May 22, 2008

"There are some days when I think I'm going to die from an overdose of satisfaction".
Salvador Dali

The Launch

We finally launched on the third attempt after two days of weather delays.
It actually was smooth (and cool), with Police escorts, and driving in a group with six other vehicles. It also was a bit nerve wracking as the boat occupied two lanes and one breakdown lane, leaving oncoming traffic only the breakdown lane. We also had some cars backed up behind us and some of them actually attempted to pass us in the breakdown lane; we stopped them all by blocking them with our cars and the Police asking them over the hailer "where do you think you are going" in a Darth Vader voice.

It took an hour to drive what usually takes us a half hour, but we arrived safe and intact.

We then watched as 2 slings were placed under Eclectic, and a crane lifted her off the trailer and gently placed her in the water where she floated nicely on her lines.
The crane then placed the mast on the boat and while the Admiral employees "swarmed" over her, we went to lunch at the yacht club with John (Admirals Delivery Captain) and David and Brooke who are owners of hull #5 and next up for their boat.

After lunch Donna and I went on board for a while and checked things out. The sails go on tomorrow and Donna and I will spend Friday and Saturday onboard before Donna has to leave on Monday. It was a very satisfying day.