And today it's wet and 50 out.

Which is worse? People who come late or those who arrive early?
Jonathan from Brownell was a half-hour early, just as I was about to relax after the final morning's prep.

It's not really a rush, but everything goes at a quick pace as the mast is stepped and loosely rigged.

Then we're backed down the ramp, always wondering, will the Westerbeke start? There was the year I looked down and said, no water!
It was pointed out that things looked better on the starboard side of the transom.

A slow start to the season for everyone! The mooring field is sparse enough easily to spot Hickory Wind, just above the piling with the bumper.

About half of the dinghy dock floats are still on shore. But then a decade ago, Mattapoisett didn't even have one except for the private slips and
a life-threatening tower, the botton of which could hold a few. Last fall the old Evinrude 3.0 was nearly torn off in the transient section (not out yet)
that protects the resident stickered boats. This year it started great the first day and then heading out on Saturday, there was no forward gear.
I was lucky to get a tow but had to row on Sunday.

Sunday I motored over to the Mattapoisett Boatyard who will take a look at the 30-year old 'beke.
This morning J.C. said it looks and sounds fine but has a leaking circulation pump. He also suggested that the 'rude had a broken shear pin.
That was not to be and so took it back and left it for Milt in the engine shop. But no hurry, since they can't work on the diesel for another week.
In the meantine, we can sail from Mattapoisett harbor with a launch and a guest moooring at no cost!