tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25615773736505368632024-03-21T17:17:37.396+00:00Yacht KatlaAdventures in a 26' Wooden Gaff Cutter.Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-55914998929807020092012-04-23T12:20:00.000+01:002012-04-23T12:20:02.312+01:00Bye Bye Katla...This is (probably) my last post on this Blog. I am both happy and sad to announce that my lovely boat Katla has now been sold. I wish her new owner all the best and many happy adventures in her.<br />
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Fair Winds...<br />
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<br />Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-41129329778972721312012-02-06T15:22:00.001+00:002012-02-06T15:23:17.720+00:00Book SaleNow I am a 'Land Lubber' I am <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/br00tus/m.html" target="_blank">selling most of my sailing books on Ebay.</a><br />
<br />Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-61968462588065580892011-09-17T10:14:00.000+01:002011-09-17T10:14:53.906+01:00My New BlogJust a quick link to my new Blog about wood working. Learning traditional methods of joinery using only hand tools, where I will document my own progress as a complete beginner. <a href="http://woodbyhand.blogspot.com/">http://woodbyhand.blogspot.com/</a> .<br />
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Enjoy...Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-55322033409775801852011-08-01T09:26:00.002+01:002011-08-01T09:38:43.668+01:00Whales Azores - UKA small piece of film showing the Whales that followed me for a few days while enroute from the Azores to the UK.<div><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dysUBlk7PbjsDBH9bvtsnhWfxgm5jveogbW-6aVE9KdBJ7YMgjbrSoIUpgTQGSmf8gTh_b3K0G5blL5AVPDSA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-88793703846543000722011-07-26T08:40:00.002+01:002011-07-26T09:17:07.250+01:00Falmouth to Brighton.<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">KATLA is now 'home' in Brighton marina and all is well after an amazing sail up from Falmouth. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">With the South coast being so busy with pleasure boaters and shipping, instead of flying solo, this time I was joined by my very good friend Dave who came down by train from Brighton. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">It was really nice to have company and conversation (and sleep!) for the last 210nm leg.</span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">We left the visitors Yacht Haven in Falmouth 'early' around 1100utc Saturday morning mainly out of boredom instead of waiting for the optimum tide around 1300utc to flush us out to the Channel.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Wiith barely any wind, we scratched our way East for the first 24hrs with around 10kn of wind from behind. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">Full sail - prevented mainsail, goose winged with poled out Jib and stay sail sheeted in tight gave us ~4kn of speed.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; "><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">With the 48hr forecast threatening only 5kn of wind from the NW it was a surprise to be flying around the Isle of Wight at over 6kn on Sunday night in over 20kn from the SW! However, I still cant get used to sailing fast 'on the spot' due to tides! </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Good progress and perfect weather gave us a sunny arrival in Brighton at 1100utc Monday morning. We had been a bit lazy and not made progress to windward through the early morning which meant we were over 4nm off course and wide of our planned approach but KATLA squeezed herself up tight to the wind for the final beat and made us proud, just making the marina entrance without having to tack. Sails down, fenders and warps ready - Its so much easier and relaxed with another person onboard. The outboard threatened to run out of petrol literally yards from the berth but Heidi was there waiting to catch a rope and save the day - a perfect end to an epic trip home. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; "><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; ">210nm in 2 days exactly - not bad for an ickle 26ft gaffer!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">After such a long voyage KATLA is in desperate need of some TLC, especially in the paint department, so I'll be posting more updates in the near future.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Stay tuned...</span></span></div></div></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-18755866879966078972011-06-30T13:00:00.000+01:002011-06-30T13:57:10.793+01:00Here We Go Again ...<div><b>Follow my progress ... </b></div><div><b>Horta in the Azores to Falmouth Cornwall U.K. - ~1250nm</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The<a href="http://www.passageweather.com/maps/azores/mappage.htm"> forecast</a> is far from ideal (little wind followed by Northerlies) but I'm really desperate to get going. I might be OK if I can get ~150nm north in the next few days. Ordinarily I wouldn't leave on this forecast but I have been here long enough and it's rubbish without the posse. It's also costing me money when I can be bored at sea for free! Besides, I'm mentally ready for another ocean crossing... Worse case scenario, I end up in Spain!</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Sat Phone</b>: <b>8816 316 67012</b></div><div>Send SMS to my Sat Phone for free here: <a href="http://messaging.iridium.com/">http://messaging.iridium.com/</a> </div><div>Send me a message! Just dont expect a reply - and YES 'It's working - I do receive them'.</div><div>The Satphone is only turned on periodically throughout the day.</div><div><br /></div><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=210507847915814692682.0004a1d73652a7f20573a&ll=35.746512,-34.804687&spn=49.119462,74.707031&z=3&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=210507847915814692682.0004a1d73652a7f20573a&ll=35.746512,-34.804687&spn=49.119462,74.707031&z=3&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Katla </a></small><br /><div><br /></div><div>You can also view comments from friends on FaceBook - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/boo.dowlut">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Powered by...</b></div><div><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64sP1b-qQaKUAfH9HOkot3yQ6KMXrWsVCpnpfgBKRwrijCJj4j6zWoeM8Q9er5iLpuCqUXnp4Dt4jqINKGh71N_qSaWp52VAbd7_SFRUbGTcfuR3nfhe2FnA5Gqxq_8dmYgHkayu0arMt/s320/mars-logo.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 149px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623725922165025010" /></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-18984631684005818672011-06-29T20:03:00.004+01:002011-06-29T20:21:57.336+01:00*Almost* Ready to go ...So what have I been up to ... Well the 'To Do' list has been attacked further and I am *almost* ready to set sail bound for the UK.<div><ul><li>Two visits to the supermarket and I am ~100 Euros lighter. It's such a different (cheaper) experience victualling a boat in the Azores compared to Antigua.</li><li>100 Litres of the Azores finest H2O have been loaded aboard.</li><li>Watch batteries obtained for the DIY Nav lights (thanks again Rob & Jo) and I have purchased a strobe unit (50 euros!) - hopefully I will now be more visible to the big scary commercial shipping.</li><li>The AIS Aerial has been relocated outside the coachroof. It seems to work better but I need to test it outside the marina breakwater as VHF is 'line of sight'. Its certainly no worse than before!</li></ul>I just have to 'lube up' the mast, gaff and boom jaws with the largest tub of Vaseline I have ever seen - I May do this tonight? Is it normal to buy it in 1Kg tubs? Either way I have bought one and shouldn't run out this trip!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then its a quick look at the weather forecast - make yer mind up time - out with the wallet and boat papers in the Marina office and 'Adios Amigos' - I'll be on my way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Boo & Katla.