Today was the first day back from winter break and Bravo Team was eager to get back on the water. We took advantage of the amazing clear weather for one last chance to head out on Townshend before we haul her out and begin annual maintenance next week. It was chilly, but not as cold as we expected and we were prepared with lots of warm layers and snacks.

After waking up our brains and remembering our long boating skills, we packed up and headed out of the marina. Lia was our coxswain and excellently guided us off the dock and out for our first trip of 2017. We traveled to our farthest destination yet this year, dropping a lunch hook near Indian Point.

After a hard earned snack, we spent a few minutes surveying Townshend and what needs our attention during haulout. After writing ideas in our journal, we shared out loud. Several things came up: new paint on the thwarts, oil on the masts and oars, repairing oar leathers, spraying down the bottom, and cleaning out the bilge. We’ll tackle these and many more with the guidance of our boat shop manager Scott and his assistant Riley.

Back in the classroom we had some hot tea and a planning discussion for our haulout next week. We finished off the day with appreciations for each other (kindness, sense of humor, helpfulness, and laughter) and for our boat Townshend (strength, seaworthiness, adaptability, and being a great classroom). It was a great day.