We Will Be Sailing Soon!

This winter the Nathan of Dorchester has been tied up at the Generation III boatyard as work continues to replace a section of the starboard lograil and Port knightshead.

This picture shows the start of lograil work. The forward chain plate for the starboard shroud has been removed and you can see where rotten wood is being removed.

This picture shows removal of even more of the  lograil wood from around the knightshead.

Fortunately rot was confined to the pine lograil and did not affect the starboard oak knightshead.

Here is another view of the starboard side, all opened up and ready for the new lograil to be installed.

Over 10 feet of the ” L ” shaped log rail had to be completely removed exposing the top of the side plank, frames, deck beam ends, and clamp which are all in excellent condition.

While we have been making these repairs, we also reinstalled new engine mounting bolts, purchased new sails and have prepared a thorough check list to get us safely sailing once repairs are completed.

In March, we are holding indoor training and refresher training sessions via Zoom. In April, when the weather cooperates, we will bend on our new sails for the 2021 sailing season. Safety equipment will come out of storage, be inspected and re-mounted on the boat.

We will then re-inspect every line, shroud, block, stay, and all parts of both running and standing rigging. We’ll test the push boat and inboard diesel and make several “sea trials” to fine tune rigging and adjust our new sails.

May and June will see us busy on the water conducting twice a week training our sail crew, and docent volunteers, teaching them to work together and sail under every combination of wind and weather.

Our final exam, so to speak, will be our annual Coast Guard on-the-water inspection where we demonstrate operating Nathan under all conditions and types of emergencies.

We will welcome passengers to sail with us on Nathan’s 27th birthday July 4th!