</div><div><br /></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-84005330826285423672011-06-27T17:47:00.003+01:002011-06-27T18:32:47.921+01:00Azores - UK Preparation.After arriving at Horta in the Azores (from Antigua in the Caribbean) on the 14th June after 32 days at sea (my longest ever passage), its time to think about the final leg home to the UK. <div><br /></div><div>After making landfall in Falmouth, Cornwall, (1250nm from Horta in the Azores), I intend on keeping the boat in Brighton on the south coast, another 210nm further East from Falmouth. <div><br /></div><div>Jobs done so far:</div><div>Mainsail leech UV wear and damage from reefing - repaired.</div><div>Forestay & Jib Halyard - refitted after the (10mm! stainless Steel) shackle failed mid Atlantic leaving me without a jib for almost 2 weeks. Good job she's a Cutter! I also replaced the Peak and Throat mast shackles just incase they were also corroded. A gaffer without a mainsail may as well be dismasted!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The mast has been sanded and oiled (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.223092541054512.61895.100000613029396&l=16cc0f57be">thanks to my girlfriend</a>) after wear from the boom & Gaff. </div><div><br /></div><div>I ran out of Vaseline and ended up using Non-melt Margarine from the Caribbean - it kind of worked and was better than nothing! I also made a new leather and canvas strop to replace the Parrel beads that 'saw' into the mast.</div><div><br /></div><div>The boom jaws need re-leathering but I have simply fitted leather around the mast where the boom sits when sailing. In the future I would like to fit a gooseneck and gaff saddle as I think they both perform better, cause less mast wear and require less work to maintain.</div><div><br /></div><div>All woodwork (bowsprit, cleats and blocks) has been sanded and oiled with Linseed oil. Whisker pole and other bits & bobs have been repainted where worn.</div><div><br /></div><div>Monitor Self steering lines and the mainsail luff lacing have been adjusted to move the wear points. I always leave things slightly longer than required to get double life out of the ropes - Hey I'm a Sea Pikey!</div><div><br /></div><div>The stairs have been refitted and the big bed will be stowed for this next passage. I think using the sea berths will keep my bedding dryer, now I'm further north I expect it to be a lot colder and wetter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still to do ...</div><div>Relocate the small AIS aerial outside the boat for increased detection range which is currently only about 2nm! Coax cable and fittings have already been acquired.</div><div><br /></div><div>Food shopping and top up with water. I only used about 50 litres from the Caribbean so 100 litres will be ample. the extra 10 gallon plastic bottles previously aboard have been thrown away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once again I will be posting position updates on Google maps. </div><div>Stay tuned for my leave date...</div><div><br /></div><div>Boo & Katla.</div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-25096461053055895792011-04-26T20:28:00.007+01:002011-05-11T19:08:54.368+01:00Homeward Bound...<div><b>Follow my progress home ...</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Sat Phone</b>: <b>8816 316 67012</b></div><div>Send SMS to my Sat Phone for free here: <a href="http://messaging.iridium.com/">http://messaging.iridium.com/</a></div><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=210507847915814692682.0004a1d73652a7f20573a&ll=35.746512,-34.804687&spn=49.119462,74.707031&z=3&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=210507847915814692682.0004a1d73652a7f20573a&ll=35.746512,-34.804687&spn=49.119462,74.707031&z=3&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Katla </a></small>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-13637923960913034922011-03-28T19:04:00.003+01:002011-03-28T19:29:17.868+01:00Back Home Again!Well lets see - set my alarm for a 05:30am call. Still half asleep. Just missed a close call with the Norwegian anchored on my bow, I'm feeling relieved and lucky when I'm caught off guard by a gust. My clear exit suddenly vanishes as everyone swings on their anchor and I cant bear away quick enough with my mainsail full. Suddenly I'm feeling sick ... Bang!<div><br /></div><div>Luckily it wasn't as bad as it felt and sounded. I've cracked a rib where the gunnel flexed and the cat lost some gel coat. I reanchored in deeper water and the owner came over. I paid a small amount for them to get it fixed and went on my way bound for Deshaise, Guadaloupe 50nm away.</div><div><br /></div><div>After making an average speed of 6kn across the channel, ten hours later I'm barely making 2kn and scratching for wind in the lee of Guadaloupe - I never learn!</div><div><br /></div><div>Making the anchorage in daylight is no longer possible. I finally get there around 10pm and despite it being straight forward and pretty safe, I'm still pissed off about the collision earlier. Sod it, I'm staying at sea! </div><div><br /></div><div>The wind is now about 15-20kn and more easterly than I was expecting. I'm pointing at around 10-15 deg T meaning I can probably make English Harbour saving myself another horrible sail from Jolly Harbour. The last time it took me 11 hours so it's a sail worth not having to do unless required. </div><div><br /></div><div>Short story, double reefed mainsail and reefed staysail (first time ever) and I'm still making 5kn over big bumpy seas. Sleeping on the egg timer doing 20 minute watches avoids most of the soakings as there is a lot of water over the boat. First light I can make out the Pillars of Hercules and one tack to remove the staysail reef sees me sailing into English Harbour at around 7am.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anchor down in the usual spot (in the 'swamps') ... I'm home. Fade to Black!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-69540491868975153272011-03-18T20:41:00.013+00:002011-03-18T21:46:56.904+00:00Portsmouth Dominica<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ADt7jVIXmRFm879M1mHOcVBuAYM5drh4WNUJPguhEWr-AQm2elbTa0NiB6kdUN21wQ8yHgHt-JHgtv4JuNQZoVGDOTq6gRVtQyy-NoBfWzsBIrCQHvtftLWS-cHdv1Xzqkw0dXHQDYgI/s1600/large_flag_of_dominica.gif"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ADt7jVIXmRFm879M1mHOcVBuAYM5drh4WNUJPguhEWr-AQm2elbTa0NiB6kdUN21wQ8yHgHt-JHgtv4JuNQZoVGDOTq6gRVtQyy-NoBfWzsBIrCQHvtftLWS-cHdv1Xzqkw0dXHQDYgI/s320/large_flag_of_dominica.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585536064654980882" /></a><br />Well folks Im still alive after my first all night sail in a while. It was a bit of a shock to the system but I soon fell into old habits and arrived in Dominica. With the islands being pretty busy this time of year, I slept on the old faithful egg timer doing 20 minute sleeps between watches and while I was knackered on my arrival that was mainly due to not sleeping (or eating & drinking) when I should or could.<br /><br />I checked out of Jolly harbour the day before leaving and was able to 'blag' not paying over a year of owed cruising permits, this must have saved me at least 200ec (50 quid).<br /><br />The same day I also used my spare time wisely and rigged up my Sea Pikey A.I.S system as per the days of old in Doris.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7t41Bf_pMxlEPklPRFalZaC_I3F0QtjUymgNE6pdXlUQvKn_xIgeQQbLVAQnmE0BXCkMYs_nZGWNOtUIj2RDlpiGl4xXrmJ0kK6BYvtzxkBcVnwn0nYkf1fQpy_SbvGl9R_NwkfAYYd4/s1600/P2160124.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7t41Bf_pMxlEPklPRFalZaC_I3F0QtjUymgNE6pdXlUQvKn_xIgeQQbLVAQnmE0BXCkMYs_nZGWNOtUIj2RDlpiGl4xXrmJ0kK6BYvtzxkBcVnwn0nYkf1fQpy_SbvGl9R_NwkfAYYd4/s320/P2160124.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585535140242582226" /></a><br />It works to a range of about 2nm but I'll tinker with it to improve it. At least I have an alarm that should wake me up if any commercial shipping comes close.<div><br /></div><div>I also re-fixed the old faithful dinghy...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0hVyioo4KPhuQHgA_68NkSwAkSallS6V-O5V9GjRgwCsa_IYC8h-KwdWDm2WUNmNun-OsUq7Lrq5UrL_yYXaIrjBNt9vl9I7N_hBBEBronmK6-8b67LNY5JGGri55Lddu3EOTvBoic1n/s1600/P2160128.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv0hVyioo4KPhuQHgA_68NkSwAkSallS6V-O5V9GjRgwCsa_IYC8h-KwdWDm2WUNmNun-OsUq7Lrq5UrL_yYXaIrjBNt9vl9I7N_hBBEBronmK6-8b67LNY5JGGri55Lddu3EOTvBoic1n/s320/P2160128.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585539330235648914" /></a><br /><br />I weighed anchor and left under sail around 0730. 2 reefs in the mainsail and my small jib, completely under canvassed I still romped along with the wind off the port quarter at around 5kn before adding the staysail making over 6kn+.