We have launched Regal Jug for the summer season this last weekend. Neil and Renee with Granddaughter Georgia joined us for an overnight outing. We got in a couple hours of hot sailing both Saturday and Sunday. Here are some things that we learned…

First, cleaning Regal Jug’s seven acres of fiberglass is always a royal pain, but eventually we get through it. On the way to the launch we had a run in with a fence post. It didn’t survive. It was replaced on Monday. The sailing was really hot and really fun. The winds were about 10 to 12 mph and we were able to take full advantage of them.

After the sail Georgia had a little nap on her Mommy’s lap. I tried to help Renee get out from under her and tried to scoop Georgia up in my arms. I was a little awkward and nearly dropped her.

With that rude awakening and a shortened nap she had a bit of a melt-down. Renee and Neil had to take her for a long walk around town to settle her back down.

Meanwhile Nana and I started sorting supplies and stowing all the gear from two families and we discovered that last summer’s fiber glassing episode had left plastic sanding dust in all the drawers and shelves. We had to wash all of the pots and pans, dishes and silverware before we could cook supper. By then we became aware that water was accumulating on the cabin sole. That was what last summer’s fiber glassing project was all about. See “The Smoking Gun.”

After munchies in the park Georgia was willing to put her PFD back on and return to the boat. We had a nice stew for supper and then joined a nearby dock party with the guitar and sang a few songs. Everybody got into the act for the “I’m a Little Teapot,” and I ended up with the “Preacher and the Bear.”

Sleeping five aboard Regal Jug takes some creative bunking. For those of you who have not been able to sail with us, Regal Jug is a 23 foot Aquarius Sailboat that was new in 1974. The literature indicated that she sleeps five. They neglect to tell you that they must be very friendly and it helps if you are midgets. Over the years we have developed a plan that works pretty well. Nana and Papa are confined to the vee berth in the bow. Renee and Neil get the pipe berths in the middle of the salon. These are augmented by placing the seat backs on the ice chest to widen their shoulder area.

That leaves about three foot between the starboard pipe berth and Nana’s pillow for a wee traveler to bed down on the settee.

A more apt description might be wall-to-wall sleeping bags. We all got a good night’s sleep and Georgia passed her trial sailing adventure.

Next will be a trip down the Columbia River together later this week. We will be joining Ed and Sarah on the Hokolua, a 38 foot Hans Christian and Phil and Sue on the Rendezvous, a 36 foot Beneteau. I will take the computer along, so we can update you on the “Grand Adventure” as we follow in the paddle strokes of Lewis and Clark to Astoria.

Bonne Aventure – Gary and Judy