I struggled for quite awhile working on sail covers. I was not able to try them on until we were all the way down in Vandemere for the 2012 Mess About.
Another project I have been working on are my oars. I did a turkish knot to act as a keeper for the oarlocks. I was not able to give them a test until our Virginia boat launch at Philpott Lake.
The boat is pretty large to be rowing but I was able to move along fairly well. Of course as you can see there was not any wind or waves to deal with. Keeping track of where I am going is a bit awkward as I have to stand up a little and look over my shoulder. I found it relatively comfortable to row either sitting or standing. I did not have time to try rowing any great distance but I am sure my time will come. Of course long ago I had made the decision not to have an outboard for auxiliary power.
The basic turkish knot has three lines that weave in and around each other. You then follow those lines with multiple passes until the knot fills out. I decided to try a turkish knot that has five leads. It was a lot more difficult to get started. It results in a knot that is a little wider.
