Brightwork Project

Most sailboat owners will tell you that having varnished brightwork is quite a lovely thing to admire, worth the time invested and hands down, necessary to protect the integrity of your boat's wood from harmful UV rays. And most boat owners may tell you horror stories, use intimidation tactics and warn you not to even start this type of project. It takes lots and lots and lots of time and coats, coats and more coats for your brightwork to look its best. It would be better if you found a genie lamp on the beach, rubbed it and wished for someone else to do the work for you, for free! So I'm told a project of this magnitude take lots of time. I mean really, how much time could it take?

As they say "Ignorance is Bliss!"

When I decided to take on Aletheia's Brightwork Project, something I've had on my to-do list for longer than I care to admit, I received the same reaction from everyone..."are you sure you want to go down that road" look. People trying to talk me out of such an undertaking. I understood it was going to be time-consuming since it likely hadn't been done since 1978. The wood was stripped, rough and gray. All teak surfaces were in need of a complete makeover. For some reason I wanted to experience the art of varnishing and I was craving a project all my own. Besides, I didn't really have anything else to do.

I started sanding the toerails with a pad sander back in March. Although I had music buzzing in my ears, a cold beer to sip on while working on my tan, I lost motivation after just one afternoon. Fast-forward to April with the materials laughing at me, the time had come to get this project going and finished.

I purchased and borrowed the necessary supplies and got to work! I didn't stop. It was my mission to get this project completed before Nate's mom came for a visit. Nothing like having a visitor to motivate you!

Within a week, my project was near completion. I sanded the companionway, interior teak, toerails and handrails meticulously. Before each varnish layer, a light sanding (used #220 paper) and tacking was done. The tackcloth is used immediately after each sanding to "tack" or remove residual dirt particles prior to each layer. And of course I had to check the weather forecast because I couldn't varnish the exterior with a rainstorm in my imminent future and the varnish manufacturer frowns upon sanding in direct sunlight so it was early morning and late evening dates with my varnish and paintbrush. Every 12 hours. The more layers of varnish, the merrier. 

Two weeks later I finalized my Brightwork Project. Here are some before & after photos. And just in case you haven't come across the magical genie lamp, I've listed the materials we used in case there is a varnishing project in your future. Go on. You got this!

Companionway (5 coats): the wood that started it all! The orbital sander saved so much time and got down to a new layer of teak.

Neglected varnish and wood (before)

Amazing what a little sanding can do!

Top of companionway (before)

Top of companionway ready to varnish!

Yuck - gray and rough bottom left of companionway (before)

Bottom of companionway (before)

Freshly sanded wood

After multiple sheets of sandpaper, the companionway is ready to varnish!

Varnish on the left (first coat)

Multiple coats of varnish - what a difference!

Toerails (6 coats): This was most time-consuming because I used both the orbital sander to sand the top and sandpaper for the sides of 36' of teak. Trying to sand the sides was not fun, but necessary.

Gray toerail (before)

Toerail mid-sand. No gray!

Taped up, ready to varnish!

Varnishing first layer on port!

Varnishing first layer on starboard!

Nice dark teak, almost there!

Shiny!

Removing tape

Brightwork Project complete!

Handrails (6 coats): I was able to orbital sand both 6' handrails before hand sanding which saved time.

Neglected handrails (before)

Ready to varnish

Handrails complete!

Brightwork Project materials:

Captains varnish, tackcloth and painter's tape

Orbital sander, sandpaper, etc.

Sanding materials:

1. orbital sander 
2. #80 & #120 (Lower grit for neglected/damaged wood)
3. #220 for final sanding, including a light sand prior to each layer of varnish
4. Extension cord

Varnishing materials:

1. #1015 Captain's Varnish: 2 quarts did the trick for 36' toerails, 6' handrails and companionway
2. Wooster paint brushes (sizes: 1/2" & 1" brushes) - don't use cheap brushes!
3. Paint thinner to clean the brush after each coat 
4. Tackcloth (purchased at Home Depot)
5. Latex gloves (helps keep hands clean while varnishing)

All in all, I'd say this was a gratifying experiment. I'd do it again. I charge $100/hour!

~jenn

Friend Love.

Topic: Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends. What makes them great? Why do you love them? If you don't have blogger friends, talk about a real-life friend or even a family member.

I've chosen to write about one of my lifelong friends. Someone I've known for 31 years! We met in day care when we were both 4. Through nap time, story time and snack time, our friendship has remained effortless. I was always playing at her house or she at mine. Her dad would ask my mother to drop me off at her house so "the girls could play". Her mother is like a second mom to me.

