Our new boat

But still a decent day on the lake. We went our with friends Rhonda and Chris, and their daughters Kara and Kali. First time on a sailboat for them, but everybody took a turn at the helm and did just fine. We even tried "heaving to" so we could stop the boat and swim a little. Water is still pretty cold, and with no sun not everyone wanted to jump in.

Our dog Zoe would probably follow me anywhere. And I was hoping she would like to sail on the boat. But she gets car sick easily and hates the heat (she is the woolliest Golden Retriever we have ever owned). But I had to run out to the boat Saturday, so I took Zoe. She was excited at the marina, trying to take in all of the new smells. When we got to the boat, she was hesitant to jump on board (hard fiberglass does not make for good footing). But once I coaxed her on board, she was fine. She had a hard time navigating the steps into the cabin, but once she tried it, she climbed up and down several times. She really liked the stern berth (jumping all over while I was trying to move the cushions out of the way).

Today (Monday the 4th) was pretty calm day on Lake Michigan, so Chris and I tried to fly the spinnaker that came with our boat. We have never rigged or flown a spinnaker before, but we had read up on it, and today seemed like the perfect day to try it. Winds were to light for our small jib, and the lake was fairly calm, so less change of falling in when we tried to rig the light air sail. We got it rigged without too many "oops's". She is very colorful, and very BIG. Too bad we did not have someone to take photo from off the boat. This shot does not really do it justice:

Saturday July 2 - A great day on the water
The boys and I went out for a longer sail on Saturday. Weather was hot and sunny for the most part, winds from the southwest, so the lake was calm and the air temp was also warm. The lake temperature is only about 59° F (colder in some areas). We sailed north toward Chicago and We swam a little, and tried a self-rescue technique where we dragged a line behind the boat while sailing, and took turns jumping off, and pulling yourself onto the boat. When I am single-handing the boat, I needed to know how I could get back on the boat. I can't swim as fast as the boat sails, so the line dragging behind gives me a chance to catch the line. The good news is, I was able to get the line, but pulling myself back up to the boat was a challenge. I need a thicker rope, with knots tied every foot or so for grip. But I think in an emergency, the rope could be a life saver.

We went out Saturday with some friends - George and Linda for a quick afternoon sail. I think everyone had a good time, despite the calm wind conditions. We only had about 7 knots, and less at some points of time, but since George and Linda were new to sailing (and the admiral hates to "lean"), the conditions were fine for the audience. I put a little American Flag off the stern, so we are ready for July 4th weekend. Hope to get several days of sailing in over the long weekend.

George did a great job at the helm, I enjoyed my turn at the wheel and the girls enjoyed conversing, even if the temps dropped some out on the lake.

Following a nice sailing day on Saturday, I went back to the marina on Sunday to do some maintenance and to finish putting on my final "Obsession" logo on. I had backed the boat into the slip after our sail on Saturday so I could get to the port side decal. The hardest part is getting the glue off from the old logo. But once that was done, applying the new Obsession logo was pretty quick. So the renaming is now complete!

I also spent the afternoon giving the deck a quick scrub down, cleaning some of the mildew out of the nooks and crannies in the cockpit, and cleaning out the LifeSling holder.

One very important lesson learned....take the cell phone off and put it someplace safe! I always do that when I am going out sailing, but failed to do it on Sunday and sure enough....knocked it off my belt clip with a brush handle and lost it in the water.....Bummer.

Cathy, Brian and I went out for a quick late morning sail today....Brian has to work tomorrow so it was sort of our Father's day get together.

I am still working on renaming Obsession from her previous name B'Haven. I had previously scrapped off the old Port of Call, the Registration numbers and the B'Haven logo from the port side of the boat. Today, the weather was not real nice and I got out to the marina late in the afternoon. So instead of sailing, I spent an hour working on the new logos. First I cleaned the area for the new Port of Call with glass cleaner, per the decal makers instructions. Then I applied the new Port of Call "St. John, IN". This decal was pretty small, and it went on real easy. Then I applied the large "Obsession" logo to the port side. This one was harder to apply because of it's size, but it looks nice now that it is on. I still have to remove the logo from the starboard side, but I will have to turn the boat around in the slip to work on it.

I also pulled the sail cover off and took it home to stitch up some of loose threads. The zipper that zips around the mast was almost complete unstitched. I worked on it this evening, and have the zipper sewn back on. I need to find some Velcro to replace the worn out piece that wraps around the mast.

