Hi All, Quick note as I pry myself out of Tipperary to come to the big city (Grants Pass, Oregon). I've been staying at a resort at Howard Prairie lake in Southern Oregon. The first day I got there, and as I was setting up to launch, David Woods (Monty Line art - on the Photo Site) came by introduced himself, gave me a few words of encouragement and took his M-15 out for the afternoon. The offer to go sailing on his M-15 was almost to much, but I finally did get Tipperary in the water. I was to hit several NW Lakes, but other things are getting in the way, so I've booked a 30 day, in the water stay at the lake, will go back to San Francisco in a few days (six - hour drive) and then back here, in July... Setting up Tipperary for the first time was a bit of a challenge. I found several small items that needed attention before I could put her in the water. I added a jib downhaul, a Davis Tiller Tamer and a boom topping lift. I may have lost count, but I believe it was mast up five times before I was satisfied there were enough lines running smooth and free to do the job. That initiation gave me a benchmark of about two and a half hours to beat the next time I prepare her for a launch (I believe I can beat that!) I spent the first day sailing with crew; Mark, my Nephew had never been on a sailboat so couldn't critique or make fun when I made mistakes. He was however, very helpful while we spent a few hours getting used to Tipperary. I began to regain my sailing confidence as I became confident in Tipperary's abilities. We practiced quite a lot and finished the first day learning about the squirt in the eye from raising the centerboard. Amazingly enough that was the only surprise. The following days I have been on my own to single hand Tipperary. Howard Prairie Lake in Southern Oregon is one of Oregon's Premier sailing lakes. About 10:00 the wind begins to blow and almost daily continues to last until 6:00 in the evening. The winds frequently reach 20 knots and blow from one end to the other of the 1 X 6 mile Lake. (2 days before I got there, the lake had 40 knot winds and 3 foot seas!) I typically sail from 11:00 to 1:00. Take a break, have lunch at the resort, a short nap on the V-berth, and sail the afternoon, from 3:00 to 6:00. I've spent the last four days doing pretty much the same. I'll keep in touch... Bill M-17 Tipperary SanFrancisco & Beyond