Before we launched Dagny last spring we had painted three coats of epoxy barrier coat and two coats of new anti fouling on Dagny's bottom. The hull stayed fairly clean throughout the trip until about a month ago. However as the water warmed up and we were holed up frequently for weather over a short period the algae had a chance to take hold. I had planned on trying to clean the bottom myself but after a few attempts I quickly realized that this job wasn't for me. Between getting cut to hell by barnacles and my ability to only hold my breath for 20 seconds or so I figured it would take me a week at least, plus they say blood attracts sharks. I discovered there was a guy in Marsh Harbour who cleans boats for 2-3 dollars a foot white at anchor and it turned out to be money well spent. Brown Tips arrived Friday morning and spent a good 1.5 -2 hours scraping off the quarter inch long algae that covered the hull, keel and rudder.

Bob and Liz arrived at lunchtime on Monday so after last minute shopping and prepping we left Marsh Harbour on a rising tide Tuesday to sail north to Archer Cay. We had a brisk downwind sail and Dagny roared along at 6.5 knots with her clean bottom and only the mainsail hoisted. The next step is to cross the Whale passage, which can be a little rough, then wait in Turtle Cay for our weather window. With any luck we can leave the Bahamas Sunday afternoon, but only time will tell.