Making a Boat Cover: Step 1. Making a Pattern

First, we tie strings from the top of the boom and weight them with wrenches to help hold them in place.  We will use the strings for measuring the locations of the cutouts.  The string positions are measured and marked along the top and bottom rail to ensure proper placement.  This half of the pattern will be mirrored on the other side of the boat.

This is the first piece of three that will run the length of the boom back to the gallows (the wooden support next to where Cindy is standing).  This part of the cover has all of the rigging lines that get in the way when covering the boat with tarps.  The sissy bars sticking through the piece will be covered with a sewn-in "pocket".   Zippers will be installed from the bottom edge up to where the rigging holes are.  This should make the job of covering the boat MUCH easier! 

Grandma's Garden

On the way to the boat, we always stop in at "Grandma's" house in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia. Her garden is inspiring! Peonys, varieties of Lillies and Irises, Spirea, Lirope, Ajuga and others. And some pretty healthy Hollyhocks too!

Our week on the Boat (April 28-May 3)

We had beautiful weather while we were at the boat this May. We arrived on Wednesday, April 28, after a visit with John's mom in West Virginia. Once we were at the boat, we removed the boat tarps and I did some general cleanup to the deck while John started preparing the bottom for paint.

While we were there, I made Derby Pie to share with the boat yard inhabitants.  Derby Day is followed by the Blessing of the Fleet, a tradition of Reedville, VA.  We are always happy to be around for the festivities, and hope that some of the blessings for the fishing fleet rubs off on Alexandra. 

Where are we?

Right now, we are at our home in Kentucky. Our plans to get Alexandra back in the water for a "shake-down" cruise in the Chesapeake were put on hold for a bit. Molly, our 10 year old Scottie became too ill for another boat trip, so John and I brought her back home. She is now at rest and we will never forget her.  Please visit the "Tribute to Molly" page to see more about her.

And so, a new chapter begins. I hope this new "blog" will be easier for me to keep a log of our adventures on Alexandra. There is information and pictures of the boat on the www.teaksouls.com web page - mostly things we've worked on. I never got around to posting information about our trips - I hope that will change now!

Cindy