February 9, 2016. Paul Lugin is checking in as the new owner of Windswept too. Click here to go to her new page.

Hello Ron,

My name is Paul Lugin and I'm the new owner of " Windswept too ", hull # 245, built in 1971 by Yankee Yachts. I purchased the boat a few weeks ago from Clinton Hodges of Anchorage Ak. Clinton bought the boat in 2010 from the estate of Paul Arnold in Bremerton Wash. Clinton managed to do a near complete refit before he succumbed to the charms of a larger boat . " Windswept too " is my 4th sailboat, having owned an Islander 36, a Pearson 30, and a West Wight Potter 19. I still own the Potter and may keep her for local lake sailing. I plan to keep the Dolphin in Seldovia Ak. which is 3-4 hours from my house . I'm retired now and can make long visits to the boat so I hope this arrangement works out pleasantly.

I'm getting familiar with the site and fully appreciate how valuable it is to us owners. Thanks for all your efforts,

Paul

Welcome aboard, Paul!

Fair Winds, Clinton!

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January 15, 2016. We saw the following ad up on Craigslist http://anchorage.craigslist.org/boa/5394473224.html The link has additional pictures and contact/reply instructions.

1971 Yankee Dolphin 24.2 for Sale - $6500 (Anchorage, Alaska)

Designed by Sparkman and Stephens and built by Yankee Yachts, 1971, (hull no. 245)
LOA 24.2, LWL 19.0, Beam 7.8, Draft 2.10/5.2, Disc. 4250 lb, Ballast 1650 lb
Aux 4hp Tohatsu (approximate hours-10 since new)

Dolphins are full keeled/centerboard day sailing and coastal cruising masthead sloop sailboats. This particular Dolphin, Windswept too, was sailed extensively during the 2014 season on Big Lake, Alaska. Windswept too was brought to Alaska from Bremerton, Washington where she had been on the hard for 10 years. 

The refit was somewhat extensive starting with lots of sanding, filling with West System Epoxy, epoxy primer and Brightside to the top sides; the deck and cabin top received four coats to two part epoxy paint. The bottom received one seasons worth of bottom paint and is due.

All of the deck hardware was removed and properly bedded into place mostly with new stainless steel fastners and marine plywood backing plates. The teak toe rails were replaced with new teak toe rails 50% larger than new to add strength to the hull/deck joint for anticipated coast cruising. The hull/deck joint fasteners were replaced with new stainless steel thru bolted.  The thru hulls were properly replaced with new bronze thru hulls and valves and backing plates of epoxied marine plywood. All of the port lights have been properly replaced with new.

All of the standing rigging has been replaced and the running rigging is satisfactory. There are two mainsails, slightly stretched but useable with reef points; working jib and 130 is new. The rudder shaft was repacked in 2013.

The marine head is a porta-poty is new from West Marine and never used.

The 4 horse power Tohatsu long shaft was purchased new and moves her along at hull speed in protected waters.

What Remains? All the electrical was corroded and out of code and needs to be replaced.The cock pit needs to be sanded and painted and is otherwise in nice shape. Down below she needs her mahogany cabinetry cleaned and treated, the alcohol stove is useable but needs to be cleaned. The stainless steel sink is nice and there's a new hand pump too.

Windswept too is a beautiful sailboat and a lot of work went into getting her into shape to sail once again. Unfortunately, my sailing plans changed when I got married and a new dog was added to our pack-there just isn't enough space. It isn't that she's small, she sleeps 4 easily, it's just that there isn't room for three dogs and they like sailing as much as we do.

The dual axle trailer used to move Windswept too has been completely refurbished with new axles, new disc brakes, new electrical and new tires; $3000.00 in new parts and labor performed in Washington.

Windswept too is on the hard, in my driveway and on her nice trailer and covered. She is available for inspection. There is years of stuff, lines and sails that came with her and that goes too. 

