Compared to other years, there was far less maintenance and repair required in 2025. In addition to the regular maintenance — servicing the outboard, bringing sails for minor repairs as needed, etc. — the following improvements were made.
AIS/VHF Antenna
Grace’s Garmin Cortex V1 Hub began warning of a connectivity problem with the original antenna. In addition, the clarity and range of my VHF radio became painfully apparent, reinforcing that the antenna needed replacing. I opted for the GAM Electronics Model SS-2 SPLIT, tuned to 159 MHz for both Marine (156 MHz) and AIS (162 MHz) applications. It has a compact size at 37” x 1” x 1”. This antenna dramatically improved Grace’s AIS/VHF system. It works perfectly!
Forespar Pole End Fitting
While practicing how to fly the spinnaker singlehanded, I forgot to release the downhaul (aka foreguy) on the poll during a jibe. One of the old end fittings snapped. Perhaps it simply had reached its end of useful life. The original pole has a pretty shape with tapered ends. I replaced both original end fittings with Forespar UXP 150 end fittings.
These new end fittings are much longer than the original ones. Even after trimming the pole a bit, the spinnaker pole now measures 242.5 cm in length, approximately 1 cm longer than class rules. I was hesitant to trim down the original tube any further given its taper. Down the road, I might replace the entire pole, but for now the 242.5 cm pole length will suffice for PHRF racing.
Instrument Mounts
Mounting the Garmin Cortex handset unit on the inside of the cabin made it less useful while racing singlehanded. I therefore placed a second mount on the bulkhead facing astern. This mount makes it easy for me to make VHF calls and view the position of other vessels while controlling the tiller. I also placed two Quadlock mounts on port and starboard, which allows me to securely attach my cell phone and Maptattoo navigation aid to the bulkhead. The benefits of having all instruments secured and facing the cockpit far outweigh the additional care that must be taken to route the control lines around the instruments.
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