[Sloop Scoop 2009] Preseason #1, April 24 - May 2nd

[Sloop John B]

Preseason greetings--

I figure days like today whet our appetites for sailing in the 
summer.  The Sloop threw off her own covers, yet again, in March, so 
she she has been anxious to get going after one of the truest Chicago 
winters we've seen in a while. My back and leg are holding up 
well.  I had a great physical therapist and chiropractors and 
neurosurgeons and friends and managed to not need surgery.  I even 
went skiing in March and it felt great. Ever conscious and careful, 
I'm ready for a good, long, uninterrupted season.

EARLY LAUNCH -- HELP NEEDED
We're aiming for an extremely ambitious launch date this year: May 
2nd.  That would make for my shortest off -season ever!  To make that 
launch I will need help with washing and waxing the hull, cleaning 
and oiling the teak (any wood wenches out there?), and painting the 
bottom. If you are free in the day, after work, whenever, let me know.

**I could use help tomorrow (April 25th) for anyone who hasn't 
already booked their Saturday.**
I'll be there at 10:00 or so unless I only have people that can help 
earlier.  I'll probably stay until about 4:00, since I one of the 
tasks needs about 5 hours to cure.  Drop in for however long  you 
can--we can use the help. I'd hoped to work on Sunday, too, but it 
currently appears the weather will not be permitting.

The directions to the boatyard are below.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK
Any of you that are my friends on facebook have probably already been 
invited to join the group.  It's a great way to see pictures (upload 
away) and have your memory jogged about the names of those people you 
were sailing with.  It's a closed group, so you need to request to 
join, but I'll let you in if you request it!  The group name is 
"Sloop Scoop (Sailing on the Sloop John B.)"  I'll try not to just 
duplicate these e-mails, but there will be some duplication.  Feel 
free to friend me too (I'm Schuy or Lisa Jewell (that's the whole 
name, not two accounts!)).
I hope to hear from you, see you at the boatyard, or see you on the water soon.

Skipper Schuy/Lisa

SCHEDULE (many things permitting . . .)

___Friday 4/24
Work in the boatyard.  Be at the yard by 1100 hours.

___Saturday 4/25
Boatyard work.  I'll be at the boatyard between 0900 and 1230 
hours.  Some jobs don't need me there so if you can come late morning 
and stay after I leave that's fine.

___Saturday 5/2
River trip.

___Sunday 5/3
Work on the mast, probably mid afternoon.

___Wednesday 5/6
Tentative mast stepping

___Friday 5/8 or Saturday 5/9
Shakedown sail (early evening if Friday, morning if Saturday)

----------------
ON THE HORIZON
Lots of sailing!!!

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DIRECTIONS (driving) TO THE BOATYARD
The boat's located at Croissant Marina, approximately S. 141st St. , 
just east of Torrence Avenue, in the fenced part of the yard.  I 
usually take the Dan Ryan to the Bishop Ford (used to be Calumet 
Expy)--the left fork at the end of the Dan Ryan (to stay on I-94, vs. 
the right fork, which is I-57).  I get off at the Dalton exit going 
east, take Dalton to Torrence (at that point Dalton has become State 
street), where there is a stoplight (I haven't counted stoplights to 
that point yet, but it's about a mile from the expressway).  Turn 
left (north) at Torrence and go over the bridge and take your first 
left at the bottom of the bridge (there should be a sign there for 
the Waterfront Pub).  Take that street (I think it's 141st) until it 
hits the gravel lot and bear right around the fenced 
section.  There's a lot by the Waterfront Pub, or drive east (the 
direction you were driving in the yard) until the opening and turn 
right into the fenced in area yard and follow the line of boats along 
the fence.  The stern is facing the road, so you should be able to 
see the Sloop's location when you're coming in. It may be best to 
park in the Pub lot.  There's not a lot of parking in the yard.