February/2009
We have been working on the boat to get her ready for our first cruise. We are sailing for two weeks to Key West and the Dry Tortuga's in May and want everything done by then.
We (Steve) raised the boom 6" and then the Bimini, Steve needed more headroom. Davits are on the back for the Dingy and Solar Panels are complete, and so is the Water Maker. The old stove was removed and a new Cooktop installed. We also have a new Hot Water Heater and Freezer.
I re-sanded much of the exterior teak and applied Penofin Marine Oil. I had wanted to use this the first time but Cabot's was easier to find. While I am not unhappy with the performance of Cabot's - I will now be able to compare and see if Penofin impressed me. I did re-apply the original oil after 6 months but it is such an easy task and I anticipate having to re-apply the Penofin as well.
We just purchased our life raft and SSB Radio. The SSB is a Sailor's equivalent to a HAM radio and is used extensively for communication with other boaters in the cruising community and for weather broadcasts.
The next big project is the least amount of fun. We are re-finishing the deck and coach (cabin) top. Steve sanded the coach roof last spring and put a coat of primer on, it needs another coat of primer but first we are sanding the decks. This is a lesson in patients!
We have enjoyed many days sailing and several overnight stops during this winter season while we are working on the boat. This is a fabulous boat and we will try to take as good care of her as she will of us once we set sail for the adventure of a lifetime.
March Update- Thank Goodness - the deck and coach roof are done. I really did not enjoy this project but now that it is done and my back is recovering I have to say, 'It Looks Great!' Pictures are in the photo gallery.
May Update- The shakedown cruise went well and details are in a separate entry.
July Update - Steve just completed the new refrigeration System.
| Getting The Boat Ready |
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December/2008, Aruba to the B.V.I.
We are back from a wonderful adventure! A freind has a 50 foot catamaran and wanted some help moving her to the BVI for the winter. We flew into Aruba and the boat left right away the next morning for our crossing. The first two days at sea were very windy with swells building to 10 to 12 feet. Poor Steve spent about 36 hours with his head in a bucket. Can you imagine not being able to go inside the boat for that long trying to focus on the horizon? He was a trooper though, by the third day the seas had calmed considerable and by the 4th day we could see Puerto Rico as we passed by on the way to the BVI. Steve was in great shape by this time and we had just gone below to check each other for ticks when the boat passed a pod of 5 whales sleeping on the surface. Oh Well!
The 4 days in the BVI had fabulous temps and wind. Every day was warm and sunny with cool nights - truly paradise. We visited a few of the usual spots including Foxy's, Cane Garden Bay and Marina Cay. We stopped for a short snorkel at the caves on Norman Island. I am looking forward to next year when we can explore every harbor and snorkel spot! When we were leaving and Morgan dropped us off at the dingy dock in Trellis Bay, it is about a block walk to the airport. All we could think of was - next year this will be us dropping friends off at the airport and we will be the ones staying.
| Our Cruising Adventures |
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