REPLY: 7dc3k-5394473224@sale.craigslist.org

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At this point we have the history of #245 starting with Clinton Hodges's ownership.

August 26, 2010. Clinton bought Paul Arnold's Windswept in Bremerton, Washington within the last several days, and then checked in with the following email (minor edits) and pictures.

Ron,

I am the new owner of Windswept. She is stored in Bremerton, until April, 2011.

The trailer she sits on, which is in nice shape, needs new tires, lights, and an updated surge-brake system before I can move her up the Alaskan Highway. Her temporary home will be in Anchorage, and in 2-3 years she'll be moved to Sitka.

Meantime she'll spending some time on Big Lake, AK., after new paint, the through hulls reset/checked, and attention to the teak trim; then time renovating, updating, seeing what works, and what doesn't, what needs fixing, and so on. 

She was surveyed as satisfactory prior to purchase. If you like, I can keep you posted on her trip to Alaska, as well as the renovation, and journey to her eventual new home in Sitka. I've included a few pictures. Thanks for the website. Okay to put me on the email list.

Regards,

Clinton Hodges
Anchorage, AK

Ready to roll	On the road

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May 9, 2011. Clinton sent in the following updates (consolidated) and pictures of Windswept Too (minor edits).

Dear Ron, I thought you would like to know that Windswept too, hull no. 245, safely arrived in Anchorage, last week (Port of Anchorage at left) Originally, my plans where to trailer her north on the Alaska-Canadian highway, but that changed significantly due to the effect of permafrost on the roadbed. This isn’t to say that pulling a trailer on this highway is risky, because many visitors do so every summer. However, few if any are pulling a thirty year old trailer, and still, an even older cargo - a forty year old Yankee Dolphin. Factor in daily fuel increases, nagging credit card issues in Canada, an ill border collie, I made the decision to have Windswept too, transported to Anchorage, via Alaska Marine Lines.

Regarding the thirty year old trailer that was made specifically for Windswept, in 1981, it was obvious upgrades were needed to bring the trailer up to current minimum DOT, standards, and then some. Thus, the single axle hydraulic brake system was replaced with a dual axle disc brake system, new bearings, new axles, springs, numerous fasteners, 7000# disc brake actuator, tires, wheels, and led trailer lights.

I utilized the services of a boat yard, with a lift, to store Windswept too for several days while upgrades were being performed to the trailer. One of the unknowns, not addressed in the survey, was the status of the center board, because the cable was missing. The status of the centerboard is no longer a unknown, and a cable replacement was performed while she was on the hard in Port Orchard, WA.

A new chapter in Windswept’s history began last August, in Bremerton, WA, and continues, now, in Anchorage, AK. She is renamed, Windswept too.

The first order of business was getting all the stuff in the cabin removed, and then taking a moment to take it all in. In the next forty-five days or so she’ll be repainted, teak restored, and the deck hardware rebedded. I think I can have her in the water in time for my son’s birthday in July.

I'll keep you posted on the restoration process. Today, I will be taking pictures of the deck hardware, for reference after rebedding/repainting. Next the thru-hulls (4) will be replaced: two associated with the supply/discharge of the toilet are not needed; one associated with the galley, and one associated with the cockpit drains to be replaced, and ball valves replaced. They don'tlook through bolted. Was this common back then?

Still undecided on which way to go with bottom paint. The hull was barrier coated in the late 80's and looks good. The locals here recommend Pettit, Vivid. With salmon spawning in the marina? Hmm. Perhaps, a little sanding, primer, and then Pettit, Vivid 'free'.

The rebedding process will take a little longer due to minor damage to the clamp in certain stress areas where backing plates should havebeen used. Following a thorough visual inspection of the standing, and running rigging I think she will be ready to splash.

Took two of us to remove the vintage 80's Honda OB. 9.9, and heavy too. The OB will be replaced with something about half that size/weight.

