eighthnote e33 #8
"eighth note," was launched on a sunny and balmy 79 degree day on May 5 here in Chicago. I went out for a four hour solo sail - shirking all my responsibilities and just digging every minute of it (grin.) Conditions were ideal - it was blowing about 8 knots and there was absolutely no chop on the water. The first thing that struck me about the e33 was its ease of use. Everything I did seemed to be followed with a, "huh, that was easy!" Some of the options we chose were:
- Raymarine st2000+ Autopilot,
- Cockpit cushions,
- Teak deck hardware deep varnished,
- A Clarion Stereo with Bose Speakers with a Ipod hookup and a aux. for the XM radio in my Garmin GPS.
- TackTick System and added a NEMA Box to interface the autopilot and GPS to the instruments, It works great.
Custom
- gold harpoon e33 cove stripe. It looks proper.
My wife ordered Fender covers and Fleece blankets that match the Toast colored Sunbrella on the Stack Pack , sheet bags and trim on the cushions. She also found the same fleece to make a cover for the teak rudder post great which is stowed away when we arent using the boat. Sweet Detail!
Chicago Harbors
It surprised us how easy it was to get into the Chicago harbor system. We heard horror stories about the waiting list, and was nervous about it until they called us on May 10 with news about a temporary mooring in Monroe Harbor along the lakefront. As I understand, we should have a permanent assignment next year. We have been sailing in the Chicago Yacht Club's Wednesday night Beer Can Racing all summer. We scored two wins, and two lovely bottles of rum, at the beginning of the series. It's been my goal to have other people steer the boat with a different crew each week. Luckily, we've been able to accomplish that for the most part. Starting 10 minutes late and finishing in third place will not help us win the series, but it is a lot fun passing boats on the e33!
Typically, Sunday is "eighth note's" day off from demonstration sails and racing. Last Sunday, we flew the asymmetric spinnaker for a while, dowsed the sails, threw the trailing end of the spinnaker sheets over the side and went for a swim. If you don't have a swim ladder, I recommend getting at least one of those orange plastic emergency ladders; it's hard enough getting onto any boat from the water and the ladder will help. I always have someone strong stay on the boat and alternate water time with another strong person who can help others get back on the boat.
Galley Option
We installed a Forespar mini galley, also known as a "swing stove." It is great for making eggs, French press coffee or warming up a the cabin in early May when the evening temperatures hit 40 degrees. My wife is toying with the idea of putting together a cookbook for the e33 galley kitchen. I think I will try and motivate her to do it since she is a great cook. I'm sure she will have a section for baking potatoes in the engine compartment! I think I am getting a Magma grill for My 50th birthday. Just add an 12 volt cooler and we can sell the house!
 |
 |
| Forespar Mini Galley installed in the e33 |
Must have options
I am so happy with the autopilot and the stack pack. The autopilot allows me to set and tune the main sail when I an single-handing our e33 and it's a breeze to stow the large main with the stack pack.
The future looks bright.
I am very excited about bringing more e33s to the Great Lakes. Please give me an excuse to go sailing and email or call me when you are in Chicago. Be sure to bring the family, or not, I am flexible. Let's go sailing!
Keith Church | e Sailing Yachts
Phone: 1-312.371.6929
|
