Changes in Altitude -- the mast comes down

July 17 & 18, Buffalo, NY
We had totally flat seas on our trip from Dunkirk to Buffalo (about 40 miles), so we fired up the diesel engine and let Otto take over. We got inundated by a bunch of "no see um" type bugs and man-eater flies. The flies were NASTY, even drew blood as they bit us incessently. Usually, when I kill bugs I apologize to them, but these little guys were an exception. I closed the door to the forward head where a bunch of them had gathered to burb and laugh at us, and commenced to go crazy with my flip flop. Had to clean up the carnage before Bill came back in. :)

Since it was so calm we decided to try washing down the boat to see if we could get them to leave. It didn't work, but at least we cooled down and the boat looked better. We then stopped the boat to take a dip in the lake. Little buggers couldn't get us when we were immersed in the water!

Bill washing down the boat.

Finally, we came into Buffalo. We went behind the breakwall and followed the outer harbor waterway to the Buffalo ship canal, where RCR Yachts is located.

As we turned into the canal, we saw this big Coast Guard ship. Salute to our nephew Josh who is stationed with the Coast Guard in Hawaii (tough assignment, eh?).


We got to RCR Yachts and found out they could drop our mast the next morning at 10. So the rest of our afternnon was spent tearing down the boat in 90 degree temps. We took off both sails, dismantled the boom and tied up all the lines. It was a long day, but we got a lot done.

[note: double click on any photos to enlarge]

At 10 they came over to get us. We moved into a dock with scaffolding on either side.

Our boat was below land level where this truck and crane were located. Chris is working the levers on the truck. He was great! Worked with us all day to build the cradles in the afternoon and put the mast in place on the boat.

One of the crew, John (aka "Monkey Man") rode the hook of the crane over to the mast like a pirate to attach a sling. Above, John is on the spreaders, hooking things up with NO safety harness. The guy is either fearless or nuts...or both! :) I told him later in the day that I was going to sprinkle holy water on him!

This photo shows the operation a bit better. John is on the spreaders, Jack is on the deck.

John climbs down the mast like a monkey. I have no idea how he does this.

Bill (from RCR) oversaw the operation. Here he gathers the spreaders to the mast as it is pulled out of the boat. Note: our mast is a step-keel, meaning it runs through the deck beside our bed and down to the keel.

The mast is pulled out of the boat then carefully laid down horizontally in the lot above.

Bill helps the crew to remove the spreaders and tie up all the lines. We were super impressed with the level of service we received from the RCR Yacht guys. They were very knowledgeable and efficient. We'd highly recommend them!!!!

The hole left by the missing mast in our bedroom is now covered with bubble wrap and duct tape. It makes for a lovely new skylight!

Here she is, back at dock, everything tucked away. The mast and boom sit on a two saw horses at the bow and amidshp then on an X brace in the cockpit that holds the end. We have about a 10 foot overhang on either side. Oh, forgot to tell you. As they were positioning the mast back on the boat, they wanted to even out the overhangs since there was too much on the back of the boat. They asked Bill to pull down the front as they lifted the mast with the crane to inch it forward. Suddenly, I see Bill flying up in the air! I yell, "Jesus, Mary and Joseph!" The difference in weight was too much. Luckily a couple guys came over and helped to get it in place without killing anyone.

After a long hot day, we took showers and treated ourselves to dinner at the Anchor Bar. Bill LOVES wings and this is the birthplace of Buffalo wings. They were terrific!