<br /><br />Making superb time I stupidly expected to arrive in Portsmouth harbour in Dominica around first light, that was until the wind machine stopped dead just after 2300. I was romping along, felt a slight gust and then nothing - dead calm.<br /><br />Then it started, the boat started rocking and the sails started banging. As any sailor knows this is worse than any other known form of mental torture!<br /><br />I had deliberately tried to stay out of the known wind shadow of Guadaloupe by staying at least 8nm offshore, without success. <a href="http://yachtdoris.blogspot.com/2009/03/martinique-dominica-antigua.html">The last time this happened in Doris</a> I had an engine to turn on - not this time. Ok that's a bit of a lie. I could see the end of Guadaloupe in front of me and decided that if I sat on the back of the boat I might be able to keep my outboard in the water for most of the time despite the swell to get me moving.<br /><br />Twenty minutes later and with an arm that felt like it had been dislocated the silence was deafening, all except my screaming at the useless piece of $£%^& that calls itself an outboard!!!! Sod it, I'll wait and go to sleep... ten minutes later I'm back on deck armed with various tools and a can of WD40. Despite the boat rocking from gunnel to gunnel I never lost anything (other than my temper) over the side. Finally the sweet sound of a 4HP outboard filled the air.<br /><br />Needless to say I made the end of Guadaloupe just as it was getting light using both sails and engine. Then the wind filled in and got stronger ... and stronger. In went a reef, and stronger ... the waves grew and next thing I knew i was beating against 30kn+ winds in 2m+ steep messy waves with double reefed mainsail and staysail. I got soaked to the skin. Slowly layer after layer of salt dried on me in the hot sun and I felt knackered and shitty. I had committed the cardinal sin of spending too much time looking after the boat and not looking after myself with the three essentials - food, drink and sleep.<br /><br />In the waves progress to windward was very slow and frustrating and I was worried that I wasn't going to make the anchorage in day light (I hate arriving at night).<br />As the waters got flatter my pointing improved and I soon came into Portsmouth around 1700. Such was the wind I sailed in the last approach under mainsail alone while I dropped the staysail and readied the anchor, dropping it at the north end of the bay almost right in front of the Purple Turtle bar.<br /><br />I tidied the boat and pretty much passed out for the night. The next morning I ached like I'd just come out of a heavy gym session. Sleeping for most of the day before venturing ashore to clear in. I have actually cleared both in and out having 14 days stay. Cost 6ec (~£1.50), slightly cheaper than Antigua!<br /><br />Anyways, Im alive and well. The 'others' (Ben, Rosa & Armanella) are heading this way.<div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY25WtYrR2b2j8ILIo6Eu-IqqbGcSopSlcjjg53yad1ueKad_iMXf40bRSji40rA2IrD7mkKp4YwtOPtnLrQ1VUUHGkTwUzzTUFa5qvgfzFn3WUG217P-jSHzEpF7oy52Fl2MY3XvSfRug/s1600/P2160126.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY25WtYrR2b2j8ILIo6Eu-IqqbGcSopSlcjjg53yad1ueKad_iMXf40bRSji40rA2IrD7mkKp4YwtOPtnLrQ1VUUHGkTwUzzTUFa5qvgfzFn3WUG217P-jSHzEpF7oy52Fl2MY3XvSfRug/s320/P2160126.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585538179863917874" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85ul6IyzdMQdv78lxbNksAXkEpBIh3HZK5nuILrqVrEiRH_tLzKzaTHZElrpZdEi_Y58DZjrn-J3RkVplIT0cwzAFqTlneKplooZLNhupNz81G4DrqzcxyMHfX9ZkhkQt37U8Mjejeuwv/s1600/P2160125.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85ul6IyzdMQdv78lxbNksAXkEpBIh3HZK5nuILrqVrEiRH_tLzKzaTHZElrpZdEi_Y58DZjrn-J3RkVplIT0cwzAFqTlneKplooZLNhupNz81G4DrqzcxyMHfX9ZkhkQt37U8Mjejeuwv/s320/P2160125.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585538173175563378" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjdxojMGly62HkDsXSnCP-4timfPJcwUlf83rn7JPzNkBwza6W-m4dyPTm3BPcGB5mUjQ8GhHeJBae736fxEgHVLvZTD0HEYXWtQOJ_XyFyuQpSmtnbyrzXZJlP1FBsmSj8JAPEBSkGer/s1600/P2160122.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjdxojMGly62HkDsXSnCP-4timfPJcwUlf83rn7JPzNkBwza6W-m4dyPTm3BPcGB5mUjQ8GhHeJBae736fxEgHVLvZTD0HEYXWtQOJ_XyFyuQpSmtnbyrzXZJlP1FBsmSj8JAPEBSkGer/s320/P2160122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585538167550149186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRHWsVA7CgInkHfO6-fHKzfpxCzZiL6Q-7-aIrd_pEKPRvWpk1oajvEDxkLU9Ya0S26dVSdgpSQDc2DcH5F3rJbF0Oe818zI856r88tpPeJopP-vkFqgYJVwEnShb42GWk6tONmezJfc7/s1600/P2160121.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRHWsVA7CgInkHfO6-fHKzfpxCzZiL6Q-7-aIrd_pEKPRvWpk1oajvEDxkLU9Ya0S26dVSdgpSQDc2DcH5F3rJbF0Oe818zI856r88tpPeJopP-vkFqgYJVwEnShb42GWk6tONmezJfc7/s320/P2160121.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585538162876471730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_zTg8Ph_KJeVBIkigmweO51FaLJDT46RJy2pttZRkFg_yfPHKetKzvUDavOibHT_v8whATjjxS-uPG9I0RgdssW-_am75Vxu6o28e4IdIBo2RK9sSJbCVpRU7zPzUCepKKxwuRSFF2Xw/s1600/P2160119.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_zTg8Ph_KJeVBIkigmweO51FaLJDT46RJy2pttZRkFg_yfPHKetKzvUDavOibHT_v8whATjjxS-uPG9I0RgdssW-_am75Vxu6o28e4IdIBo2RK9sSJbCVpRU7zPzUCepKKxwuRSFF2Xw/s320/P2160119.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585538155984701778" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-86699700899846471252011-03-07T19:02:00.001+00:002011-03-07T19:03:56.480+00:00Haul Out - Feb 2011<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="288" height="192" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2FSimonDowlut%2Falbumid%2F5581414456935806705%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-4272625381895809252010-12-06T14:37:00.002+00:002010-12-06T14:42:12.379+00:00KATLA is 4 SALE!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; "><strong><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; "><strong>KATLA is 4 SALE!</strong></span></div>26ft Wooden Gaff Cutter £13,000.00 GBP o.n.o</strong> British registered, VAT Paid & Lying English Harbour, Antigua.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; ">All other info can be found on this Blog with the addition of:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; ">1 x Brand new 4hp Long Shaft 4 Stroke outboard engine being fitted.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; ">And the addition of a King Size bed being installed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; ">All she needs is a coat of paint and varnish to look pretty again and shes ready to cruise.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; ">Viewing by appointment only. Owner resides aboard.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: normal; font-size: 16px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; ">MOBILE: 001 268 723 6646 (Antigua)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 16px; ">EMAIL: simondowlut@gmail.com</span></div></span></span></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-58551334727022815012010-01-08T16:07:00.002+00:002010-01-08T16:13:43.869+00:00Happy New YearsYes this Pikey is still very much alive and kicking.... <div>Hoping that you all had a wicked Xmas & New Years ... I did (from what I've been told)!</div><div><br /></div><div>Dave from Brighton is over here for the next month and I am writing this from an Internet bar in St Martin after a few days island hopping north from Antigua. </div><div><br /></div><div>Antigua English Harbour -> Antigua Jolly Harbour -> Nevis -> St Kitts -> (Becalmed off of Saba) -> St Martin ... who knows?</div><div><br /></div><div>Dave has been loving it with Scurfing (towed longboard) in English Harbour and Water Skiing & Wake Boarding in Jolly Harbour.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll post a proper update soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Belated festive snogs, kisses & cuddles to you all ... !!!</div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-51074253839992445322009-11-13T00:18:00.003+00:002009-11-13T00:31:31.674+00:00Swallowed the HookA quick update for you guys...<div><br /></div><div>I intended to leave early this week but typically the forcast told of no wind. Sure enough after two days of absolutely no wind and another of rain all day I still havent left Antigua. To be honest I just cant get stoked about sailing around the Caribbean on my own.