capnsensible
Well-Known Member
Step one. Get a new propellor to replace the one that fell off.....:nonchalance:
Well, bit of background. Mr. T. , owner of a rather nice Bavaria 44, is Australian. Like so many of his countyrmen plus the NZ cousins, buying a yacht in home waters is a struggle. Its becoming a regular thing for these guys to pick up ex charter boats around Greece and take a slow sail home, enjoying the cruise.
So I get a call here in Lanzarote from my old oppo Bob. He is bringing this yacht from its arrival in Gib from Greece down to Lanza and lets meet up for Christmas and please book us in. No problem. They had a good fast sail down just beating some iffy weather. Snag is as they enter the Marina around 2100, engaged astern gear to slow down.....prop dropped off. We were waiting for them anyway on the dock but were able to energise the Marineros and their rib to get the yacht onto a nice and gentle arrival at the boatyard pontoon. Sorted.
Next thing. Following morning, arrange for spares and lift out at very helpful yard. Obviously over the festive season, there will be a wait, but no drama, Mr T has all the time in the world, so 8th Jan for lift.
Of course, a beer or two was always on the cards. 'D'ya fancy a trip to the Windies' says Mr. T. After almost a second to think about it, Yez sez I. Further discussion reveals he is not really on for a Windies tour, he wants to move on. OK how about this? I can get you to Cape Verde, St Lucia, through the Panama Canal to Panama City. Yup, says the man, game on.
Thats the easy bit sorted. Next, what crew? He already has a young German adventurer on for the Transat. Good one, fit chap for the heavy lifting engine, also keen as mustard. Im happy with that but figured a call to another old friend, experienced Ocean sailor and has also done the canal before too would be handy. A very quick YES and flight booked UK to here 19th Jan. Yay.
Now Ive got just under a luxurious three weeks to do the rest. Got some fab advice on here about Garmin Inreach plus to keep in touch with op centre (Mrs Sensible). She will send us weather stuff, football results, cricket scores and book us in for Canal Transit. And join us in Shelter Bay for the trip through. So, ordering that in hand.
The lift will enable me to have a good check out of the boat. Yes Bavaria knockers, its got a keel, the water here is so clear I can see it! I know the rudder has been repaired and strengthened in Greece a few months ago. We will change the outdrive oil whilst lifted too 'because we can'.
Been to Arecife today to start the process of inventory, stuff like courtesy flags etc are so much cheaper there, rest we can get locally, like fuel syphon pump, spare inverter for laptop, sail repair stuff, extra motor impellors, fuel filters, yadda, yadda.
Tomorrow will be the boat inspection and check everything else out. And for once, Im not in a rush. Spares and tools, safety items, bedding and all crew comforts (so to speak) first aid kit and the rest. Im repeating myself but its so refreshing to have time to make good any deficiencies. Hoo Ha.
Then there is stuff like check the anchor windlass works, service the engine, inflate and check dinghy and outboard plus no doubt more.
Confirm insurance for far flung places. Sort charts and pilots. (got some from my boat), get kindle racked to the max!
Up mast. Rigging check.
Victuals. So nice to have use of a car for once!
Two days before the off, out for a sail around, final check on sails and anchor. Back in, top off diesel.
Day before, top off water and fresh food.
Drink some beer!
Then all being well, depart for Verdes on 22nd Jan....thats when Mr.T has paid his moorings to, so good date.
Gonna miss football..........
Well, bit of background. Mr. T. , owner of a rather nice Bavaria 44, is Australian. Like so many of his countyrmen plus the NZ cousins, buying a yacht in home waters is a struggle. Its becoming a regular thing for these guys to pick up ex charter boats around Greece and take a slow sail home, enjoying the cruise.
So I get a call here in Lanzarote from my old oppo Bob. He is bringing this yacht from its arrival in Gib from Greece down to Lanza and lets meet up for Christmas and please book us in. No problem. They had a good fast sail down just beating some iffy weather. Snag is as they enter the Marina around 2100, engaged astern gear to slow down.....prop dropped off. We were waiting for them anyway on the dock but were able to energise the Marineros and their rib to get the yacht onto a nice and gentle arrival at the boatyard pontoon. Sorted.
Next thing. Following morning, arrange for spares and lift out at very helpful yard. Obviously over the festive season, there will be a wait, but no drama, Mr T has all the time in the world, so 8th Jan for lift.
Of course, a beer or two was always on the cards. 'D'ya fancy a trip to the Windies' says Mr. T. After almost a second to think about it, Yez sez I. Further discussion reveals he is not really on for a Windies tour, he wants to move on. OK how about this? I can get you to Cape Verde, St Lucia, through the Panama Canal to Panama City. Yup, says the man, game on.
Thats the easy bit sorted. Next, what crew? He already has a young German adventurer on for the Transat. Good one, fit chap for the heavy lifting engine, also keen as mustard. Im happy with that but figured a call to another old friend, experienced Ocean sailor and has also done the canal before too would be handy. A very quick YES and flight booked UK to here 19th Jan. Yay.
Now Ive got just under a luxurious three weeks to do the rest. Got some fab advice on here about Garmin Inreach plus to keep in touch with op centre (Mrs Sensible). She will send us weather stuff, football results, cricket scores and book us in for Canal Transit. And join us in Shelter Bay for the trip through. So, ordering that in hand.
The lift will enable me to have a good check out of the boat. Yes Bavaria knockers, its got a keel, the water here is so clear I can see it! I know the rudder has been repaired and strengthened in Greece a few months ago. We will change the outdrive oil whilst lifted too 'because we can'.
Been to Arecife today to start the process of inventory, stuff like courtesy flags etc are so much cheaper there, rest we can get locally, like fuel syphon pump, spare inverter for laptop, sail repair stuff, extra motor impellors, fuel filters, yadda, yadda.
Tomorrow will be the boat inspection and check everything else out. And for once, Im not in a rush. Spares and tools, safety items, bedding and all crew comforts (so to speak) first aid kit and the rest. Im repeating myself but its so refreshing to have time to make good any deficiencies. Hoo Ha.
Then there is stuff like check the anchor windlass works, service the engine, inflate and check dinghy and outboard plus no doubt more.
Confirm insurance for far flung places. Sort charts and pilots. (got some from my boat), get kindle racked to the max!
Up mast. Rigging check.
Victuals. So nice to have use of a car for once!
Two days before the off, out for a sail around, final check on sails and anchor. Back in, top off diesel.
Day before, top off water and fresh food.
Drink some beer!
Then all being well, depart for Verdes on 22nd Jan....thats when Mr.T has paid his moorings to, so good date.
Gonna miss football..........
