Well, I replaced the electric bilge pump this week, and will try and repair the old one and keep it as a spare. I got some advice from a teckie at ITT (a company, which, incidentally, seems to own ALL the pump brands now) and he said the cause of my pumps' failure is likely to be some little speck of dirt or what have you finding its way to the check valve. So, I have purchased another check valve, and will report back on this when I have a chance to take the pump apart and see.

Meanwhile, the varnishing of the SCUBA "toy chest" has gone well, and I have commissioned a sunbrella cover for it to protect all 10 coats of varnish. The mainsail cover has been enlarged so the new main fits better under it.

I replaced the sump pump for the grey water, since that one was weak. And, this weekend, I will be replacing a weak toilet pump, and I will, as before, rebuild the old one for a spare.

I like the idea of keeping the old ones for spares, rather than purchasing new ones and just stowing them away. This way, I know the spare I will go to the trouble of carrying with us will fit, and we get to start the cruise with the new equipment, installed and operational.

Contacted the sailmaker to have the new main trimmed (breaks my heart) where it rubs the backstay. The new sail is just slightly "roachier" than the old one. Darn!

We will be goofing off again in a week or so, taking Gypsy Wind over to Catalina for the week prior to and staying through Labor Day Weekend, for some diving and relaxing. Can't wait.