Once I am done with the renaming, it will be time to perform the renaming ceremony.

Renaming a boat is, of course, not something to be done lightly. Since the beginning of time, sailors have sworn that there are unlucky ships and the unluckiest ships of all are those who have defied the gods and changed their names. So, there is a way to change a name and not incur the wrath of those deities that rule the elements.

According to legend, each and every vessel is recorded by name in the Ledger of the Deep and is known personally to Poseidon, or Neptune, the god of the sea. It is logical therefore, if we wish to change the name of our boat, the first thing we must do is to purge its name from the Ledger of the Deep and from Poseidon’s memory.

This is an involved process beginning with the removal or obliteration of every trace of the boat’s current identity. This is essential and must be done thoroughly.

Do not under any circumstances carry aboard any item bearing your boat’s new name until the purging and renaming ceremonies have been completed!

Once you are certain every reference to her old name has been removed from her, all that is left to do is to prepare a metal tag with the old name written on it in water-soluble ink. You will also need a bottle of reasonably good Champagne. Plain old sparkling wine won’t cut it. Since this is an auspicious occasion, it is a good time to invite your friends to witness and to party. Begin by invoking the name of the ruler of the deep as follows:

Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to expunge for all time from your records and recollection the name (here insert the old name of your vessel) which has ceased to be an entity in your kingdom. As proof thereof, we submit this ingot bearing her name to be corrupted through your powers and forever be purged from the sea. (At this point, the prepared metal tag is dropped from the bow of the boat into the sea.)

In grateful acknowledgment of your munificence and dispensation, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (Pour at least half of the bottle of Champagne into the sea from East to West. The remainder may be passed among your guests.

It is usual for the renaming ceremony to be conducted immediately following the purging ceremony, although it may be done at any time after the purging ceremony. For this portion of the proceedings, you will need more Champagne, Much more because you have a few more gods to appease. Begin the renaming by again calling Poseidon as follows:

Oh mighty and great ruler of the seas and oceans, to whom all ships and we who venture upon your vast domain are required to pay homage, implore you in your graciousness to take unto your records and recollection this worthy vessel hereafter and for all time known as (Here insert the new name you have chosen), guarding her with your mighty arm and trident and ensuring her of safe and rapid passage throughout her journeys within your realm.

In appreciation of your munificence, dispensation and in honor of your greatness, we offer these libations to your majesty and your court. (At this point, one bottle of Champagne, less one glass for the master and one glass for the mate are poured into the sea from West to East.)

The next step in the renaming ceremony is to appease the gods of the winds. This will assure you of fair winds and smooth seas. Because the four winds are brothers, it is permissible to invoke them all at the same time, however, during the ceremony; you must address each by name. Begin in this manner:

Oh mighty rulers of the winds, through whose power our frail vessels traverse the wild and faceless deep, we implore you to grant this worthy vessel (Insert your boat’s new name) the benefits and pleasures of your bounty, ensuring us of your gentle ministration according to our needs. (Facing north, pour a generous libation of Champagne into a Champagne flute and fling to the North as you intone:) Great Boreas, exalted ruler of the North Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your frigid breath. (Facing west, pour the same amount of Champagne and fling to the West while intoning:) Great Zephyrus, exalted ruler of the West Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your wild breath. (Facing east, repeat and fling to the East.) Great Eurus, exalted ruler of the East Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your mighty breath.

(Facing south, repeat, flinging to the South.) Great Notus, exalted ruler of the South Wind, grant us permission to use your mighty powers in the pursuit of our lawful endeavors, ever sparing us the overwhelming scourge of your scalding breath.

Had to get a root canal first thing this morning, then lots of chores this morning on a hot and humid day. Did not think I would have time to get out to the boat today. But after finishing up some yard work, headed out about 1:00. Was not sure if I would take the boat out or not...did not have any crew available...or if I would put some decals on the clean up the boat a bit. But when I got to the marina, the winds were fairly light, and blowing from the northwest (so I would not be pushed into my neighbors nice H33 when I tried to dock). So I quickly decided to head out solo.

Had to motor quite a while to get past the steel mill before heading northward and raising the sails. I think the distance out to open water is almost a mile. It was much cooler at the lake, and it looked almost foggy out across the lake. But the winds were only about 10 knots. I wore a life jacket since I was alone on the boat. No one to perform a MOB drill if I fell overboard.

