Our boat was launched today. Whilst we have the urge to just rush on board and get things done we have certain procedures that has to be followed. The boat is launched without a mast so the rigging team has to come on board and step the mast and add all the associated rigging and sails. This is a mass of very strong stainless steel cables and ropes ("halyards" to raise and lower sails and "sheets" to control the sails}. The boat is then handed over to the rest of the work team which consist of electricians, plumbers, diesel fitters, cabinet makers and a slew of others. This is a luxury boat built to very high standards and as such is appointed with all the bells and whistles. It has an air conditioner, Hi-Fi stereo, LCD Screen, DVD Player, Microwave, Fridge Freezer to name a few, oh! and how can I forget the electronic toilet flush mechanism!! By the way the toilet on a boat is called the heads, I am not sure where that name ever came from but I am sure that some ancient mariner thought that the contents were the same as some or other poor soul's head.

Once all these people have done their bit on the boat it will be handed over to John our skipper (www.sailblogs.com/member/deliveries). He will then draw up a snag list which the final preparation team will fix. Once John is happy with the required repairs we move in to "prepare" the boat for delivery. The first step in the preparation is to cover all the surfaces and edges to ensure that no damage is incurred during the voyage to the delivery destination. We also leave all the plastic on the upholstery and recover it with calico and mutton cloth for comfort and additional protection.

In the meanwhile there is a myriad of legal issues to contend with, the boat has to be registered and cleared with the various government departments not least the Tax man. There are contracts and indemnities to be signed and of course customs and immigration.

The boat is provisioned with sufficient fuel, food and drink for the journey. Finally the radios and other communication equipment is fitted before we cast off and say Good-Bye!

That's all for now. Keep a look out for our next post.