Getting the sails back on

Seizing a fair weather window to ready the boat for the new sailing season

- Marsali Taylor

Hull gleaming white, Karima was back in the water at last, wood trim re-Woodskinned, rudder steering straight, stopcocks working. Her mast went up at lift-in, and I had a happy day in the marina messing about with rake.

Then it was time to get Philip, my non-sailing spouse, to help get the sails on. It’s a two-person job, even on the calmest of days – the only way to get the battens in is to lay the mainsail out on the pontoon. He’s very willing to help – he’s seen me fretting, boatless, all winter – but while I’ll potter for hours sorting ropes out, Philip’s aim is to do the work and get home. I geared myself to maximum efficiency, ready with the correct screwdrivers and hammer for the mainsail battens and the lube spray and winch handle for the jib.