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been spending far to much time in the local bar and looking to start a new career as a cocktail waiter - work permit allowing. Also, Dave from Brighton is thinking about coming out to visit in December so that would be a good time to set sail.</div><div><br /></div><div>On a positive side, I have found a new heavy weather stom Trysail for an absolute bargain and been given a another sail from which I can make a storm jib. The boat is basically ready for a Transat back to the UK.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pitty Im not ...</div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-71307797170453268902009-10-30T20:34:00.006+00:002009-10-30T21:20:23.867+00:00Almost Ready ...Ok, another post I know you have all been waiting for... So whats new?<div><br /></div><div>Well, I am still moored alongside James & 'the Taj'. I have been generally passing the time playing guitar, reading and some socialising. That and doing small jobs on the boat. Today Jess' dad arrives and I thought it only proper that I finally get my hair cut, so its no more looking like <a href="http://tv.popcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/my-name-is-earl-save-twitter.jpg">Earl</a> and back to Prison grade one.</div><div><br /></div><div>She is generally all sorted out with only a few remaining jobs that are purely cosmetic and can be done at my leisure while at anchor. I actually enjoy working on the boat and learning new skills, something I wasn't really able (or needed) to do on Doris.</div><div><br /></div><div>Big changes include, getting the two 7ah batteries (yes thats 7ah and not a typo - they are tiny!) charged up using the small solar panel. I now have internal lights (LED - my anchor light I bought out with me) and can now charge up rechargeable batteries and run GPS etc In fact the only thing I can't do is charge my laptop. Is spending about $1000us just to charge my laptop really worth it? hmmn?...</div><div><br /></div><div>I have just got my Mainsail and Staysail back from the sail loft after having a 3rd reef put in the main and a deep reef in the Staysail ($300us), so I should now be fine in a storm. I'm still interested in either making or 'obtaining' a proper Storm Jib and Trysail but they can wait for now. I have been all over the rigging and replaced everything that looked vaguely dodgy and I think the rig is now 'bomb proof'. I do however, need to 'obtain' some blocks for the running backstays. They are not needed due to the oversize rear stays but would be good to have in a real blow or even in case of a shroud breaking at sea.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have also decided to take the plunge and (insanely) swapped my outboard engine for a large oar (sweep) from Veracity. So now I am engine-less and need to perfect the art of sculling & rowing Katla pretty quickly! I have also decided to prepare and keep ready a very long length of warp so that in the event of becoming becalmed in any current I can drop anchor in really deep water especially close to land such as between the islands.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know its an inane swap, but I hated the look of it bolted on the back and it had seen better days. It will run again I'm sure, but if I ever really needed it in a hurry I couldn't fully rely on it and sailing with an unreliable engine is almost as bad as sailing without one anyway in my head. If I feel naked without an engine I will pick up a sparkly new one along the way. It will be a good challenge learning to sail 'as God intended', providing I don't end up over a reef or generally bouncing off other boats in the busy anchorages.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, now Katla is basically ready (not sure I am) and the plan is to set off shortly, first retracing my steps towards St Martin, via Nevis and Saba etc... After that who knows where, the BVIs or back here for Christmas with my fellow Sea Pikeys. </div><div><br /></div><div>The season is just starting and the anchorage is slowly getting busier. It will be good to have a few people around but in some ways its a shame the tranquillity is going to be shattered. Maybe Ill search for my own little anchorage somewhere off the beaten track ... who knows.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned ...</div><div><br /></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-20279237068498857252009-10-16T19:09:00.002+01:002009-10-16T19:13:05.715+01:00DORIS SOLDMy bank balance would seem to suggest that I am no longer the proud owner of DORIS and the sale has completed.<div><br /></div><div>Yeah baby! - Where's the nearest chandlers! </div><div>'I will control myself, I will control myself'....</div><div><br /></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-40688879463165746032009-10-08T18:11:00.003+01:002009-10-08T18:16:03.749+01:00Katla Under Sail<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqiCv3ty2oS-RhdndqqA1WV_7xV0QYOH3Vn70UYAfYyqSPYBpRbQnNUDV6uRUxzozm3I74WL9-HhWuU8dAEEW9-YKCbUJDowYQhHmQOXbh5NPTdptiB1nISwpJX7BfZaVRirsOM4E99Cv/s1600-h/PA030219.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqiCv3ty2oS-RhdndqqA1WV_7xV0QYOH3Vn70UYAfYyqSPYBpRbQnNUDV6uRUxzozm3I74WL9-HhWuU8dAEEW9-YKCbUJDowYQhHmQOXbh5NPTdptiB1nISwpJX7BfZaVRirsOM4E99Cv/s320/PA030219.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390278420071974146" /></a><br />First pic of Katla under sail...<div><br /></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-85434425565458873192009-10-06T17:23:00.005+01:002009-10-06T17:31:30.071+01:00Alongside the Taj<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">Well after getting a bit of an ear bashing from severa<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;">l people here it is at last – a new blog post! Thanks to Veracity for the spare volts…</span></span></span><br /> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">I am still in English harbour moored up alongside James and his steel yacht we call ‘The Taj’, me<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;"> being his ‘Walla’.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1pw5KPb-DBSvpa571XyAdpw707230AofVzQWNioExWamZjiBNScXY29y8-0BTcc3dKtedkPX_hsJCfD42bh3jL2181wic-M1DRe_qSppZGEMX0KcC8dYbIrR_DkcUevu9iNS8Zvs-ZrX6/s320/DSC02102.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389523981578850754" /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial;">Since arriving, I have been spending the days mostly working on the boat and learning a range of new skills including working with wood, rope, leather and canvas.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">The first job was to build a new set of Gaff jaws to at least make the boat sailable again. After a week helping James & Marcus in Sprouts woodshop they were complete and I even got paid a ‘wage’ for helping out on other jobs.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Other completed tasks include painting the coach roof and decks white so you don’t suffer third degree burns (she also looks 'real purdy' now), various sail repairs a<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; ">nd rigging modifications.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTc-rMGDD93__pyB_vs74ypdsf4wb4Iu-zXwftVAfdMFGHzxzLi_BA8KGvX0NzMzo4Esac5jfv9FUEZzieoKyyCoPRxk9jkBGnlHjMhmTxsNXbCxwTdvneLumC8URk-n3bp14t6SeMec_B/s320/DSC02103.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389524779835905394" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Hopefully the sale completion of </span><st1:place><span style="font-family:Arial;">DORIS</span></st1:place><span style="font-family:Arial;"> will go through on the 16<sup>th</sup> and I will have some spare money to install some batteries and finally get some power onboard. I have to say though, life by paraffin lamp is quite pleasant and simple.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">I still haven’t got the outboard engine working mainly because I hate it. It looks like a huge cancer hanging off the ass of my boat, but I guess it makes sense to keep it.