Tuesday, 8 July 2014

We've thrown off the dock lines!

6:30 am July 5th we head out for a much needed break. 
Although we hoped to sail, the wind gods were not in our favour, so it was a motor boat ride to Ashtabula OH. Really not a bad thing. The engine is new and needed to be tested so 8 hours to cross the lake gave her a good run. 

 R Kalliste' rafted off to Night Music. 

We enjoyed the terrific AYC hospitality including impromptu serenades by members of the AYC and PSSS clubs. The 49th annual LEIR (Lake Erie International Race) took place on July 4th.  (we have participated in this race several times with our previous sail boat a CS33 named Shoofly). This race was an especially happy occasion as our good friends Dennis and Karen on Southern Cross won their class and the overall trophy!

Sunday morning all Port Stanley Sailing Squadron boats left to complete the crossing and the Childs Cup race back to their home port.

For us, we enjoy the amenities, dinner at the home of good friends Terry and Jeanne and a much needed rest at AYC. We will hold up here for a few days and wait out a severe weather watch then continue on to Mentor OH and Put in Bay to meet up with some friends.  We are also looking forward meeting up with the new owners of another Corbin 39 "Luff Shack" in Put in Bay.






R Kalliste' resting at AYC

Did I say resting? Yesterday Paul replaced a worn keyway in the rudder shaft and commissioned the auto pilot. Today he wired and commissioned the windlass. Maybe the pool and Mentor will encourage him to sit still for a minute!


June 2014 - Whirlwind of activity!


Building the dashboard and Nav-station




 So many angles! Best to design in cardboard before cutting that expensive teak!

Instruments all installed and Nav Station constructed. 
Sanding, staining and varnishing to come later.


Chair installed - designed to swivel to the nav desk, as an extra chair for entertaining or lifted into its elevated position to pilot from the pilot house during inclement weather.


At the nav desk
Elevated to pilot position


Building Solar Panels



The frame to hold 2 Mitsubishi 214 watt panels (428 watts in total)
Paul attaching the panels to the frame.

Panels installed as a solid bimini to keep us us protected from the elements at the same time generating 30 amps on a sunny day.  


And the wires!!!


 Paul separating the A/C and D/C into separate panels.
Good thing he has a background as an electrician!

Updated the head with new countertops, new sink and taps, mirror and backsplash. A bit of bling!