Finally, Dorade is looking her best again after weeks of hard work in the blistering heat. We now have at least ten coats of varnish on everything and should be well set up until the end of the season. Having kicked off the varnish team it was a nice feeling to get the boat back to myself again and start putting things back together.
Unfortunately as we peeled off the last piece of tape bellow the cap rail it removed some of the paint from the waterways. The waterway were only painted in San Diego this year so I can only assume the preparation was not done properly and the job was rushed. Anyway when we get back in January we will take the time and do it properly and hopefully it will be good for many years to come.
A new forward awning is being constructed at A & F sails and hopefully I will have it fitted this week so we can sail up to the BVI with it this weekend. A & F also made a lovely engine cover for the out board which will protect the paint and also look more in character when alongside Dorade.
Christmas is just around the corner and although it never feels much like Christmas in the Caribbean I am really looking forward to getting to the BVI and making sure Matt, Pam and the entire family have a Holiday they will never forget. My brief was to make sure the Kids (not really Kids anymore) have a great time and I am to take them out and shake things up a bit. This is possibly a dangerous thing to ask me to do, those who know me would agree but I have the police briefed and the cell booked for New Year’s Eve.
Laurel just arrived in from completing the ARC race and a victory in her class so a big congratulations to her and the crew of Zenyatta. Fortunately this means I now have my delivery crew sorted and the two of us will sail the 180 miles to Virgin Gorda on Saturday or Sunday. The weather looks great for a fast down wind sail so it should be easily achieved in 24hrs.
For the rest of the week I am cleaning up the boat and putting it into cruising mode for the holiday. It will be nice to get all the cushions out and enjoy some cruising in comfort and a nice change of pace from the last year’s busy schedule.
Ben