So here I am waiting on parts. When an aircraft is stuck waiting on parts they say it's AOG, or Aircraft On Ground. For sailboats, I'm not sure. As it seems to me they're always in the water. And if they're on the ground, why rush the part? So SIW, Sailboat In Water, or Sailboat In Wind, or SIH Sailboat in Harbor -- waiting on rushed parts.

Anyway, my autopilot's rudder reference unit potentiometer finally gave out. And the autopilot doesn't work without it. Which makes it a bit of a no-go item if I'm singlehanding.

I put out a week ago to go pump out my holding tank, and didn't even bother turning on the instruments, as it's only a handful of boat lengths away. I started with a calm wind, got her warmed up, eased up on two lines and felt a puff of wind. So I looked around, and it didn't look too bad. By the time I hopped aboard from pushback and put her in gear, the wind was gusting to 15 knots and I was in irons, unable to turn the bow upwind. I only have two boat lengths between E dock and D dock, and that turns out to be not enough to get her turned around when the wind is blowing. Which was the whole point of putting out in the calm. Nevertheless, I got schooled by Seward wind.

So, yatta, yatta, yatta, three guys helping me, one went in the water, and two stayed dry. We tied onto the upwind D dock and got her parallel to back out, and sure enough nothing would work in those winds. The bow was at the complete mercy of those winds. I wound up forwarding into a (fortunately) empty space and spent the night without power. Why didn't I ask for a bowthruster for Christmas?!!

The next day, I had the dinghy up tied to the bow as a poor man's bowthruster, and two guys to help. Of course the seven knots of wind made it a lot of overkill and it was a non-event to get out -- with or without help. I asked the harbormaster for a slip clear of D dock so I could get out in a South wind, and the three of us had a good laugh about how 'tough' it was moving the boat to the new slip. Fortunately, everyone stayed dry this time as well. I never did get the poor guy's name who fell in.

A few days later I put out and pumped out, and found my rudder was showing full right, when obviously it was centered. So the rudder reference unit, which was a problem since Hong Kong, and had two bungies holding it down had finally failed. Not popped out, but electrically failed in it's resistance.

So, looks like the part should arrive on Saturday. Which is forecast to be a nice day for seatrials. Perhaps if the delivery's early I can head out in the afternoon and have a chance to get a shakedown finally done. And hopefully on my way early next week, for some mixed sun and rain in Prince William Sound and points south.

I had hoped to donate my Jeep, as the many websites said it was no problem to donate in many Alaska towns including Seward. Which was -- of course -- an unfortunate error. When the girl asked how far Seward was from Anchorage, I realized we were done talking, as she wasn't in Alaska, and it wouldn't work. After the conversation, the new plan was to drive it up to Anchorage and catch the bus back.

But I checked here in town today at the local junkyards, and the first was out of business. The second really didn't want it, but would come and take a look. So sure enough, a bit of chit chat and he's a pilot as well -- as half of Alaska is -- and he was kind enough to buy it from me. Completely unexpected. I gave him a full rundown of all the deferred maintenance, and the maintenance manuals. And he's expected to find someone to sell it on to.

So my lovely 21 year old Jeep is gone, and I'm down to my dinghy, and my folding Dahon bicycle, and the heel-to-toe express. Which is the way it should be while cruising. Which I suppose I officially am, as all my ties are cut. Tantivy has been listed with the local agent. I just wish it was as easy to sell as the Jeep.

So I just need one more part. And maybe I'll leave next week...Or maybe the week after...Or July...and maybe just one more project to finish...