Thanks for that run down on your latest sail Dale. With the short waves and unpredictable gusts Cold Lake does sound quite a challenge for sailing. I'm wondering if you have in mind one day to go further afield with Alistego and perhaps sample some sailing on a larger body of water ?
          The wing waving is a unique acknowledgement. There's no doubt about it, the EM attracts attention wherever she goes. We have just been over to West Aust. for 10 days to catch up with our 2 sons and the growing family. While there I spent an afternoon with my EM friend. Being early in the season the boat was still at home and we didn't go sailing, but we had a great time chatting boats. His boat catches the eye wherever, and even when left unnattended he has returned to find a love note, e.g. "I love your boat", on board !
          He has changed his halyards so they are controlled from the cockpit and is very happy with the change. He often goes sailing by himself, and off the coast takes bearings and plots his position on the chart. He then gets great satisfaction from confirming the result with a hand held GPS. All good fun. Next year I am planning to make our annual pilgrimage a bit later, perhaps late October so that with a bit of luck we may go for a sail.
          Richard, you are coming along nicely with your aft deck in place. When at Fremantle I got some bits and pieces for the boat. How much easier it is to actually see what you are buying instead of relying on a photo and description by mail order !