Update January 17th 2013

Grand Cru

We had a success. You hear about things that can be done over the phone, internet and perhaps Canada Post. Captain Rick and I managed to repair the windlass over skype, SKYPE FIX.
We went through a series of diagnostic checks over a couple of days and finally got to the root of the problem the brushes were sticking in the drive motor. We tried to use the camera on Captain Rick's laptop to help me view the windlass, but it is too sunny there and warm...
Rick doesn't have a camera and as I have mentioned we know his phone will take pictures he has no way of actually seeing them after. Rick should get a phone that automatically prints pictures.

Grand Cru rammed

The euphoria (complete surprise) of actually fixing the windlass was shattered when Grand Cru was struck by a 54 foot charter boat. Rick was moored on a ball and the 54 footer lost control and struck the pulpit and anchor roller. Some cap rail was damaged as well.
The company will come good for the repairs but Ricks plans are under stress. We could see the damage and watch the repairs if rick had a camera. Donations to the fund can be made at captainrickisaluddite.com.

Stop the Abuse

The most recent issue of Sail Magazine has an article titled 'stop the abuse'. This article explores the abuse of the bubbly at the end of various sporting competitions. This celebration involves the spilling, spraying and other unspeakable acts with the bubbly. 
You may think this is a silly discussion. The horror was driven home when I thought 'what if they used rum instead of the bubbly'. Can you imagine me at the end of a sailing race (now this is a stretch (me winning)) pouring rum over my head, spraying people I don't know, and those other unspeakable acts? 
What can we do to stop this? We must think of something else to use...