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Jobs (projects) yet to do include:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Build a wooden dinghy that stows on the coach roof</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">A sculling oar so that it may be possible to loose the outboard<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Add a reef to my Staysail</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Make some proper storm sails<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">A topsail made from an old wind surfing rig<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Arial;">Anyway, that’s me for now …<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2W1E3_f3RE9eFu_ehOywPs3p56sFh4hdap23zKo8uc0BAvEnsn6e3Co8a_vPOmQFSa98EzN9Z-f_r3FBs9f0CC9fHjJW4xntEhthCCODgzE5tQe85N7mv49ilhR1ATUUhBlscu6cDSrLy/s320/DSC02099.JPG" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389525107785274290" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial;">Boo & Katla.</span></p>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-23520531827877816292009-09-10T16:59:00.003+01:002009-09-10T17:05:47.396+01:00English Harbour - Again!Hi all - Just a quick post to let everyone who was worrying that I am alive.<div>My first ever sail in a gaff rigged boat (St Martin to Antigua ~90nm) ended after 3 nights at sea and I am now safe in English Harbour, Antigua (again). It was a beat to windward the whole trip and I got hit by a massive squall close to Antigua, then broke the gaff jaws. Finally I got becalmed for a whole day just drifting off Antigua. I tacked the whole way and must have covered around 130nm Im guessing.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'll post more soon enough. For now its time to rest and hang out with James, Marcus & Jess for a while before starting repairs and other required work on Katla.</div><div><br /></div><div>Boo.</div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-87431912145707144872009-09-02T11:39:00.002+01:002009-09-02T11:42:49.911+01:00Erika - Gulp!Nervous times .... !!!<div><a href="http://www.stormpulse.com/fullscreen/current">http://www.stormpulse.com/fullscreen/current</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I never got launched yesterday due to a funds problem. 'No Cash - No Splash!'</div><div>Hopefully this morning I'll go back in and then tie her down as best as I can.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets hope Erika doesn't become a hurricane!</div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-21719940157966279572009-09-01T12:05:00.001+01:002009-09-01T12:07:52.432+01:00Another Week In Paradise<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia; "><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Tues 25<sup>th</sup> </span></b><span style="font-family:Arial">– Another hot dusty walk to Budget Marine to pick up the ordered water tanks. They are not there – useless! I will get them to you first thing tomorrow morning Sir, and deliver them to your boat, maybe even this evening.</span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Back at the boat, after measuring all the ropes in the rear locker, and a few emails to the previous owner, <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I finally have figured out the jib & staysail sheets and how they route along the deck so at least that’s another job done. I also managed to figure out the Monitor self steering parts and put that together.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Weds 26<sup>th</sup></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – Spent the day working on the engine. The first problem was that there were no compatible fuel tank to engine connections. Luckily I met a guy called ‘Rabbi’ working on my neighbours boat and he had the required part. With fuel tank now connected and a coating of WD40 over most of the engine parts to unseize them, I pulled and pulled all afternoon without the engine firing once! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">We changed the spark plugs and checked for a spark and the electrical side seems fine but the plugs stay dry indicating no fuel.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Surprise surprise, the water tanks still hadn’t arrived and it was time for yet another trip to Budget marine. The guy made some excuse about sorting it all out but forgetting them – yeah right! Anyway, we both jumped in his dinghy and went over to the bigger store on the Dutch side to collect them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Thurs 27<sup>th</sup></span></b><span style="font-family:Arial"> – My first act of nature in a bucket, like a right of passage as a Sea Pikey! I spent the day making sail ties and robands to better attach the gaff to the mainsail at a later date. All ropes are three strand and therefore all the ends need to be whipped with twine to stop them unraveling. I also modified the mainsail cover to make it fit better and cover the ends of the sail from the sun.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">In the afternoon I managed to blag a tow from a guy in JMC boat yard. I slipped the double mooring buoys only to have his engine cut out – jeez! I had to shout at him to set the tow rope free as he got back on course to prevent him yanking my bows round straight into another boat. Finally with his engine started I re-threw him the line and we made steady if not a zigzag passage up the channel. With the final turn and about ten boat lengths off, I shouted for him to drop the tow line. He kept towing, I shouted again and he clearly disagreed with my decision and kept towing. Needless to say I entered the haul out bay going way too fast and we came to a sudden stop with the bow spirit hitting the crane – good work!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Fri 28<sup>th</sup></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial"> – Rise and shine around </span><st1:time minute="0" hour="6"><span style="font-family:Arial">6am</span></st1:time><span style="font-family:Arial"> and by </span><st1:time minute="0" hour="8"><span style="font-family:Arial">8am</span></st1:time><span style="font-family:Arial"> I have been hauled out and dropped on blocks literally right next to the haul out bay. I borrow a scraper and get to work. The growth is about 3 inches thick with lots of the water filled things. While their popping is pretty gross the water actually keeps me cool!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">By lunchtime, the hull is clean of all growth and I can see lots of areas where the antifouling has completely gone. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>There doesn’t appear to be anything to worry about – thank God!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Another walk to Budget Marine to sort out Antifoul. Two gallons of SeaHawk’s </span><st1:place><span style="font-family:Arial">Island</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial"> 44 and two bottles of ‘Tin Booster’, due to arrive tomorrow morning.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Back at the boat, I hook up to the electricity supply and get out the sander and by the end of the day she is almost ready for painting. I have a bucket wash on deck as I am black from the antifoul paint and working in the dirt.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Sat 29<sup>th</sup></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial"> – I finish the last of the sanding and get priming all the bare areas. At lunchtime I meet a new friend in the local bar / petrol garage called Alex who is Austrian and insists I drink beer in one litre bottles and welcomes me into the ‘fold’ properly.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Taking a break from the drinking its time for a trip to the Dutch side to get some Sikaflex, only to return to find more beer waiting in the fridge. Needless to say I do little else for the rest of the day.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Sun 30<sup>th</sup></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial"> – After a night of watching ‘My Name Is Earl’, it’s back to the priming. I am almost done when alex comes over to visit. Could I have a look at his laptop and install some navigation software – sure no problem.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">As always, the computer problems take longer than anticipated and with the remainder of the afternoon I mask up the hull and finish a few last bits of priming, before a bucket wash and several more episodes of MNIE and chatting to Kat online.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">There is a depression about 600nm due west of the islands and is looking like forming into a Tropical Storm or worse. I need to make sure the boat is ready to launch by tomorrow just incase.