Yes, we're back in business. Vanish is in the water after the cheapest, most efficient, cleanest yard work we've ever experienced. The PSS manufacturer told us that the seals would most probably leak a small amount of water for the first hour before bedding in so we went straight out for a test sail for 2 hours. We motored for an hour at our normal running speed of 9 knots then opened the throttle to 2100rpm, 80% power setting, and went 18 knots. There wasn't a drop of water coming from the new seals and their temperature was normal so the job was well done. The antifouling work was excellent and the 10 valves that bring water from the sea chest to the engines and gensets were also cleaned out with acid and now work easily with single hand operation, which is also much appreciated. Overall, Vanish is in excellent condition and is now ready for the next leg. What a relief!
Our new Deckhand Michael P flew in from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA on Wednesday and is quickly learning as much as possible from Maynard's tutorage. He has a cheerful, happy nature and is extremely excited to be working and living on our vessel and we look forward to a long working relationship. As we've needed to wait for a suitable weather window, it has given Mike a chance to become familiar with Vanish's systems before we just head out to sea. We've also had the chance to act like we are on holiday for the past 3 days by swimming and lying on the beach at the Beach Club at Campo de Casa with the "beautiful people" drinking pina coladas for me and Presidente Lites for the guys under the coconut palms while discussing future plans. We've buzzed around in our high powered golf cart which someone brilliantly removed the governor so we can go everywhere really fast. Altos de Chavon is also within the Campo resort and is a recreation of a 16th century medieval Europeaan village with quaint shops, galleries and restaurants and its own 5000 capacity Roman style amphitheatre (top picture) where Frank Sinatra, Santana, Duran Duran, Sting, the Pet Shop Boys, Julio Iglesias and many more have performed since its opening in 1982.
There is no doubt we have fallen in love with the DR and Campo de Casa in particular. The resort grounds are kept in perfect condition with 8,000 gardeners who are brought in each day by bus from La Romana and safety is paramount with well over 1,000 security guards.
The homes here are spectacular and cost around $US1,200 per sq m to build and most of them overlook the 5 Dye golf courses in the complex. Labor costs are inexpensive and a house-keeper or private gardener costs around $US300 per month. Many homes employ as many as 6 or more staff if they have large families or many guests. Honestly, it wouldn't be hard to live here.