Ron, thank you for maintaining the Dolphin website, the effort, quality, and the value is not going unnoticed. I will keep you posted on the restoration process.

Best regards, Clinton Hodges

Windswept too, Anchorage AK

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May 27, 2011. Clinton sent in a detailed report on work he has done on #245's clamp, backing plates and bedding hardware. This is from Alaska where the weather must be nice - dry and warm good for boat work - unlike New England wet and foggy. His report with photos are included in our Technical Section on repairs. Click here to go there.

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June 22, 2011, Here is another detailed report from Clinton on #245's restoration. This one involves toe rails and in included in our Technical Section. Click here to go there.

Ron,

This is to touch base with you on Windswept toos' progress which is going well, but some aspects of the refit is hindered due to cooler, and wet weather lately. At 48f, it's just 8f above the West recommendation for use of 205/105 epoxy. Using metered pumps, West says it should kick-in around 9-20 minutes. It's taking every bit of that, and not altered by the use of colloidal silica either. It's currently 58f, sprinkling, and I'll soon be out of things to sand.

The teak, port toerail came apart in one piece, the starboard in two. It is my unqualified opinion that the teak is serviceable, but it has seen better days; both toerails will benefit from the assistance of epoxy. It is my understanding that the toerail strengthens thedeck/hull joint.

There are many examples of beautiful teak toerails, both old and new, and my skill level to repair the old is adequate, but replacing with new-questionable.

At what point is cosmetically pleasing, old teak, still capable of its main purpose of providing support for the deck/hull joint? I have no way of knowing the answer to this. I suspect it's time to go with new, and I don't have the skill to install a new teak toerail. Rig Rite, carries Merriman 7460F toerail (see left), that I think would be suitable for later Dolphins. Crest aluminum carries the old style C&C that may work as well. In both instances I like the t-rail track that integrates with the toe rail. Spendy, yes, but so is finding a qualified boat builder, and to install new teak.

Do you have any input regarding aluminum toerails? Nope

Back to the existing toerail. At some point in her past, someone decided that the meanest, nastiest, hardest adhesive was the way to go in attaching the teak toerail to the deck. Sanding the toerail, repairing it with epoxy, and finishing it will take a fraction of the time that it will take to remove 48' of old, hardened adhesive. Enough said.

All four of the thru hulls are removed. I'm waiting for two new thru hulls, and one flanged seacock. Two thru hulls will be flanged, and capped. Waiting for one more gallon of Pre-Kote, then I can begin painting her topsides. I'll keep you posted on her continuing progress.

Warm regards,

Clinton Hodges
s/v Windswept too

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July 1, 2011 We have the following update from Clinton - we'll also include the comments regarding thru hulls in the Technical Section/Misc.

Hi Ron,

Windswept too's refit continues, and is going well. Except...and I don't care to use that word. However, I must, and here's the conundrum I'm facing.

In above picture are two thru hulls. The one on the left is a 3/4 ", silicon bronze, flush-thru hull, with a flange diameter of 2 9/16", or 65mm. The thru hull on the right has a flange diameter of 1 15/16, or 49mm.

If I can't locate a used 3/4" thru hull of a flange diameter of 2 9/16", I don't see many options except to braze the threads from a new thru hull to the balance of threads on the old flange, or to totally glass over the hole.

Off the top of your head, do you know of used marine parts stores that might possibly have a bin of used thru hulls???? Webmastwer Note For used marine stuff I hunt around but my favorite place is in Wickford, RI. They have an online catalogue. http://marineconsignment.com/boat-parts/ There are others on line. Good luck

I wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for the under-the-sink thru hull being directly connected to a thru valve instead of a seacock. Strange as it is, a thru valve costs nearly as much as a flanged seacock, so I wonder what the reasoning was back then? $ probably. The cockpit drain has a similar, but larger 1 1/4" valve. Could it have come from Yankee Yachts this way? My understanding is that thousands of sailboats are plumbed in this incorrect manner. So it's anyone's guess how many sailboats sit on the bottom of the ocean because an improper valve was used on a thru hull.