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Arial">Mon 31<sup>st</sup></span></b><span style="font-family: Arial"> – I set my alarm for </span><st1:time minute="30" hour="5"><span style="font-family:Arial">05:30am</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: Arial"> and start painting the antifoul by 0600am. Two coats later and its </span><st1:time minute="0" hour="12"><span style="font-family:Arial">midday</span></st1:time><span style="font-family:Arial"> and can at least be put back into the water if required. She looks really good with a clean shiny bottom. I would love to paint the topsides as they are showing signs of wear but luckily there is no completely bare wood showing, a job for another time.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Instead, I concentrate on the engine and Tausten (another friend) helps me lift the engine down from the boat. We strip the carb completely and wash everything in petrol.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Finally an hour later and after lots of pulling she fires. I put the engine on the back of Taustens dinghy so I can run the engine for longer than a few seconds without it over heating. It seems to run really rough and not exactly reliable, but at least it’s started!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Decision time now as the depression is only 400nm away and there is talk of at least Gale Force winds, so I don’t want to be on the hard. In addition, I don’t really have anywhere else to go. The lagoon is (will be) packed with badly anchored boats and don’t really want to leave for the passage to </span><st1:place><span style="font-family:Arial">Antigua</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial"> yet as I’m not ready.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">I’ll see what tomorrow brings, I should be able to stay until Thursday so may be able to simply tie up in the haul out bay.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family:Arial">Two weeks and I still haven’t actually sailed the boat yet!</span></p>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-68932512072428452742009-08-24T17:59:00.004+01:002009-08-24T19:35:58.758+01:00Im Alive - Just!<div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Weds 19th</b> - After saying farewell to Tracy & Melody, Mr Crute and I set off to the airport late afternoon with ample time to spare. We made it to the end of his road when my spider senses tingled! 'Pull over - I wanna check the bags again'. Sure enough I had left the hand luggage behind with all the boat paperwork, ticket info and laptop etc. Phew!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Take two. Back on the road all went smoothly to the airport, aside from the £8 per 1/2 hr parking fees. Then the luggage fun and games began. I was 6kg over weight on my suitcase (the large Musto Crew bag was fine). It was going to cost me £79 to keep the weight. Out came the wetsuit, satphone, towel, a musto jacket, a pair of heavy shorts. The length of the line was increasing with business men all cursing us under their breath. Finally the woman behind the check-in took pity and allowed the bag through still ~3kg over weight. At least my bags had been routed all the way to St Martin and I wouldn't have to go through the grief of re-checking them in again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the middle of the airport we 'made camp' and squeezed what items we could back into my hand luggage (fitness first back pack and my travel guitar case). Somehow, with the zips at bursting point and my Musto foulies strapped to the outside, we managed all but the towel and the pair of shorts.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hugged Crutey and said farewell, it all felt a bit emotional although I never said anything at the time. I decided to head straight through security to ensure there would be nothing else that would have to remain in the UK and before Crutey got to far away.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On the otherside, I made a mental decision to sit down relax and chillout, I was on my way. Deciding to go in search of a drink I discovered to my horror my wallet was missing from my pockets, I had already dropped my passport earlier but felt it hit my foot while sitting down. I rushed back to where I had been sat. Nothing! A guy told me it had been handed in and I was so relieved when the woman handed it back to me at customer services. Jeez, I am having a nightmare!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With empty pockets and everything safely packed in my bags, I boarded the plane with about ten other people to Paris Orly airport.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I arrived in Paris, the first thing I noticed was that there wasn't anyone around and everything was closed. The sound of pneumatic concrete drills sounded and a few people were driving floor cleaners. Great, an over night stop in a closed airport with no shops, resturants or even anything close by.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I found a chocolate dispenser and managed to get 4eu change for a 5eu note from a cleaner. Evening meal was a snickers washed down with water from a drinking fountain outside the toilets. I made my self 'comfortable' on a bench. I talked to Kat for a while on the phone and then faded in and out of sleep to the sound of the concrete drilling, my head on my backpack and my fingers through my guitar case as homeless people searched the bins for food.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What a start to the adventure, if it continues like this I'll be back at home by Friday!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Thurs 20th</b> - The airport woke up around 5:30am and I made my way to the south terminal to check in. On through security with no problems I was getting suspicious!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After an eight hour flight I arrived in St Martin and waited patiently for my luggage. The bags appeared in dribs and drabs like the handlers just couldn't be bothered to rush. Lots of the bags were split open - I began to worry. After what seemed eternity I was the only one waiting and wondered over to the baggage desk and there it was the word 'DOWLUT' in big red letters. The woman smiled as she announced that my bags had not made the plane in Paris. The like an uppercut after a hook came the realisation that I hadn't put on any address labels - twat!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next plane was on Sunday, four agonising days to wait without any thing other than what I stood there with. I found Reg (the broker) waiting for me in arrivals and had to get his contact details for the luggage to be delivered to. Finally, I left the airport with Reg and we got into his dinghy to speed across Simpson Bay lagoon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And thats how I met Katla in La Royale Marina bay, I wasn't exactly the happiest bunny in town at that point and I was completely numb to the fact I was staring at 'my boat'. Reg left me with his number just incase I needed anything. What could I possible want with no luggage, in what felt like 40C heat on a boat (on a mooring buoy) with no toilet, electric or water!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now alone I tore the boat apart looking for the pump to the dinghy, finally dripping wet with sweat I found it and made myself 'mobile'. I rowed the 150 yards ashore and found a shop to get some supplies. Water, candles, wetwipes, toilet rolls and some cookies to snack on. Back on the boat I found some clean-ish size small T-shirts and an old paint ridden but clean pair of shorts. Everything else was filthy. My hands were black from everything I touched, everything was dusty and there small amounts of white powder all over the boat. Then I saw the container marked 'Boric Acid - for CockRoaches', great!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That first night I lay there in my tight stretch to fit T-shirt and paint stained shorts on a dusty blanket with the sweat pouring from me and the mosquitos eating me alive. An all time low, could it get any worse?