Splash

We launched Blackheart on Saturday, June 11, 2011.  We were hoping to make it in time for the Round Bowen Island race, but it wasn't to be. 

 As we motored up to the cabin at Williamson's Landing, we passed the race leaders on their spinnaker runs along the north shore of Bowen Island.

We're tied up at a mooring bouy in front of the cabin for the summer.

New Furler

We got some great deals at the boat show.

First we purchased a furler from Pro-Tech Yacht Services. After considering my options, I elected to purchase the Harken Mark IV unit 1.  Installation was dead simple and took about 4 hours.  Only issues were that the toggle that is required between chainplate and forestay utilizes 1/2" clevis pins. My old rig uses a 9/16" pin.  So I drill the holes in the toggle and had to make a 9/16" pin. I also had to trim the original shackle slightly so the furler would fit over.

I supported the mast with a couple of halyards and removed the tension from the backstay, pulled the clevis and shortend the turnbuckle by 1.75" to accomodate the toggle.

I fed each section of foil over the forestay and dropped the bottom end through my forehatch which allowed me to insert the joints, glue and screws at a comfortable height above the deck.