Well, the final two gallons of Pre-Kote arrived, and the starboard top side is ready for 120g sanding, and paint in a day or two...weather permitting.

Regards, Clinton Hodges

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August 6, 2011. Clinton sent in an update and a few questions. The following is a consolidated edit of our exchange

Hi Ron,

A brief update on Windswept too's restoration. After countless hours prepping the hull for paint, and delays, some of them my fault, in getting the Epoxy Primekote delivered to Alaska, I was finally able to prime the topsides, and Brightside red the boot stripe.

Transom before priming	Transom after priming

Topsides before priming	Topsides epoxy primed

A picture of the bootstripe will follow. I’ve contacted Interlux to gain information related to the use of their paint products in deteriorating weather conditions that comes with August in Alaska, which is declining temperatures, and high humidity. My guess is that I’ll have to wait until next spring to finish the topsides, and I’m okay with that if that’s what it comes too.

I’m still undecided as to what to do with the existing aged teak toerail. Please don’t hate me if I go with aluminum, trust me; it’s a lot cheaper than hiring someone from the lower 48 to come up here and do the work properly, and in the traditional manner. I will have future business in the Seattle area in the coming months, and perhaps while in the Ballard area I’ll be able to come up with a solution for the toerail..

(Webmaster Reply: Re aluminun toe rail - I won't tell anyone :-)

Have you tried Yankee's old wood supplier? http://dolphin24.org/HandL_Marine_Woodwork.html.

Clinton's reply: Thanks for the link. I've seen it but can't figure out why I didn't make the connection to use it. Not thinking is my guess.

I want to go slightly larger than the original, preferably 1.750h x 1.250w. I know larger means it will be difficult to work with, but I know of a guy that went this way with a Cape Dory, and it turned out beautiful. He was able to select the teak, had the tools, and the skill to rip, scarf the joints at 5 degrees, and a 1/16" dado at each end. The seam is next to impossible to see.)

When I’m done here, it’s outside to begin installing the thru hulls. I was able to source thru hulls in the flange outer diameters I needed at San Diego Marine Exchange; they are Buck-Algonquin marine hardware. I wonder if Buck-Algonquin was the original supplier of hardware used by Yankee Yachts. In hindsight I wouldn’t recommend removing the thru hulls until the correct replacements are in hand. At least be fully aware of the consequences if you don’t, and can’t find the right size replacement.

Regarding thru hulls: Bolt Depot, of North Weymouth, MA, carries silicon bronze fasteners that can be purchased in singular quantities. I’ll keep you posted on the progress of the thru hull installation, and to include pictures.

Best regards,

Clinton R Hodges II
s/v Windswept too
hull no. 245
Anchorage, AK

Ps I have another question if I may. How late (temperature wise) into the season do guys in the northeast paint, with good results? I was in Port Orchard, WA, earlier this year and the temperature, at night, would drop down into the 30's. A boat yard there was prepping hulls, and bottoms, and painting during the day, and temperatures would only climb into the 40's. 

Webmaster reply: I vaguely recall seeing labelling that says do not use under 40. I take that to mean at least 40 not only when applying but for the drying period. One advantage is that the drying takes longer so you have more time to get the next coat on. Also, I built my dinghy "TEER during the winter months in an unheated barn. I epoxied the strakes and transoms together and gave it several coats of varnish. Almost all of this was done at temperatures between 40 and 50F. When necessary I enclosed the dinghy in a clear poly 'room' with a space heater that kept the temperature above 40.

