I've got two bars: Putting the solar panel above the bimini

George and Sterling add hardware to the bimini in preparation for two new stainless bars.

I liked having the solar panel on the stern pulpit because it was out of the way, but it interfered with using the swim platform and made the crew less safe. I had my sailmaker add reinforced holes in the bimini cloth and hardware to the structure so that two 6-foot stainless bars could be stretched across the frame. I placed the panel atop these bars using the same quick-release plastic clamps that I have been using.

Solar is so inexpensive and easy to add that all boaters should consider adding a panel to their vessel. 

Waiting It Out

Much of a charter captain's life is spent waiting for weather to come and go. Weather is not usually a surprise because we have great systems to predict the weather and watch it move on our computers and mobile devices. Currently, I'm waiting for a fast-moving storm to pass through. After it passes, I expect nice weather in which to sail. 

I hope the weather is nice because I'm taking a father and daughter sailing. I know the father wants this to go well for her. So do I. I imagine that he has dreamed of the comradary he will develop with his family through sailing. Of course, he probably hasn't imagined heavy rain, wind, hail, and lightening. 

I hope the weather is nice.