Sam and I had a huge cleaning, organizing, and throwing out party yesterday.
I got the 2 new solar panels mounted on the stern life line. All I need now is some hardware and stainless tube to hold them up, and to wire it all in. All I did was drill 2 holes in the panels, take the turnbuckles off of the lifeline, and run it through the panel. The nice thing is they will flip down when I need to maneuver Splendid into a slip or anywhere the panels might be in danger, like going through the canal! I’m going to run the panels (4x12v) in series to make it a 48 volt bank. My charge controller can handle it and I’m told it is the most efficient way of harnessing the solar power. Obviously the MPPT controller will put out 12v.
Sam managed to clean out the aft head (closet) enough for me to get our 2 bicycle frames into it. I hate cluttered decks. I emptied the 2 lazarettes and reorganized everything. I had so much space when I was done I could fit 4 bike tires and a bunch of scrap material I had lashed to the deck. I also made a bag of extra anchor line and chain. I had 300′ of anchor line in the lazerette and put it in a bag with 30′ of chain. If I ever need to throw an extra anchor out in a hurry it will be an easy and quick procedure. All I need to do is attach a shackle to one of the 3 extra anchors onboard and baddabing, Bob’s your uncle!
As far as weather goes Anna looks like it still might be a problem but Bill (first hurricane of the season) looks like it’s headed for Bermuda.
Sam and I are getting antsy and need to do something. There may be an opportunity for us here or we will be heading north shortly. I’m hoping Anna tracks to the West.
Cheers everyone.
Sail far and live slowly.
– Alex