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January 12, 2012. Clinton reports a new motor for Windswept too, and he has been following, with more than casual interest, Jonnie Walker's problems (Madalyn Joy, Yankee #227) using Interlux Brightsides on her deck. Here is his email (edited)

Hi Ron,

Happy New Year. Windswept too is coming along nicely. Sanding and prepping the hull is laborious and time consuming. I purchased a new outboard and trial fitted it and it looks good but I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the opening for the motor tiller handle. It's a long shaft 4 horse Tohatsu, 4 cycle.

You may recall that I removed the toe rails for replacement. All of the OEM hull/deck fasteners are being replaced with SS nut and bolts; so far just the starboard side has been replaced.

I'm interested to know a little more about Johnny's preparation of the deck relative to the issues regarding Interlux Brightside paint. On Windswept toos' topsides I went (down) to the gel coat because I didn't know what the existing coats of paint consisted of and the gel coat was grazed anyway and from there followed Interlux' s instructions for applying their epoxy primer and Brightside.

So far the new paint has seen copious amounts of rainfall, snow, and cold temperatures as low as -15f. As you are aware urethane paints are really fickle so I made sure to never apply it unless it was 50f and humidity in the 30%-40%. Thinning was necessary but nothing like they do down in Florida. But we'll see what happens with the deck. I'm hoping there will be no issues and I thank Johnny for the heads up regarding standing water.  

I hope to continue on where I left off with the thru hulls and begin the tedious work of prepping the deck for paint and non-skid. I understand what Johnny is saying about the lack of information contained in the labeling instructions. Clearly, water shouldn't stand on Brightside for any length of time. Where on Johnny's Dolphin does such a condition exist? (We are working on this) The toe rails that I removed from Windswept too were fabricated to drain water from the low lying areas of the deck, which is one area I can think of that water will not drain, but this is hardly enough of a reason not to use Brightside.  

In any event I intend to use Brightside on the deck but only after prepping the hull from the gel coat out and using epoxy primer. I wish Interlux would last longer and I think it will in a cooler environment but I don't have any unrealistic expectations either. My concern, like yours, is costs.

Take care and thanks for all the wonderful work you do for us and our Dolphins.

Regards, Clinton
Windswept too #245

Webmaster Note: We have included Clinton's comments on our Technical page regarding painting with Interlux Brightsides. Click to go there. 

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June 5, 2012. We got the following update from Clinton. We have also put his comments regarding his Toe Rail project in our Technical Section/Repairs.

Hi Ron,

It's been awhile and the last of a record snowfall rests quietly in my neighbors front yard.

You may recall I was considering using aluminum toe rails as a replacement for the aged teak toe rails on Windswept too.

Well, I decided otherwise and the search began looking for the teak. I initially thought that finding the teak and a craftsman to mill it would be difficult when in fact I have known a customer that builds custom furniture all along; turns out he builds highly desirable canoes made of white spruce and epoxy in his spare time.

So to make a long story short I purchased two very expensive planks of teak and had them milled to 1 1/4 X 1 3/4 with 12-1 scarf joints. I have two 10' sections left to scarf together and then the final milling to the aforementioned dimensions. The shop is capable of handling 30' extrusions, final milling and the dado for the mating to the deck and an inside taper of 8 degrees. The new toe rails will be slightly larger and give added strength to the hull in this area.

The preparation of the hull for the new toe rails consists of replacing the hull/deck ss screws with ss bolts properly bedded and the new beefier toe rail will be ss bolted too.

I'm interested in your statement relative to hull no. 248 which reads in part, "May 11, 2012. Carl has been in touch over the past few months and is slowly getting #248 in shape. He has given up on finding replacement chainplates and had a local welder make them up."

The reason why is that my chainplates should be identical and they may or may not need replacing but short of having them x-rayed I'm not sure. Is it possible to get the name of the fabricator and contact information Carl used? Webmaster Note: We are working on this. Stay tuned.

Thanks and I enjoy reading about Marionette and her skipper. Thanks for everything you do.

