The old Spinlock XA clutches had an unidentified black sealant visible around one of the bases and I was a bit leery about how well bonded the clutches might be to the cabin top. After removing the through bolts I was pleasantly surpirsed when, after a firm sideways knock, each clutch popped right off.

Most of the sealant was a sticky white substance that gave up without much of a fight and, as the opportunity arises to update or repair items on the Bird, is turning out to be the goop of choice by the previous owner for installing deck hardware. I did notice that no precautions were taken to protect the balsa core of the cabin top. The PO just drilled the holes and installed the clutches with the sealant. Luckily, there was not water damage to the core that I could see or feel. I suspect I will be re-bedding all of the deck hardware over the summer as a precaution.

I put a 1/4 inch router bit on a Dremel and cut out the Balsa core around the previously drilled holes, filled with thickened epoxy and re-drilled the holes. I counter sunk the holes and bed the new rope clutches with 3M 4200.

New Headboard Shackle

The new Ullman genoa was delivered back in March and was in use for the Meyedenbauer Yacht Club Spring Regatta. The delivery of the new main was delayed by a few weeks but made it to Seattle in time for the first race of the Lake Spring Series. When we put it on it was apparent that the Winchard shackle (left) that fit the old UK Sails main wasn't going to work. We had a spare shackle on board that we were able to squeeze over the headboard, just barely. The day after the race I went to Fisheries and purchased the Ronstan shackle (right). It's the simple things that make life better. Now my Winchard shackle key has been retired to light duty (bottle opener).

New Splice (re-splice?)

Ever since I put the new genoa halyard together I've been wanting to turn my John Monk main halyard cover to core splice into a taper. Check that one off the list.

Last day of early 2010 racing on Lake Union

Boomkicker is finally on.

Gearing up for 2010 sailing I moved the spinnaker halyard to the mast and installed the boomkicker.