The Launch of Fair Wind
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by Craig Gleason - Shalimar, Florida - USA

A Pocket Cruiser by
Ed Jones, Commodore, SE Fleet,
Back Yard Yacht Builders Association

Ed Jones has been building this jewel of a craft for some time now. Health reasons have long delayed the completion and launch of his project, however, Saturday, 17 June, on Hartwell Lake, Georgia, the big event finally took place.

Ed launched his boat naming her Fair Wind. He told us all the obvious permutations of “Something Wind” had already been taken. Ed chose the BYYB SE Fleet’s Sailstice Messabout as the venue for the launch. And what better witnesses and helpers then those of his command in the SE Fleet. First Mate for the occasion was Glen, a close sailing friend from Ed’s home town of Lawrenceville Georgia. Glen helped Ed get his boat to the lake and rigged her up for the launch. Others from the fleet pitched in to help with the minor rigging tasks and the launch. Things went smoothly and the boat was ready for launch in record time. The fleet Captains gathered round to help with the christening and the splash.

There follows the pictorial documentation of Ed’s milestone.

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The Fair wind’s arrival at the lake.

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1st Mate Glen making ready.

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Other assistants

 
Captain Bud Wilson with the Christening Juice

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To the water

 
She is free!

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Fair Wind tries her wings.

 
A final check of everything at the dock and Champagne for all!

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A libation for the boat and the Gods who protect her.

 
Captain Ed, Glen, and the Fair Wind on her maiden voyage. A fair ship well found!

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