Getting Whisper ready for her winter nap
It’s time to tuck Whisper away for the winter. Even though she’s a sailboat, leaving her out in the cold, wind, and rain over several months will cause deterioration. So here’s what I’m doing to let her sleep safe and snug until next spring. (What do you do with your boat when winter arrives?)
Hammersley Inlet and sailing Rich Passage
Shelton launch to Hammersley Inlet
Puget Sound presents many challenges to boaters, and narrow Hammersley Inlet is one of them. Linking Shelton to the rest of Puget Sound, eight-mile-long Hammersley Inlet is like a saltwater river, with currents occasionally reaching five knots. This was my first trip through Hammersley. A few days later, after visiting some favorite Puget Sound locations, we pulled Whisper from the waters of Port Orchard on a rising tide in the falling darkness.
Prep for 2008 sailing season
To prepare for the 2008 boating season, I performed motor maintenance, replaced some tape on the rigging, and checked all systems. I replaced flares this year, checked the galley, and checked all personal flotation devices.
Whisper goes to sleep for the winter
I’ve been so busy since the September trip that I am just now getting Whisper put to bed for the winter. Whisper sits in the backyard, with a 20×30-foot tarp draped over her, the mast acting as a ridgepole. A small electric heater sits inside, set to cycle on near freezing temperatures. I notice on bright, sunny days that the solar vent operates, even under the tarp.
