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American Spirit II - Day 28; Rudder Tube Day & Party Bus Night; Friday, January 31, 2014



Since today was another 'yard day,' it started early. Joel and I arrived at the Quality Yachts Yard before 8:00 AM. The objective today was to fit and epoxy the new rudder tube into the boat. The rudder tube, which was lathed the day before, slid into the hole cut for it quite well. Once we were satisfied that it was the right fit, the tube was pulled out and coated with epoxy along its entire length. It was then pushed and rotated up into the hole. It didn't go in easily, but needed some muscle effort to get it in. Then wood was used to brace the bottom of the tube so that it could cure over night. A short yard day, ending at 3:30 PM. Can't do anything until the epoxy cures.

At 7:30 PM two party busses arrived at the a site near the marina, and participants in the rally boarded them for 3 hours of drinking, driving around town and dancing. These were old buses, with seats along the sides of the bus interior. Hand hold type devices were strung along the top of the bus's interior; and there was one pole in the middle of the bus. Besides a driver, there was a DJ and a bartender in the back of the bus. All the windows were open, as there was no air conditioning. The buses exteriors were lit up and decorated, so there was no doubt what the bus was as it drove around the city. Along our route, a large fireworks display lit up the ocean front. At 10:30 PM the buses returned to the marina area and deposited the revelers. To protect the names of the guilty, no revelers will be identified to protect the guilty. Though there were no prizes for dancing, Darlene Heyne would have competed for first place if there were as she was not only on her feet a lot, she actually danced pretty well. And no, she did not do a pole dance!

Brian Fox


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