Regards,

Clinton R Hodges II
s/v Windswept too
hull no. 245

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July 16, 2012. Clinton sent in some more information on thru hull fittings which we have included in our Technical Section. Click here to go there.

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November 8, 2012. We got the following update on Windswept too's restoration.

Hi Ron,

Long time coming but good news nonetheless - Windswept too has one new toe rail on her starboard. It measures 1 1/4" width by 1 1/2" in height; the outer edge is 90 degrees and the inboard side is beveled at about 5 degrees; all new ss fasteners of 1/4-20 by 3-4" inches in length;

The above pictures and text also included in our Technical Section article on this project http://www.dolphin24.org/windswept_too_Yankee_245_toe_rail_project.html

I opted to through-bolt through the chain plate backing plate instead of using screws like before. Still not done yet though; a little bit of surface prep remains and a thorough cleaning for two coats to epoxy primer and two coats of bright side.

Completed one coat of epoxy on the port side. So far I have been able to save the original non-skid that was embedded on the decks from the molds; very tedious and time consuming and I hope works out. Cutting the port toe rail tomorrow after work.

Have a question if I may, are the use of bungs optional? Looks sort of nice uncovered but I'm thinking corrosion might be an issue and besides I'm in this for the long haul now and cutting a 100 bungs isn't a problem at all. (Bungs mandatory...make sure you get the bung grain direction right!!)

I have use of my friend's shop until or unless something comes up - business has been slow and he's only charging me for his labor which is really nice of him.

How are things coming along back there? Our hearts and prayers are with those affected by the storm. (Thanks - we're ok, some are not so lucky...)

Best regards,

Clinton R Hodges II
s/v Windswept too

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April 17, 2013 Clinton sent in the following update. We'll add the pertinent comments about the toe rail to our Technical Section (minor edits).

Hi Ron,

Over on our Forum under restorations there is a discussion on toe rails and I think David Williams is interested in the profile of Windswept toos'. Mine are complete by the way sans the bungs and the varnish; they turned out great. Attached is a jpg of the toe rail profile and one of these days I'll get my pictures on Photobucket so I don't have to bother you with this sort of thing.

I'm reinstalling the deck hardware with new ss fasteners'/backing plates at this time and new portlights ordered this morning. When it warms up a bit, and I have her home, I'm going to step the mast. I'm going to replace all of the standing rigging which leads me to the ancient Schaefer furler that she came with.

I'm not sure if I want to go the roller furler route just yet. I single-handed a 32' Beneteau and furled the headsail and reefed main before I ever left the slip. Later on that day on the run back to the harbor I furled the headsail and used only the reefed main. This sail arrangement kept me in my comfort zone and I'm hear talking about it so that's a good thing.  

I'm going with a hank on arrangement and a single working jib. The surveyor thought the main looked average and stretched but still useable. (whatever that means) So, I'm hoping to splash in June, and then spending time getting familiar with maneuvering her around under power. I have three weeks off in July so you can guess what I'll be doing.

Take care and thanks for the wonderful web sight.

Regards,

Clinton R Hodges II
s/v Windswept too 

http://www.dolphin24.org/windswept_too_Yankee_245_toe_rail_project.html

April 30, 2013. Clinton posted an update on the Forum - and he is looking for a particular cleat. Here is his post and a picture of the cleat.

Windswept too's restoration is coming along well. I contacted the local artist guild in an effort to find an artist that is able to paint her name on the transom. She'll be leaving her warm and cozy shop next month to be fitted with her standing rigging which she has not felt in over 12 years.

I'm in the process of replacing the deck hardware and I damaged a rare cast aluminum Marinium jam cleat. These cleats are situated on both coamings aft of the winches.

