Great Loop Day 035 Oct 2, 2016. Hammond Marina Hammond Indiana
Hammond Marina Hammond Indiana
“Being on a boat that’s moving through the water, it’s so clear. Everything falls into place in terms of what’s important and what’s not.” ~ James Taylor
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Day 35 Sunday, Oct 2, 2016. Big day. If it hadn’t been for one active railroad bridge on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal aka Chicago River that is stuck in the down position there would be no need to lower the mast on any sailboat. The Waterway Guide listing:
Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway Bridge
Mile Marker: 300.5
Lat / Lon: N 41° 40.762' / W 087° 59.963'
Bridge Type: Swing - Does Not Open
Vertical Clearance (Closed): 19.70 ft.
Horizontal Clearance: 160.00 ft.
Schedule: Does not open.
This railroad bridge is 27 miles from the mouth of the Chicago River and there is no way around it.
The mast is down! I had plenty of help from fellow boaters just walking by. One person could have done it. A-frame worked beautifully even on a rocking boat she came down smooth and in control. Just need to secure the boom to the mast and tie up the shrouds and loose ends and she's good to go.
There was one fellow I spoke to the previous day to see if would be available to help me bring down the mast. Went by the name of Jimmy Barnes, and was a liveaboard as far as I can tell. When I was ready to lower my mast I had more help than I needed so I didn't call on Jimmy but later on I handed him my boat card and thanked him for the offer. We are going to hear more about him later.
The bottom of the A-frame is made from a couple of electric conduits attached to the base of the port stanchion.
The bottom of the A-frame on the starboard mid stanchion
Jib halyard attached to the top of the A-frame at the bow.
When the forward stay is released the blocks I used for the main sheet will control the descent of the mast back toward the stern.
The top of the mast rests on a couple of electric conduits set up as crossbucks to support the mast while underway.
Once lowered the base of the mast will be lashed to this fender tied to the bow rail.
Mickey approved the configuration.
The mast is high enough over the bimini so I have standing room in the cockpit. Everything was low enough that I was able to get under many low bridges I didn’t need to wait for them to open for me to pass.
Comments from 2016:
Jeff Cochran Kinda sad, but when you hit that Gulf of Mexico...!!!!
Henry Krzemien RN Maybe sooner, Jeff, thinking about setting her up for the Kentucky Lakes.
Ed Kowalski Looking good!
Debbie Allgire Very impressive Henry! I've always found folks from Indiana to be the best.
Henry Krzemien RN While at Hammond Marina I returned from a Wal-Mart trip to find a guidebook on the Illinois River from Al a fellow boater that has proved extremely useful. I called him on the phone earlier today to chat and always said if I needed anything to call him. He would be glad to drive down to help. He and his wife Jane are those people that never get the credit they deserve. All the boaters doing the Loop are fun to talk to, gain some knowledge, and enjoy their company. That's been the best part of this journey.