If you read the one of the last posts about the rally, I mentioned that there were bets being placed as to wether Terry(source of my irritation)the main organizer for the rally here at the marina would be back. The bet was that he would be back within 48 hours. Well, at 1030 this morning, almost exactly 48 hours after they set off, he rounded the point just to the east of the marina and motored back into his slip. So far, no explanation has been given other than "Gentlemen don't sail to windward". Maybe someday we will find out what happened but I doubt it. He hasn't left his boat since he returned. RATS! The one person we didn't want to come back has.
As for us, since the cruisers left, we have been at work putting Zephyr back together. We put the new(OK, it's really old fishing nets we picked up in Pohnpei for free) nets around the Zephyr's stern. We tie them to the top of the guard rail and then cinch them to the bases of the stanchions around the edge of the deck making a nice tight barrier for the cats to keep them (along with myself) on board. I almost fell overboard twice as we crossed the Pacific during turbulent weather. The nets helped me stay on board.
Once the nets were up, we could reattach the EPIRB(sends out distress signals when activated), the life ring as well as the Life Sling(both used to save someone should they fall overboard). We cleaned up parts of the cockpit and got the rest of the edge of the fiberglass that is between the teak decks and the stanchions cleaned and waxed. Today, I started putting on the length markers on our anchor chain so we can get that pulled back on board. Tomorrow, we will make the decision as to cutting off the worn out section of chain and attaching a new section to give a plenty of length when we anchor in deep water. Most times, we only use about 120-150 feet in anchorages but there are the times when we need a lot more. I can count them on one hand but when you need it, it's better to have it and not need it than the need it and not have it. It's the primary reason we carry so many replacement boat parts on board.
Tomorrow, I'll be checking to see how many chain connectors I have. Hopefully at least two. If not, I'll be heading to town to see if I can find more. One of the other cruisers has offered to sell us 52 feet of chain he has on board that he isn't needing. His price--$250US. Having recently shelled out $1000US for new batteries, it may be beyond our budget. I can always cut out the bad links of the chain and either re attach the rest that is good or I can dig out the chain we have for a back up anchor(have never used it)and attach it. If memory serves me, it's about 50 feet long. Between the two(if I use both, we will have about the same amount we had before we sent it in for re galvanizing.
Still no word on our batteries but it was a holiday last Wednesday plus yesterday and today so I'm not surprised that we haven't heard anything about it. Maybe I will be the golf cart that was on our bill of lading.
The picture today is of the party boat that came out to join us when the rally took off. It was carrying the Indonesian Counsel General for Davao City along with other prominent citizens of Davao City. Bands were playing and lots of picture were taken. One big party!