Here is Splendid as she sits in Key West. I’ve got the mizzen up to battle the current and point into the wind so I can sleep at night.
I spent the day running cable and wiring the windlass. Chuck, you were right, it took more than a day. We are supposed to have about 20kts of wind for the next 4-5 days and there is no protection in Key West. I may be stuck on the boat until it cools off.
Believe it or not I’m still getting used to sailing a big boat. I’m really dependant on the windlass (or the lack of one) and I don’t have as much control as I used to have on Namaste. On Namaste I could “Man handle” everything. I could get by without using a winch, windlass, and could get the anchor up and “scoot” quickly if I had to. With Splendid I need to be a bit more cautious of where I anchor and who I anchor near. Different hulls react differently to wind and current conditions. That is why I have the mizzen up, I point more to the wind like a fin keel boats around me. I’m going to build a riding sail as soon as I come across the material.
I can’t tell you how nice it is to jump off the boat and go for a swim every morning.
Oh yeah, I sell rescue tape now. It really is amazing tape (self amalgamating silicone). If you don’t have any on your boat you really should. I use red and black on all my electrical connections, white on my rigging, and clear on all my pluming. Click on the link to the left and check out their site. You know me, I’m not a real commercial type sales person, but rescue tape really is something everyone should have on their boat. I really do believe in the product.
Peace everyone.
– Alex
Alex, I’ve been using rescue tape for a couple of years now and I have a half dozen rolls on the boat at all times. Man, it fixes everything, at least until I need to really fix it. But for lines, rigging chafing on hoses, electrical etc., it’s the best stuff in the world. Your readers should buy a ton of it and be creative with it’s uses. Not just for fixin’, but for well, everything.
Enjoy the Keys amigo… Their a special place…
Capt. Paul
Bummer… It’s a Yanmar. I just blew 4 motor mounts. Down for a few days and Rescue Tape isn’t going to do the trick. I’m looking for the mounts tomorrow and then I’ll get ‘er done… A multi night charter this weekend… Time is the essence. this really sucks. But keep writing and keep my spirits up.
Capt. Paul
There is a fellow that should be arriving in Key West today or tomorow on a cape dory 28 named Fenix. He is just finishing up a 4 year circumnavigation. So if you see him give him a shout out for all us armchair sailors :)
Alex, I called the mariina:City Marina @Garrison Bite, mooring field. they have no record of you there yet. They thought maybe you haven’t been in to register yet. I got their address so if you can confirm this for me I can get you a care package sent out. They need name, boat name and phone, I told them I wouldn’t have your number.
She said the winds have been crazy latley.
Dean
Oops, I should have included my info: blowinganddrifting@yahoo.com or 231-881-5063
As of tues.AM they still have no record of you or splendid beiing there.?
Alex, I’m planning a trip down to the keys, how long you planning on being there before heading south?
I may have figured out why you are not registered, you are anchored!! Duh, on my part. Will you be checking in at the marina for mail and packages? If so I will go ahead and send one down, I just don’t want preserves to get lost in the shuffle or taken by someone else.
Dean
Alex,
Went to this great local restaurant in KW when I was there a few years back at a HS reunion. It’s Cuban food at it’s best. El Siboney on Catherine St. at the South end of Duval St. Enjoy the blog……..Aloha. John B.
Alex,
Just wanted too let everyone know i have a ssb for sale bought in july of last year new icom m802 , includes tuner wiring and everything you need to install all for $1500.00 roughly half price. My email is capt.kwaiser@yahoo.com
or cell 980 322-5322