Floating Again

The captain putting our dinghy Goldberry together.


After a busy day of getting ready to launch it was time to ride the travel lift to the launch well. It is always exciting to see Celebrian picked up, moved across the yard and gently put into the water....all 12 tons of her! Once in the water the boat has an entirely different feel from being on the hard. We filled the water tank and Phillip, bless his heart let us hose Celebrian down with fresh water and didn't charge us for the water. We pay 20 cents a gallon for water to fill our tank so that was very nice of him. Water is a precious commodity in a country that is very dry and surrounded by the ocean. Abaco Yacht Services collects rain water over the summer season when it usually rains more; however this year they had an especially dry and hot summer. We take water for granted in Ontario because we are surrounded by large fresh water lakes. One only has to live on a sailboat for a few days in a salt environment to begin to treasure and appreciate fresh water. Everytime I come home and look out at Lake Huron I can hardly believe it is fresh water.

Rob installed our new water pump so we are now not only able to use our new foot pumps but we are able to turn on the tap and have water....what a great concept and one that we take for granted in our homes.

Today's first job after making love to the batteries is to get the new yankee sail on before the southwest breeze picks up. The main we can put on in some wind but the yankee needs calm conditions. So far the day looks good so we should be able to get all the sails on.

The captain thought his allergies were acting up yesterday; however today his voice is scratchy and he feels like he is coming down with a cold. This does not bode well for the admiral because there is no where to escape from a sick partner on a sailboat. Here is hoping that my antibodies are up to snuff and can hold this virus at bay. Flying in a tin can of recyled air is no doubt the culprit.

Since we have arrived at the boat yard the power has been off and on several times a day. I just went to post this blog and realized that Bahamas Wifi is not able to broadcast their wireless signal. I guess that means I have to start my next job...polishing the stainless before the bimini goes on. The captain's next job is putting in our hot water tank again. Crystal took our tank to Marsh Harour for us and had it welded after we left last year. The folks here at Abaco Yacht Services are really great people.