Oriental

We pulled into Sailcraft Services yard just after New Years, expecting to be out on the hard for a couple of weeks.  We're finally leaving this morning, Feb. 15.  Naturally, one thing leads to another when you're working on a boat, and we were sometimes delayed waiting for parts, but we shouldn't have to haul out for some long while now.
Projects accomplished include (but not limited to) new SSB radio and modem so we can send/receive email and FAX while offshore; second wind generator (Your boat's energy requirements always increase to slightly exceed your ability to produce it.) and mounting pole; hard-wired remote VHF with AIS in the cockpit; some fiberglass and gel coat repair; fresh bottom paint; 2 coats of wax on topsides; some, but nowhere near all, finish work on hard dodger; repacked rudder stuffing box; new dripless shaft seal;  new inner and outer cutlass bearings; inspection, improvements and touch-up paint on mast when it was unstepped; new main and spinnaker halyards; and a zillion little things that improve our floating home.
We most enjoyed meeting and sharing time and stories with Jess and Duncan, a young couple from England who bought a neglected Passport sailboat here and plan to voyage to Australia after they get her more seaworthy.  We are very sad to leave them.
Captain is calling...gotta post before we leave the dock.