 8 boats in Coronet class
Tristan Mouligne captured this picture from the Class 40 Res Potentia on Saturday morning. Vento Solare is limping into Newport with the spinnaker wrapped around the headstay. This occurred when a letterbox douse was attempted the evening before while trying to round R32 off Gay Head, Marthas Vineyard. The spinnaker became badly wrapped around the headstay and jib while unfurling the jib for a letterbox douse. Sarah was hoisted up the mast 1/3 of the way in the dark to try and unwrap the spinnaker but was unsuccessful. Thus the decision was made to retire and motor back to Newport. We tied up to a mooring at Coasters Harbor and hoisted Sarah to the top. The spinnaker head was fouled under the headstay and caught on the upper swivel, preventing the furler from moving in either direction. Sarah disconnected the spinnaker halyard and was able to unwrap the spinnaker. Once that was done we were able to unwind the rest of the spinnaker without damage, and completely unfurl, then refurl the jib.