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Fri 21st</b> - I was awake for most of the night and despite two almost sleepless nights watched the sunrise sitting on Katla's deck in the cooling breeze. A drink of water and a few cookies later and down to work. I started to sort through the boat and its contents. Reg came by around 10am and took four bin liners of rubbish away for me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I found a supermarket and bought Ajax spray, shower gel, washing up liquid, some batteries and a mosquito candle. I went through the extensive range of books and threw 75% of them away with any remaining being sprayed with Ajax and cleaned. Most of them are either about art, poetry or in Icelandic and Reg has agreed to take them away for charity as I hate to throw away books.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When its too hot to stay below I sort through the tangle of rigging, trying to figure out what goes where. Everything seems to be stowed well and thoughtfully, with all ropes wipped and finished. The previous owner (Martin Lund) was a stickler for being seamanlike.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That evening I go ashore after more cleaning on the boat and giving myself a wash using an old towel that looks clean(ish) which I have torn into pieces to use as both a wash cloth and towels. It's spag-bol for dinner my first real meal since arriving.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Back at the boat it's early to bed (around 9pm) as it's too dark to read or do much by candle light. Another sleepless night...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sat 22nd</b> - Wide awake at daybreak, more cleaning and I'm starting to feel like I'm gaining an edge! As the temperature rises I go ashore as it's clear I am going to need water in larger quataties than buying two 4 litre bottle at a time. The guy at Budget Marine lends me a 5gal container until they get the three containers I have ordered in on Monday. In a pharmacy, I buy some Milton disinfectant in tablet form and some extra strong mozzie spray. Before going back to the boat I have a pepperoni pizza for lunch. With water can in hand I discover that the Capitainerie is closed until Monday (this is France after all). Luckily, a shop owner on the water front fills my can for me. I pour the Milton treated water into the ships tank hoping it will sterilise the tank and water system. It should then be ok to drink from the tank after it has been flushed a few times. As a bonus, everything I wash onboard now is being sterilised as well - perfect!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another early night...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Sun 23rd</b> - Up at daybreak, I finish the last of the cleaning and decide not to trust my baggage to be delivered. Ashore I look for busses but there doesn't appear any easy way to the airport. I ask directions from some workmen and after talking an explaining my predicament he offeres to drive me there. He also invites me to his resturant and I am so thankfull for the lift.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Inside, I go to the Corsair desk and a woman takes my details. Another woman appears and is here to pick up baggage, except hers hasn't arrived (again). I start to notice that a few people from almost every arriving Corsair flight have lost luggage!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I am told to come back at 3:30pm so I have two hours to kill. I watch the departures for a while before taking advantage of the clean toilets. Half an hour later I am eating a beef & cheese sandwich before making my way back to the desk. I am told to 'go to arrivals', what does this mean is my luggage here?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I introdce myself to the baggage agent who appears to all but ignore me and tells me to 'wait there'. Finally, after another half hour of waiting the heavenly sight of a Musto crew bag being uncerminiosly dragged along the floor appears from the arrivals exit, swiftly followed by my huge blue suitcase - thank god! I am not sure what I would have done if they had not arrived or were lost, my 'whole world' is in these two bags!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I get a taxi back to La Royale and row my bags back to Katla. Now everything is clean and tidy, I find a place for my 'belongings' and even 'Churchy' gets a new home.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Reg called by with his wife and daughter in the evening on their way to a meal ashore to regretfully announce no news from the baggage people and I explain I have picked it up. He takes away the three bin liners of books which will go into the local school library. Another early night...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Mon 24th</b> - I put away my remaining things and finally the boat is starting to look and feel like 'home'. even now I am still finding new storage compartments and am astonished to the amount of spares stored aboard. It's almost an unbuilt boat inside the boat! I have enough shackles to open my own chandlery. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I still have a few important things to do such as get the outboard started and completely figure out the rigging. I also hope to get her hauled out this week for the antifouling. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With no means of charging my phone or laptop, I realise I have been gone five days and you people will be due an update, so its ashore to the local Internet bar for a burger & chips. The time is now 19:24utc and you are all up to speed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsUHnKMOesRqnUgOZ8u620uQUYOfCa_PfeEWna3I2GIhaK22jC2sNfKxDavKi99NNV-5X6GRcxMCZjWYbvG2fajXVSHNhu8I1obhhiG7J69N0ExCP01lhVnVJXK2eTs0XZZZnM3SoyRJG/s320/Katla+post+Ana+Aug+14+002.jpg" style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373599116941451138" /></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-67368852566794501272009-08-18T14:40:00.000+01:002009-08-18T14:54:41.645+01:00A New Adventure<div style="text-align: justify;">Well almost two months has now passed and tomorrow (Weds) evening (19:45 19.08.09) I fly out from London City airport (via Paris) to St Martin to see Katla for the first time. Unfortunately I have to spend a night in Paris and will arrive the next day around noon (local time).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's been a very stressfull couple of days with two hurricanes Ana & Bill (Cat2 - still active) skirting very close to St Martin. Reg the broker has been amazing in keeping me informed and ensuring Katla is safe on her mooring. I actually found out that she successfully weathered a cat3 hurricane (Omar) last October.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another headache is trying (and failing) to fit my entire world, at least all the things dear to me and all the things I consider essential into my 40kg (2 x 20Kg) luggage allowance. Thank God that there is a lot of stuff already aboard - and thank God Crutey (the Ground Crew) has room in his loft for all my belongings I am not able to carry.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For those of you who have been following my antics on YachtDoris, please update your bookmarks to YachtKatla as from now on this is my new Blog. Long live YachtDoris!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A new adventure is about to begin ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561577373650536863.post-63286620209463934462009-06-21T14:43:00.000+01:002009-06-22T20:09:41.648+01:00The Slippery Slope!<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>The complete history and run up to the events below can be found here: <a href="http://yachtdoris.blogspot.com/"><i>http://yachtdoris.blogspot.com</i></a></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>November 2008:</b> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rXFhACj2-4USX_IJaoMang?feat=directlink">Marcus</a>, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8XmLTlbm570dC2bjHgWnrQ?feat=directlink">Lindsey</a>, <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HZQJ7vdu93TCaPOWBKSVGw?feat=directlink">James</a> & <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AA6bqQ7W0FsHfDfvF1fcWA?feat=directlink">Freya</a> (all of which previously worked on Wooden Brixham Trawlers at <a href="http://www.trinitysailing.co.uk/">Trinity</a>) in <st1:city><st1:place>Las Palmas</st1:place></st1:city>, Canaries. All 'harping' on about old boats over dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They sowed the initial seed of interest about owning an older classic type of boat for cruising. At this stage I still love <st1:place><a href="http://yachtdoris.blogspot.com/">Doris</a></st1:place> and was fighting the lure of old boats. I had however, just started to read <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Moitessier">Moitessier</a>. The slippery slope begins!