Once I passed the mill, I raised the main sail, but only to the 2nd reef point. I also put out the jib. Sailed at about 4.5 knots (as long as I kept on the right point of sail). I wanted to raise the sail to the 1st reef point, but it seemed like it was caught on something, so I set the autopilot to hold the wind angle, and went up on the deck to see what was caught. I think the 2nd reef-point line is too short and it was not letting me raise the sail further. I disconnected the reef rigging, and that allowed me to raise the main to the 1st reef. Winds were still light, so I shook out the 1st reef and put the main up all the way.

It was very comfortable on the water, but I had turned around as I wanted to be back home around 5:00. It was a good thing!

As I sailed back, the sun was lost behind some clouds, and the sky looked threatening off to the West. I got the boat docked just fine, got the sails squared away, and was just getting ready to try to apply my new port of call lettering on the stern. But it was starting to rain, so I decided to call it quits and head home. Before I got in the car, the skies opened up and we got a real soaking. Hard rain, wind, and all. On my drive home, Cathy called to see if I was pulled over somewhere to wait out the storm. She was in the basement with the dog and cat, thinking we could get a tornado. I was not that bad where I was driving, so I pressed on.

When I got to our street, I found it blocked by a big tree, down across the road. It turns out that we had a "micro burst" that knocked down a lot of trees, ripped some shutters off of our house, and moved playground toys a block away. I heard that a semi truck on the highway near our town was blown on it's side...so I guess it was quite a blow. Glad I was off the Lake before that storm blew up. I saw a sailboat heading out of the marina as I was coming in, I hope they did not get caught in bad weather.

We had a mixed weekend to play with the boat. Saturday was pretty much a "honey do" day and the weather was not all that great. My son Chris and I went to the marina, but all we got done was to strip the old registration numbers off the port side. Weather closed in and we did not go out. Sunday was even worse, but I did go out to the marina to try and get the registration numbers on. Started railing while I was driving to the marina and it was a full fledged thunderstorm

by the time I got there. I rigged a little tarp over the port side shield the rain. I got the registration numbers on.

Monday was a much better day, and the whole family went out for a sail early on Memorial Day. Winds were 10-16 kts from the south, so the water was pretty calm. We rigged the 2nd reef point (sort of) and kept the heel to 10 degrees or so (have to keep the Admiral happy). We did not even use the jib, and got 3.5 kts or so. We had to be back home around noon, so only got about 6 miles in. But we fixed the 2nd reef point, which was very important. We tried a mid-ship spring line to help us dock the boat. I piloted the boat and Brian put the spring line over the end pole on the dock. It worked pretty good, but I shifted into neutral to soon, and the boat did not stay pinned to the dock. The wind started pushing the boat toward our neighbors H33, but we were able to hold it with the spring line while we put a bow line on a cleat and everything was fine.

So Obsession now has her new Indiana registration numbers on, and all but one of the old logos has been removed. Next step in the transformation is to apply the new Obsession graphics and the new port of call. Still have to scrape off the port side "B'Haven" logo, which is a pain, but I bet once I get the new logo on the starboard side, I will be motivated to get the last old name logo off.

Well, I had hoped to get the boat out today for a little practice, but the weather really is lousy. Cold, rainy and gusty winds. Decided not to take the boat out, but went to check on her and fiddle around some. Good news is that Obsession was high and dry when I checked on her. Bilge does not have much water, no water leaks anywhere around the cabin. I fired up the alcohol stove to take the chill off, and made some coffee.

I received my decals this week, which I ordered from BoatUS. They look just the logo above. Also got a decal for the port of call.....St. John, IN. I also purchased registration numbers from Cabelas. They are not a perfect match, but the registration numbers have to be a simple block font.

I started scraping off the old lettering today in the nasty weather. Used a razor blade window scraper and some Goo-Off, that removes the old adhesive. Had to be very careful not to cut into the gel coat, but once I got the hang of it, I did OK. The solvent took off the adhesive, but it takes a fair amount of elbow grease to get all of the glue off. Today I got the old Port of Call (Milwaukee, WI) off the transom, and the B'Haven decal off the port side. Had to lay on the dock to get to the B'Haven logo. Will have to get the boat turned around in the slip to get to the starboard side. Did not try taking the registration numbers off yet, since the weather is not great for applying the new ones (figure the PO's are better than no numbers).

April 22-23: My sons Chris and Brian and I sailed B'Haven (soon to be renamed to Obsession) from Milwaukee, WI to East Chicago, IN - About 85 NM.
It was cold and rainy on Friday April 22, with an easterly wind that caused very rough seas on the western shore of Lake Michigan. We made port in Winthrop Harbor on the Wisconsin - Illinois border around 5:30pm Friday night. We had all been seasick, and were wet and cold. Thunderstorms kept us awake throughout the night.

