Carting away from Puerto del Rey with our stuff.

It doesn't matter how you dice it, it's always a chore putting Tivoli away for the season. We started the process while at anchor in Bahia de Almodovar in Culebra. Perfect spot to get the main off the boom and dismantle the stack pack. We would have done more but we ran out of water after pickling the water maker. This was one time I felt sorry for Torben. At days end he went to shower and just soaped up all his nooks and crannies and we ran out of water. I was secretly happy it was him and not me!

Bahia de Almodovar


So off we went the next day to Puerto Del Rey Marina in Fajardo where Tivoli will be put to bed for the summer. Next up was getting rid of the food. Despite our efforts to eat everything left over from the crossing, we could only eat so much homemade pizza with Spanish chorizo and red garlic. So I invited Mary over from S/V Neko, to play "store". You'd think she struck gold when I offered her a jar of Colman's yellow mustard that I brought all the way from London! She left with two large canvas bags filled to the brim.

Mary shopping


This is the seventh time we have gone through this arduous process. You'd think we would be getting used to it but we are always surprised at how much work it is and how long it takes. One project always leads to another "unexpected "project as usual, and the weather would not cooperate and continued to thwart our efforts to dry the sails. Finally, the afternoon before hauling we had a break in the rain and we able to clear the canvas and fold and stow the sails.




We spent our final night with Pete and Mary on S/V Neko. They took mercy on us by feeding us dinner and inviting us to sleep in their spare hull! They refer to us as their "God Parents" because we helped launch them on their cruising dream four years ago. Torben and I find this term of endearment funny and realized we have come full circle. We too, had cruising friends that were older then us, whom we referred to as "our parents".

Howard and Lynn of S/V Swift Current



So now our 6th season comes to an end. Tivoli has taken us this season from Denmark, Germany, England, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, Balaric Islands, Canary Islands, Virgin Gorda, St. Thomas, Spanish Virgins and finally Puerto Rico. Maybe she's happy to have a rest! Luck would have it, the yard has placed her right next to a Danish boat from Kastrup which is 3 miles from where Torben grew up! Good thing Tivoli can speak Danish!