SSS Compass Rose, Off to the Yard

Tuesday morning started bright and early aboard the Sea Scout Ship Compass Rose on the Petaluma River:

The ship was headed down to Richmond to be hauled out of the water for some new bottom paint.  While there, we're also pulling the starboard propeller off to have it straightened out.  Apparently we like that prop a lot and we've managed to knock it into something no less than four times since the last haulout.

Since the trip to the yard happened on short notice and it was to be the last day of summer before the crew had to start school again, the only scout who was able to make the trip was Brian, the ship's bosun:

We still had my niece and nephew aboard as well as Melissa's daughter Elise:

Fortunately, they managed to keep themselves entertained:

We left the marina in Petaluma at max ebb, so it was a pretty quick transit to Richmond:

Upon arrival, the Skipper and I went ashore and toured the very crowded yard:

I'm not sure what the haulout is going to cost, but there was no shortage of commercial and government boats there, so it must be cheap:

There was also this gorgeous Chinese junk:

While we were ashore one of the yard dogs found his way aboard the Rose.  His name is "Whitney."

Having checked in with the office and verified that all was secure on board, we left the ship alongside the dock to wait for space to open up so she can be yanked out of the water.

More to come.  Stay tuned...