What makes my friend Meredith great? Why do I love her? Although she never slows down, she always makes time for me. Always there when I need to talk, to listen, for comfort, for laughs, for tears and for everything in between. We've certainly gotten into our fair share of trouble, always coming out one up with some sort of lesson learned. 

It seems as we get older, we get closer. We connect, understand and support the other. We are sisters. I love her because she loves me. We're soul friends. I love her cooking, her taste for music, her taste for beer. Her love for her dad. Whenever her mom comes to visit, she's always got an itinerary planned. She's methodical. Thoughtful. She's mindful, but speaks her mind. She puts her soul into her work. 

One of her many selfless acts came at the tragic loss of her good friend and local [Frisco, CO] chef. She worked tirelessly to create a successful event to raise money and establish two culinary scholarships in his name. I was beside myself at her effort and accomplishment. I was unable to be there in person to help, but I wish I could have seen it all come together. I was so proud of her. I love her because she sees an opportunity to do good, to help make a difference and she spares no details.

My hope is that as our mothers remain friends, we remain friends and our future children will meet to become friends. I'm lucky to love a friend like her.

Lily Said It Best

Ok, so already on Day 2 of the Blog Everyday in May Challenge and I'm having writer's block! Damn! I've chosen to skip around a bit and select an easier topic. I'll need to get over the idea that writing has to be perfect and just write! After three attempts on three different topics, I'm going to share one of my favorite quotes...

"For fast acting relief, try slowing down" - Lily Tomlin

I am by no means an innocent or expert in slowing down. Frankly, I suck at slowing down. It makes me uncomfortable, but grateful for Lily's wisdom, this quote hones in on my current life and what I've learned from this quote. My first impression of this quote reminds me of an antacid commercial and having an upset stomach. The only way to avoid an upset stomach is to be conscious of what you're putting into your body and not to get one in the first place. The only way to slow down is to not allow time to control you and to realize and think clearly about what you are doing at this moment. No one wants an upset stomach! No one wants to be controlled by time. Although time is a constant and clearly inevitable, this quote reminds me to honor life at a bit slower pace. To appreciate the organic things around me (colors, noises, movement). To take a moment to breath and allow my body to feel alive. To see what is actually right in front of me. Could be nothing or it could be everything. Important things can be unseen if you're speeding through your days.

Never in my life have I slowed down so much, so drastically, all at once. This has been a great challenge no doubt because I enjoy keeping myself busy like a bee. My life usually consists of filling my social calendar, taking on numerous priorities at work and distracting myself with to-do lists and new projects. Being busy makes one feel important. And don't get me wrong, I love making to-do lists and seeing my items get checked off the list. It's very gratifying and I to, feel important.

This quote can also be repurposed in any situation. It's a constant reminder that slowing down is key to a fulfilling life. So often we go about our day, blindly, getting from Point A to Point B and not remembering how we arrived or how we felt during the time getting there. I've been guilty of this many times! This quote keeps me in the present moment when I find myself distracted by something other than what I'm doing, which, truthfully, is very difficult for me. It's important to get a little slap in the face and come back to present time. I'm always planning for the next event, the following day. SLAP! But on a sailboat, we're actually living day-to-day, living in as many moments as possible. Yes, some days are not living moment to moment. I get irritated by slowing down too much and slowing down isn't something I'm particularly good at, but it helps me to think methodically about how I'm doing things. More questions can arise when slowing down. Mistakes can be avoided when slowing down. Lessons can be learned when slowing down. Slowing down doesn't have to be a magic little pill for a perfect life. But it's a nice mantra to keep in your back pocket. From time to time give yourself a gentle slap in the face to remind yourself about how you're moving and thinking through life, day-by-day. Find relief by slowing down. Stop and smell the roses.

What's your favorite quote (from a person, book, etc)?