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>January 2009:</b> Completed <a href="http://yachtdoris.blogspot.com/2008/12/atlantic-thoughts.html">solo transatlantic crossing</a> and immediately wanted a different boat. I didn’t know quite what I wanted, but I did want simplicity and comfort 'a la Moitessier' my new found <a href="http://espn.go.com/i/eticket/20060118/moitessier_b.jpg">guru</a>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOQQ_i-0TBGjVoBmGMZ57YKFqhAeVh58RdQt2fHNfLduVW7fVTDMFLShN87dD23Sy1C3eXcJU2n610mHtbROWNp9HLEoDuouaYfE3Z8ty-U71vXGbPy1MUF7PHckEQf-JC8qVjxXByEbB/s1600-h/PA190003.JPG">Matti of Carma</a> reinforced my belief in small boats and simplistic systems despite him seemingly being put off sailing for life after his Atlantic crossing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>Early 2009:</b> Saw Katla listed and dismissed her due to size. At this time there were only a few exterior pictures. She was also wooden and I swore I would stay well away from wooden boats! At this stage I was looking for ideally Steel, Aluminum or Plastic.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>March - April 2009:</b> <a href="http://www.antiguaclassics.com/">Classics</a> Week in <st1:place>Antigua</st1:place>, <a href="http://www.antiguaclassics.com/09html/gallery09.html">racing</a> <a href="http://www.veracity.org.uk/">Veracity</a>, ‘<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/YachtDoris/Classics2009?feat=directlink">hanging out</a>’ with Marcus, James & Freya. Witnessing the camaraderie among the 'Classic boat owners’ and several conversations with Marcus about the maintenance of a (new build) wooden boat being relatively easy and comparable to steel and nothing like the trappings of an old wooden boat. I was now open to the idea of Steel, Plastic (if I had to), Aluminum, Wood (new build only) and Ferro cement, either way (despite never having sailed one) it had to be Gaff Rigged. <st1:place>Doris</st1:place> was placed for <st1:city><st1:place>Sale</st1:place></st1:city> on a few free Internet websites.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>May 2009:</b> After making endless notes during my <a href="http://yachtdoris.blogspot.com/2009/05/atlantic-1-sunday-10th-may-2009.html">return solo transatlantic</a> trip to the <st1:place>Azores</st1:place> from <st1:place>Antigua</st1:place>, my 'new' boat had to be completely simple and cheap to maintain. Telegraph pole mast, galvanized rigging, no inboard engine, simple 3 strand rope and block running rigging, small enough to Single Hand. I wanted none of the trappings of modern boats and the associated expensive chandlery. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>June 2009:</b> After endless searching it seems that all Gaffers are either wooden (old - 50+yrs) with the occasional Ferro cement. Ferro is the hot choice with only two boats of interest found. <st1:place>Doris</st1:place> was placed for <st1:city><st1:place>Sale</st1:place></st1:city> with <a href="http://www.yachtworld-international.com/pls/searchmichaelschmidt.php?rPage=/privatelabel/listing/pl_boat_detail_handler.jsp?slim=pp263772&units=Feet&boat_id=2078721&back=%2Fprivatelabel%2Flisting%2Fcache%2Fpl_search_results.jsp%3Fps%3D20%26slim%3Dpp263772%26uom%3D126%26type%3D%2528Sail%2529%26so%3D0%26units%3DFeet%26duom%3D126%26wuom%3D126%26luom%3D126&searchtype=buy">brokers in the </a><st1:country-region><st1:place><a href="http://www.yachtworld-international.com/pls/searchmichaelschmidt.php?rPage=/privatelabel/listing/pl_boat_detail_handler.jsp?slim=pp263772&units=Feet&boat_id=2078721&back=%2Fprivatelabel%2Flisting%2Fcache%2Fpl_search_results.jsp%3Fps%3D20%26slim%3Dpp263772%26uom%3D126%26type%3D%2528Sail%2529%26so%3D0%26units%3DFeet%26duom%3D126%26wuom%3D126%26luom%3D126&searchtype=buy">UK</a></st1:place></st1:country-region>.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>14.06.2009:</b> James sent me the <a href="http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2006/Mahogany-Gaff-Rigged-pocket-cruiser-Ocean-Passagemaker-1925185/Caribbean/St.-Maarten-St.-Martin">Katla web link</a> during another evening chat session discussion about '<a href="http://www.apolloduck.com/search.phtml?search=gaff&sr=1&q=1">boat porn</a>'. This time there were interior pictures and I'm sure a more informative description than I previously remembered. The big attraction was the realization that Katla did not have an inboard engine. Requested more pictures from the broker.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>15.06.2009:</b> Received <a href="http://smaalders.net/yacht_design/Assets/wynfall%20layout%204%20berth_100%25.jpg">design sketches</a> and some more info from broker. Learn the boat name is 'Katla'. Probably due to the name alone, <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4GSqGNIhiRWidSbob5CQGQjVg6owN7zA7t0A80Fn0JCdt5VkDsKspOBu9IWR5MoghEGoMOFQoI-cUJu1NLZAKPoXogBCHqOeAbqPBivpuflz-ABZSrRMcHiGWqWpdDVl6DVIltf5ywB22/s1600-h/P1240247.JPG">Kat </a>has agreed to loan me half the money until <st1:place>Doris</st1:place> sells despite it being 'everything' she didn't want in a boat. Asked Marcus for his opinion on Katla which comes back positive.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>16.06.2009:</b> More questions regarding the build materials and fastenings. James was due to visit <st1:place>St Martin</st1:place> to see another boat in the same boatyard so a viewing is a real possibility. Research on the Internet finds the <a href="http://smaalders.net/yacht_design/">designers website</a> and build photos of Katla.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>17.06.2009:</b> Receive more answers from the vendor and learn that a 'Fully Conditional Offer Subject To Buyer Satisfaction' is possible. Also learn that a 2nd party has been interested since March 09 and is viewing the boat in a few days time (Thursday), James is due to go to St Martin on Friday. A 'conditional' offer is therefore made and accepted late evening. Due to me being in the <st1:place>Azores</st1:place>, and the difficulties of arranging Bank Transfers for the securing deposit, I enquire about the possibilities of James paying in cash - No response from the broker.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>18.06.2009:</b> AM - Despite a number of ‘chasing emails’ to the broker, no response received hence, deposit not transferred. PM - I receive an email saying the 2nd buyer has offered more money and left a deposit. I am livid! I could have paid my deposit by PayPal or Bank Transfer but silence from the broker resulted in neither happening. The broker advises us to still view the boat as planned and reserve our offer as a 'backup' as the 2nd buyer wants a lift out, survey and title search and cannot pay in full until late July.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>19.06.2009: </b>Broker advises me that the 2nd offer has not been formerly accepted by the vendor and that an extra '$2000USD' offered might put me 'back in the game'. James views Katla and advises that the boat is both worth the offer price and in good condition. A small deposit is made to show 'Good Faith' with the promise to increase the deposit first thing Monday morning when the banks open. A second payment will be made a few days later mid next week and then the final payment in early July. The 'irony' - Kat will again be paying a deposit on my second boat, another of which she doesn't actually agree with!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>20.06.2009:</b> Confirmation of the Vendor’s acceptance of our new offer is received from the broker. ‘You are the proud new owner of Katla'. I have read ‘<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hand-Reef-Steer-Traditional-Sailing/dp/0713672242">Hand, Reef & Steer</a>’ by <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.tomcunliffe.com/">Tom Cunliffe</a>, but still not actually sailed a Gaffer!. Another steep learning curve and challenge ahead!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b>22.06.2009:</b> Full deposit transfered and reciept confirmed by the broker, its safe to say that Katla in now secure. I am still 'stuck' in Horta and although I was thinking about leaving tomorrow a huge storm is forcast for Thursday.</p>Simon (Boo).http://www.blogger.com/profile/17372758489994891930noreply@blogger.com2