The Cleanout...

January 1 was not only the beginning of the New Year for us, it was cleaning day for the boat. It was time to find out not only what we had stashed inside her, but what was in need of being done.

The guys got started on it fairly early in the morning while I slept in. Seems I'm the only one who managed to stay awake and enjoy the celebrations of the previous night. Goofy men.... Anyway, they did find a number of life jackets in various sizes. This was a very good thing! Especially given our toddler who will be joining us on the water on occasion. They also pulled out the two sets of sails (one for racing, one for practice) to check them. Not a big surprise that they are in good condition. A list of inventory was made of all the stuff that was found. Little things like flashlights, fire extinguisher, grill, riggings...you get the picture.

Then the cleaning began. I think it was a little bigger task than any of us imagined it would be. It shouldn't have been a surprise after she'd been in storage for 4 years, but somehow we all kind of shrugged that part off. She was pretty sparkly afterward, but it was apparent we needed to set to work on replacing or refinishing most of the wood. After all, this is a 31-year-old sailboat that has done quite a bit. It's a large task, but Jeff is very good at woodworking and gladly took it on.

Part of the inventory included a small outboard motor. You know, for emergency situations where you have no wind and have to get back in to port? It also helps to get the boat on and off of the trailer easier. It was running...but barely. Jason took this piece of equipment home and got to work on it. After cleaning it up, putting in a new carburetor kit and spark plug, it runs like a champ. Nicely done, Jason!

Once this day's work was completed, the discussion began about doing something a little different with the interior surfaces. They are textured, but not in a smooth way like the walls of a house. It hurts when you bump into it! Given that we hope to sleep on the boat once in a while, it was decided that the texture would soon be sanded off. There are some minor fiberglass repairs that need to be done, as well. Once that is all complete, a fresh coat of paint will be added.

It's just a start, and there's plenty of work that needs to be done, but it's a fun journey. In just this little bit of time we have shared laughs that have bonded us even closer. This is just the beginning, of course, but as we anxiously await the chance to get Catch 24 wet for the first time, there are two houses that are filled with sailing DVD's books. The guys are doing all they can to learn all possible in the coming weeks. I don't know that they even talk about anything else! It will be fun to see them put it all into action....

Catch 24....

Welcome aboard! Our journey began not very long ago with the purchase of our trusty 1978 model J24 sailboat: Catch 24. She came into our family on December 26, 2008 after having a few years break from the water. She's a joint venture between two guys that are absolutely nuts about the art of sailing, two guys who have a strong bond and find humor in so many things life has to offer.

Jason and Jeff (hence the 2J name) met through work, but soon discovered they had a few things in common. Not the least of which, of course, is the desire to learn how to sail. Both served in the U.S. Navy on submarines, so being above the water is a bit of a different adventure. After a couple of years worth of dreaming, they took the dive. Catch 24 is the result. Now they just need to get her in the water!

I'm Denise, the wife of Jeff. I'll be chronicling the adventures of 2J Sailing as they gain their sea legs...again! Please join us as we all figure out what the heck we're doing and enjoy the water God gave to us!