Here we are, about nine weeks later than originally planned, but finally ready to launch the new Kindred Spirit into the water. A late launch is better than no launch. Is that why they say “better late than never?”
Before launching, there were still a few things Al needed to accomplish.
Back in May, we prepared to change the name from The Edge to Kindred Spirit while she sat on the hard. Al removed the old name. I planned to give the transom one last cleaning. Well, we all know what happened on that day. That was the day that the stool I sat upon slipped out from under me and dumped me flat on my back 6 feet to the ground……. followed by surgery, 3 weeks in the hospital and rehabilitation facility, and many, many weeks still recovering.
The coronavirus restrictions meant that Al and I were apart for those 3 weeks – no visitors allowed. 😞😢 I won’t even try to describe what that was like for both of us. I insisted he spend these days working on the boat to keep busy, and because once I returned home I would need him by my side for a while.
Our old mooring ball was stolen 2 years ago. The “new” used one needed a thorough cleaning, painting and marking. Our original plan was to use the mooring this summer and sublet our dock, but after my accident and surgery we realized that was not safe or feasible for me. A bouncy dinghy or launch ride out to the mooring might be difficult. For now, we have our mooring in place but we will be using our slip. The boater who sublet decided not to put his boat in the water this season after all.
After we sold the Mariner and purchased the Kadey Krogen, we found ourselves with 2 dinghies and 2 engines. Our 15-hp Yamaha engine, bought in the Abacos in 2016, is a keeper, but both of the dinghies had minor issues. Al made some repairs to them and to the other engine, also a 15-hp Yamaha, and put it all up for sale. With the sale dollars, we splurged and bought a brand new 9.5 foot AB aluminum bottom inflatable at the March Defenders sale. I don’t think we have ever had a brand new dinghy. WooHoo!
Dean gave a hand to hoist the dinghy up to the flybridge using the mast and electric winch system.
The Kadey Krogen came with a 25 kg (55 pounds) Rocna anchor. You know we loved our 33 kg (73 pounds) Rocna. This bothered Al – we now have a heavier boat, but a smaller anchor. Back to Craig’s List……. He found a 33 kg Vulcan anchor. The Vulcan is made by Rocna and is the first major redesign since the original launch of the Rocna. It retains the holding power while the removal of the roll bar allows it to fit more bows. This Vulcan happened to be on a Kadey Krogen in Virginia. The owner transferred it to Magnolia on a planned car trip near Galesville, Maryland. Magnolia carried our anchor with her while she traveled north to New England.
One chore that absolutely must be done before launching is painting the bottom. This is Al’s least favorite chore (and here I thought he loved it all!) 😉
And now, the moment we have been waiting for! Launch Day! Launch day is always a big day, but this was an especially big day – new boat, long wait.
After leaving the well, Al and his crew took Kindred Spirit out towards Fishers Island for a 30 minute test run. She did 8.2 knots at 2500 rpm and 7.2 knots at 1900.
For this season Al decided that we would back into the dock instead of “bow in” as we have done for years with both the Morgan and the Mariner. I was always at the helm and bow in was much easier for me. But this year, because of my physical challenges, it will be easier for me to step from the dock onto the transom, compared to a three-step stool mid-bow.
The only thing left is to “launch” me.
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