I Never Pass Up a Beer

To be quite honest, there isn't much happening in our lives at the moment. We've been in Marathon, FL since April 1. It's hard to believe how quickly one month can be taken by the wind. We've kept our minds and bodies occupied, but Aletheia hasn't moved much. We've traveled a bit up and down HWY 1 up north to Tavernier and south to Key West. The weather has been sweltering, recently rainy and cloudy, but looks to clear up. So living on a boat isn't all sunny skies, steel drums and rum drinks, although I suppose it ought to be. 
To stimulate these quiet days, and to practice my blogging/writing skills, because I'd love to be a more articulate and captivating writer, I've chosen to take the Blog Everyday in May challenge. Through most pieces of information, I found this challenge through the Internet Grapevine and found myself here. There are 31 suggested topics for each day. Below is the first suggested blog topic. Consider these yourself and give it a go!
I'm already behind since accepting this challenge, but I can skip a day, make it up later or not write at all. If inspiration strikes on a topic my fingers will do the work. Although, the goal is to take a topic and run with it, to eliminate the pressure of writing something "cool", "here's what we did today" or even something enjoyable. Just write for the sheer joy of expression.
Day 1: The Story of Your Life
To tell my life story usually means talking about my loved ones and how they have impacted my life. But for this challenge, I write about how I have impacted my own life. Here goes... 

I grew up in rural Ohio among my 4 siblings, loving parents, a house always filled with activity and privilege, summers spent by the pool, winters skating on the pond, relatives coming and going, and surrounded by the best circle of friends I could ever hope to have. Dad, my greatest role model, although I didn't get a chance to realize it, died when I was 15. Athletics has and always will be my lifestyle - cheerleading, gymnastics, running, yoga. I've carried my athletics with me through youth into my 20s and 30s. I've been given the gift of enjoying my workouts, turning physical exercise into a meditative practice, escaping the world around me. I've had a diverse and challenging career, all involving marketing and event planning, which I'd like to integrate back into my life at some point. I'm not done yet. Fortunately, in my youth, I've had the privilege to semi-retire twice to untie the docklines and visit new places. Spring 2007 for a 3-month sail in the Caribbean and most recently Summer 2014 to cruise our 36' home with my husband. Both journeys he has had to pry my butt from the office chair, but I'm always willing to give something new a try in order to grow from the experience even with hestitation (see Mark Twain quote). The over-arching story of my life has been this recent journey. Here, today, is where I've learned the most about myself, where the story of my life has collided with my past, present and future. I've learned I'm not as brave as I'd like. I thought I knew myself better, even at 34. Black water frightens me. Reading books has become a new hobby. I love to cook in a small space. I'm still in love with yoga. I've had lots of time to mediate on my past and how to shape my future. I need to love more. Encourage more. I pause to honor sunsets. Running is what I do. I've run over 60 races in my life. I get compliments on my white teeth. I love to make others laugh. I'd like to get a sunflower tattoo. I want to be my husband's #1 cheerleader. I'm afraid of change. I love visiting VT. I never pass up a beer. I'm a social butterfly in the sailing community. I know more about sailing then I realize. I like sailing. I can't wait to become a mother. I get homesick. I prefer land. I love shoes. Maintaining relationships is crucial. I want a veggie garden. I love to floss. I have a lot to learn.

As I write, I realize the story of my life is ever-blossoming, evolving through blank pages. My story isn't a chronology of events. It's a story of expression, emotions and realizations. A story of how to love myself better so I can love others. Call it rambling. Call it incoherent. Call it incoherent rambling! My needs and wants, positive and negative traits are all part of my character. This is my life story...for today.

April 12: Sunset Sunday

Mark your calendars for Sunday April 12th and let's watch the sunset together!

I joined a virtual event on Facebook called "Share a Sunset Sunday" from a fellow Women Who Sails group member. I thought it would be fun to extend the invitation on our blog about the upcoming Sunset Sunday on APRIL 12TH.

No matter where we are on this earth, we'll all be connected to the same setting sun regardless of timezones. Wherever you may be, whether through dark clouds, in a rainstorm, on top of a mountain, in your car (parked of course!), or on your back deck, take a sunset photo on April 12th and share it with the world!

It's easy to participate: search Facebook for "Share a Sunset Sunday". Click on the link and join the event! I've set a reminder on my calendar too. 

When you take your photo, post it on the Sunset Sunday Facebook event page and include your local time and city/state. 

This isn't a contest, just a cool way to view the setting sun from all over the world.

I've been practicing...

Love,
Jenn 

FL Keys: Week 2

Boot Key Harbor continues to show us a good time and replicate summer camp. The daily "cruiser's net" begins at 9AM on Channel 68. I'd guess about 50-75 boats are listening on any given day. We try to tune in every morning. The net is filled with announcements, upcoming events, "buy, sell, trade, giveaways", a place to ask questions about systems, needing help, trivia, etc. Today Nate chimed in to ask for advice about our electric motor monitor acting up. Someone responded back on the net to offer advice and came over to our boat to have a look, and help come up with some suggestions. There is a strong network of knowledgeable sailors willing to share tools, advice, and offer solutions. It's a great little floating community with very friendly and helpful neighbors.