While attempting to remove the ss bolt, utilizing varying temperatures of heat, one of the cleats broke off (long story short) . Perko Inc. makes a limited number of Marinium cleats but not the jam cleat I need so I need help locating a used/new one at a marine chandlery; or perhaps someone here may have one sitting around gathering dust or knows of someone who might. It measures 5'L, 1'H, split holes 1 1/4" centered. If you guys can I help with suggestions it would certainly be appreciated. Regards, Clinton

Anyone with info about this cleat please post on the Forum, or contact the webmaster

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June 14, 2013. Update from Clinton.

	Hi Ron, Hope to have her in the water a week from this Sunday. There are mostly little things left to do. and off-season chores as well. Still have the new standing rigging left to test as well as stepping the mast for the first time. Sounds like a lot of work maybe two weeks from this Sunday. Fingers crossed. Regards, Clinton

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August 12, 2013. Clinton sent in the following update and pictures

Hi Ron,

Windswept too will not splash in 2013 and not for the lack of trying. I ran into a problem with the standing rigging and I don't have the benefit of being able to consult with the previous owner.

I sent the old rigging to the rigger and we went off the existing lengths and as a result the new forestay and a couple of the shrouds are short. In Alaska this situation is a 3-4 week set-back and since the sailing season is so short up here I gave up my mooring at Big Lake so that it wouldn't go unused for the season. Port Townsend Rigging has been very helpful and patient with me in resolving the rigging issues. Other than that she's ready to sail. One small question though, where on the masthead does one install the hardware for the topping lift? Webmaster Note: See update in the Technical Section - Masts - Click here I'm not sure how I can salvage some of the new rigging but I know for sure at least three need to be redone and perhaps the backstay shortened. I'll get it figured out eventually. She's almost a pretty as Marionette and in the water soon too. Regards, Clinton Hodges

	Clinton sent in some pictures of his mast raising system, without any descriptive text. We'll post the pictures and standby for some detail description. He is using a gin pole system similar to one Fred Gougen uses on Thankful. At left is a picture of the gin pole.

What we want to know is how did the mast get to the position in the picture above? And, what is the line from the end of the gin pole tied to? Stay tuned

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May 19, 2014 Windswept Too is splashed already, are you? And she is in Alaska! (minor edits)

Hi Ron - we splashed today, put about 30 minutes on the new outboard and tried out the new working jib. A bit tired and more to follow.

Regards,Clinton

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June 7, 2014. We got the following report from an admiring slipmate of Windswept Too.

Ron, Found your site and just had to send a note. Our boat is in a slip on Big Lake in AK and there is the most beautiful S&S design sitting right next to it this year! After looking up the Dolphin logo I found your site and found the boat, Windswept II! In fact, you have a pic on your website with my Mac25 parked right next to it. Very cool. Beautiful design! Thanks for having the site so I could figure out what it is and see my own boat online no less. Take care, Chris Romine Webmaster Note: Thanks Chris, for noticing, and telling us

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June 17, 2014. Clinton sent in the following. We passed on his comment re cockpit drains to Lon Zimmerman, Blue Dolphin Yankee #246), and updated the Technical Section/Thru Hulls - and we thank him for his nice words about Marionette!!

Hi Ron,

We have been having a wonderful time learning to sail Windswept too and gaining familiarity with the wind characteristics of Big Lake. We were out in a good blow last week with the main unreefed and she performed flawlessly and very kind to me.

I visit Windswept too regularly at the marina even if not sailing her and yesterday was no different except it had rained a little the night before and with the cockpit drain closed there was a very small amount of water in the cockpit; about four pumps took care of that.I was thinking about Lon Zimmerman's post (YD #246) regarding moving the cock pit drains aft and I just want to pass on this observation. Windswept too lightly loaded and a four horse motor in her transom well, water in the cockpit runs forward to the existing cockpit drains. Thus, Lon’s idea of repositioning the drains may not work. I just wanted to pass this on as he may want to put 246 in the water before making his modifications.

Thank you and fair winds. Marionette is a beautiful dolphin and I love your stories and adventures.

Regards,Clinton R Hodges II
Windswept too
Yankee Dolphin #245

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