Excuses for not sailing, and reasons for lack of participation in regattas are topics discussed elsewhere in the nautical blogosphere. We can add our excuse, courtesy in part of one of the world's largest shipping services.

I've not sailed much this summer. That's in spite of spending almost every weekend at the marina and being involved in all sorts of sailing-related projects, and having a small flotilla or herd of boats. Yet, except for a bit of time on Sunfish dinghies and on kayaks, I've not been on the water in several weeks. What gives?

Partly, we've been busy with other projects, such as working on the marina. And, our MacGregor trailer-cruiser has been down in the mast up lot at Elephant Butte and still needs a bit more work and clean-up preparatory to sale.  read more »

Here's what I get with a cross of my sailing "to do" list and sailing dreams... and maybe this also prefigures some New Year's resolution-like-wishful-thinkings.

* replace electrical harness on first doubled Sunfish trailer and mount replacement rear lights

* install inspection ports in rest of Sunfish fleet, do fiberglass repairs on Sunfish hulls and install replacement traveler bridles, get most of Sunfish fleet functional, perhaps order or make more rudder assemblies, possibly get more sails, get a second Sunfish trailer "doubled", look for a trailer that could be customized to transport four to six 'fish

* replace and re-locate through-deck turning blocks for Etchells traveler car and re-run traveler lines, replace Etchells upper shrouds, replace through-console vang turning block, replace port spinnaker cam cleat, other cleats as needed, apply Easypoxy to hull dings, install replacement manual bilge pump, install mast butt mover  read more »