Howard started the F36 #5 hulls in 1995. Jeanne and Greg moved those hulls to Santa Rosa in late 2011. 8 years of fabricating and buying parts later it seems we have a boat ready for the ocean. Here was yesterday’s final punch list, for Ravenswing’s last day at home in Richmond. One of those spinnakers fits, and PaulM will be happy it’s a huge ass .75 that looks designed for light air pacific southbound days. The crew voted that I have to leave the paint at home. Yea there’s a cockpit sole to refresh, the equipment room touch ups and a few exterior modifications that need repaint, but it’s time to go sailing and call the boat BUILT. The rest is maintenance and upgrades. Keith, we finally did a proper job with the escape hatch keeper lines, but I didn’t finish the inside hand nut to match the one you sent. Will do that in LA this month.

And so, i really can’t believe it. 20+ years of dreaming about heading under the Golden Gate and turning left for adventure. God willing, it’s today. Of course there’s a big high pressure ridge and the forecast is gusts to 40kts between Monterey and Pt Conception. The crew has agreed to reef down, tether in and make the short run to Half Moon Bay this morning. We’ll await better weather from that safe harbor.

If you want to keep track of us, use the various AIS ship tracking websites (eg shipfinder.com) and search on s/v Ravenswing, MMSI #368065160

We thank everyone for supporting and making this boat possible. You know who you are, with all the advice, the labor hours in the workshop, Napa River and marina. All the sailing time making smart recommendations. And so much more. Soon it will be time to come sail the big F-boat in tropical waters. Hope you’ll join us in 2020 and beyond!

Bon voyage.