Saturday was clear and sunny, with a very strong westerly wind - hitting 35 knots at times. The seas were much calmer due to the westerly wind, but we still motored most of the way (with a bit of the jib out). We made it to East Chicago around 6:00pm Saturday evening.

It all started with a single summer sail on our friend Tom's Catalina 30. I was hooked. I loved the idea of harnessing the wind, to power a boat and cruise around on Lake Michigan. I enjoyed the peace and quiet of a sailboat. I loved the idea of sailing without using fuel. I was challenged by the "art" of sailing, to maximize the power you can get out of the wind and your sails.

Over the next 2 years, I researched lots of sailboats. I first thought that a MacGregor 26M was the perfect boat. It is really a hybrid sailboat and power boat that is trailerable. The 26M uses water ballast to make it light enough to trailer, and a dagger board that can be raised for trailering or when wanting to speed along with the optional outboard motor (up to 60 HP). I found one a dealer in Eastern Indiana and drove several hours to see one. I was less impressed when I saw the boat in person as it was much smaller than I though, and seemed somewhat flimsy. But not to be dissuaded that easily, I found a Mac owner who was wiling to take me out on his boat. And although the Mac was OK, I decided that I wanted something a bit more substantial for sailing on Lake Michigan. I also decided after that outing that I wanted to keep my boat in a slip. Trailering to a boat ramp, rigging and launching the boat may be a cheaper alternative, but I do not want to spend an hour or so before and and after each sail messing around with rigging. In the end, the Mac 26M was not the boat for me.

I took a 3-day sailboat bareboat charter class, to get some sailing experience and training. My son Chris and I both took the class at Michigan City Sailboat Charters out of Michigan City, IN. We trained on a newer Catalina 34, spent a night on the boat, and took a day sail to New Buffalo, MI for lunch one day as part of the class. After that, we chartered the boat for a day and enjoyed a little sailing on our own.

I really liked the O'Day 322. I think it has clean lines, good cabin room, and a modern design (for a late '80's vintage sailboat). I found a 1988 322 for sale in Holland, MI and thought it was "the" boat. The was clean and in pretty good condition. Lots of nice teak in the cabin. But I was too slow to make an offer and by the time I called to make a second inspection, she sold.

Then I found B'Haven, up in Milwaukee. Actually went up there to look at a Hunter 30, but this Hunter 280 seemed like a really good fit. She is 10 years newer than most of the boats I was looking at, she was set up for single-hand sailing, she has some great electronics (GPS, Autopilot, Wind Instruments, Tri-data), and she was really in nice condition. Although she lacks the "private staterooms" I wanted, she is well equipped for basic cruising. Her galley includes a sink, ice box and stove She has a full-sized marine head including a sink and shower. And the cockpit is wide and roomy. She also has a great swim platform to make swimming off the boat and getting back in a real pleasure.

Almost 2 years later (and a bit of obsession according to my wife), we finally purchased our first sailboat. A 1996 Hunter Marine 280. A 28-foot sloop-rigged sailboat. We are stilling thinking about names for our new boat, and right now "Obsession" is at the top of the list. The boat is up in Milwaukee, WI where it was stored for the winter. We are now just waiting for the ice to melt in Milwaukee, and then my sons and I will be sailing her home to our marina.

We have a date in April to sail her home. We have been getting things in order and picking up a few needed supplies for the trip. Flares, life jackets, air horn, and a few charts. I have been working on a way to use my laptop as a chart plotter. Obsession has some great instruments...GPS and autopilot...but no chart plotter screen. I found some very good chart plotter software from OpenCPN that is FREE. I downloaded all of the Lake Michigan charts from the NOAA website (also FREE) and I have a working chart plotter. But, I still did not have GPS tied in. While Obsession has a GPS receiver, I am not sure how easy it will be to get the Raymarine Seatalk system to talk to my chartplotter software. So for now, I am using a hand-held Garmin GPS, with a USB connection to my laptop. And viola! I have a full functioning navigation system. It won't feed data to my autopilot, but at least I will know where I am ! I am running Windows 7 on m laptop, and there was an issue getting OpenCPN to recognize the USB GPS. I found this program , GPSGate, that makes the USB GPS visible as a virtual COM port, and that seemed to make things work.