Makina's class of sailboat is a Cutter. They are denoted by having 2 jibs and a mainsail. The second jib is called a Yankee Jib.
When Makina was purchased one of the last jobs which the previous owner had yet to complete was structural work on the aft wall of the anchor compartment. Above that wall, on the deck, is where the the forward stay is affixed for the Yankee Jib to be mounted upon.
When the electric anchor winch was installed this spring Dan, who handled the installation, reenforced that area and made it ship shape so that the Yankee Jib could be used again. The stay's installation was finally completed today by Pierre and myself.
Once installed we decided to take her out the harbour to test it out.
Sea Testing Makina's Yankee Jib for the first time
We headed about half way out the harbour. The test went very well and the Yankee Jib is a dream to sail as she has her own boom and does not require all the winching that the forward jib does when tacking.
Sailing into Shelburne Harbour, Nova Scotia
It was around 13:00 by the time we made it back to our mooring ball so we headed into the Club for showers so as to be presentable for a dinner engagement at Neil's - a friend of Pierre.
Shelburne Yacht Club - Shelburne, Nova Scotia
Neil was having a couple of other friends over as well. We were expected around 16:00. The walk to Neil's place does not get old in this scenic historic town.
Downtown Shelburne, Nova Scotia
We stopped in the old Cooper's Shop on the way. It is still a functioning business which traces its beginning back many many year, if not centuries. The smell of wood in the shop was as good as the finest sandalwood incense.
Cooper's Shop - Shelburne, Nova Scotia
Upon arriving at Neil's we sat out in his peaceful backyard in the late afternoon's sun and then moved inside as the other guests arrived. Neil made a lovely meal of salt cod done with an Italian recipe which included melted cheese. It was a surprising combination for me, yet tasted delicious.
The sun was down when we headed back to Makina. The day had been a long one yet very rewarding. Solo sailing should now be made much easier with the Yankee Jib. If alone the forward jib can be left down and the jib and mainsail can handle tacks with no need of trimming any sails.
Pierre will be heading back to Ottawa in the morning. It will be bittersweet to see him go, however my Daughter and Son-In-Common-Law plan to join me for the final lag of the passage to Digby.
Hopefully the wait will not be too long for my new crew to join me...
Until then...
May the wind be at your back!
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