I was lucky enough to teach my first yoga class at the Marathon Community Park. I was a bit nervous, but thankfully it was like riding a bike! Being outside with a gentle breeze, bright sun, and chirping birds made the class very special. To make it more special, I volunteered to turn the class into a fundraiser for a well known couple in the harbor. I don't know them whatsoever, but from stories shared, they are wonderful, helpful and gracious to others in need. This was my way of giving back. We raised $91 thanks to the generosity of the 12 students that showed up! That was a lot of fun!

We continue to check out the local scene, live music, and cheap happy hours. Sometimes we must hide out aboard Aletheia to avoid spending too much money and consuming too many calories. We row through the harbor waving to our neighbors, inviting complete strangers over for sundowners (aka alcoholic beverages) and trading boat cards with other cruisers. Some people roll in to Boot Key anticipating just a few nights stay, a 1-week or a 1-month stay before sailing to their next destination or before heading home, depending on the season. We've met people that came for 1 week, been here 7. Others came for a month and have been on the ball for 5 years. LOL! Entrepreneurs have been born here, families have brought babies home from the hospital. I'm beginning to see positive aspects of this lifestyle and the variety of wonderful people to meet and stay in contact with for years to come! I'm sure our paths will cross again!

My yoga studio!

My students in Savasana

Dockside Grille  - one of many live music venues in Marathon!

Door to door service - dinghy style

Sail Away Sunday - at Glory Days helm

16 boats out for Sail Away Sunday

I think we're in about 15ft of water. See the depth change?

Love to all,
Jenn & Nate

p.s. I did actually pick up basket weaving. Told you its like summer camp! Here is the only picture I'll share (until its complete, of course!)

Indoor Projects

Here are pictures of two small boat projects we've completed (or began) since inception. All you need is looking for something to do or feeling a need for success to get going.

While Eric & Amanda were visiting, Eric and Nate installed this LED rope lighting under the galley cabinets. It was already on board and wasn't doing any good sitting in a dark hole. It actually adds a great deal of light while cooking or as mood-lighting. The dimmer is a nice touch too!

A dimmer for extra galley lighting

Tiny LED lights give a nice ambiance

Yesterday, I finally felt motivated to pull out some fabric I've had for some time intending to make a closet curtain to cover up clothing, foul weather gear, computers, etc. There used to be a big ole' heavy wooden door where there is now nothing. We removed the door in Freeport, ME. It's a very simple rectangular piece of fabric, but not being much of a sewer, the thought hemming and hand-sewing the 25"x 58" borders sounded like a lot of work for ME. But as Aunt Bev told me, what do you think they did before sewing machines?! Good point. Also, with the fabric staring at me, I thought today is the day. I've hemmed the borders and will sew the edges within the next 1-2 days and assemble with onboard resources of eye screws and bungee. It will also add a bit of color to all the dark wood.

Hemming the edges

Current visual

A closet curtain in progress

Completed look to follow...

Cheers,
Jenn

P-Town

We got this gift upon arriving into Cape Cod Bay including a 5kt wind to push us into our dark anchorage.

Sunset on it's way to Colorado!

How did we get so lucky to have such great connections?! We stayed in a lovely seaside condo last night; I made a sausage-Italian parsley pasta dinner not long before crawling into bed for a superb night's sleep. Peter and I went on a 5 mile run (yahoo!) this morning around the quaint town as the streets were beginning to stir.

P-town is a charming little town that can mesmerize tourists into buying a summer cottage. Art galleries, hat, soap and homemade ice cream shops line the main strip. The town reminds me of a book I'm reading, Cocaine Nights (J.G Ballard), a murder mystery novel set in Gibraltar where the streets transform when the sun goes down in a dystopian-like community. Where art and tourism has taken over the fishing industry. Where people's wild side shines under bar lights. Locals awake in the morning from their drug-induced comas to work out. Where people live behind sunglasses and sunscreen. And where people retire to hide their true identity. P-town is as close to my imagination as this book gets!

Here are a few pics from Provincetown, MA:

Gloucester to Provincetown crew!

"The Cape" (similar to a superhero's cape) - this windvane is a well-oiled machine!

End to a great sailing day!

View from the condo into Cape Cod Bay

Lunch with the boys!

Love to all,

Nate & Jenn