We are so shamed to admit what we are about to admit that we really don’t want to put this on the website. (more…)

While attaching the new headstay to the top of the mast, Michael noticed that the wire had slipped out of the top Norseman fitting about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch. Oops. (more…)

So, there’s no need to panic at this point. The bottom foil is free again and the top foil has been removed so we can cut it down to the new length. The other foils are fastened together as they should be. All appears to be well. (more…)

But how to fix this thing now? (more…)

The new Harken furling foil kit arrived only a couple of days later, excellent service! We gathered up the eight foil connectors that would need to be put on the wire before it was swaged, purchased the 316 wire, top toggle and end stud fittings then dropped it off at the swaging shop in Ballard. By the next weekend, we had our beautiful new stay, complete with the foil connectors already on. We downloaded the manual from Harken’s website and read over the section on attaching the foils to the connectors. (more…)

In anticipation of our new genoa arriving in a few weeks, we thought it would be a good time to replace the forestay, hidden so nicely underneath our Harken roller furling unit for who knows how long. (more…)

In the frenzy of outfitting a cruising boat, we’ve added anchors (very important), solar panels (really nice to have), HAM radio email (Moms love this item), a new engine (thought it was necessary, but not nearly so in hindsight), a big dinghy outboard (very fun), and all sorts of other gear we were sure we needed for successful cruising.

Then we look up at the sails. (more…)

See the photos.