Sorry I’ve been quiet, but either Carla or I have been sick with the Flu for weeks. It was a particularly tough battle as I got it twice. We are just coming out of it. NO FUN!
I’m really looking forward to getting back to working on our new gourmet galley, especially as our stove arrives at the end of the week, YEEEEHHHHAAAAA!!!!
In this photo I still need to install the counter trim and clean up all the paint, I’m a messy painter. You can see the watermaker at the end of the counter, 
what a wonderful thing! We ran out of water when I was sick and all I had to do was start the motor, push a button, and twist a knob, how cool is that?
When I was in Tahiti in 2007 with Namaste I had a vision. I wanted a larger, simple, and humble Yacht that I could comfortably grow old upon. I had no money to speak of, but as usual, the world conspired to help me along my way.
Splendid was a rats-nest of structural, electrical, and mechanical work, and I often think I should have just built a boat from scratch. But in the end, she is turning out to be a wonderful home with a warm feel, and I can feel her willingness to return to the South Pacific harboring Carla and I.
Just before my second bout with the flu I took apart the helm and proceeded to build a new dash as I didn’t want to paint, fumigating the boat while Carla lay sick in 
the stern.
Splendid’s instruments were original 1973, and not working for the most part.
We got new Faria gauges about 6 months ago and I just haven’t gotten around to installing them. I cut a piece of nice hardwood for the dash as I’m always looking for that “classic” feeling for Splendid, and varnished it while Carla was recovering.
As soon as she felt better I was occupying the bed once again with 103 fever. Carla asked me, “do you mind if I cut the holes for the dash”?
I had no strength to stand. Of course I didn’t mind, and when I stumbled into the cockpit I found her covered in sawdust grinning at the beautiful new dashboard.
I’m such a lucky guy!
Finances are low and I’m going to try to start wrapping all the projects up. The cockpit is filled with plywood, sheets of foam for the refrigeration box, tools, and tons of other stuff.
I either have to find some charter work or make a run to Cartagena with some backpackers. Carla’s never been to Colombia and I kind of miss it, so it might be fun?
I’m still feeling a bit off today so I’m going to take it slow.
Peace from Splendid.
Sail far and live slowly.
– alex
Alex,
I’m glad ya’ll are feeling better. The work on Splendid looks exactly that-splendid. It’s a lot to do and I am sure quite a financial drain. Don’t forget about the minimalist sailor, Many us us are waiting for that to come out. On an aside I want to thank you. I have nursed the cruising bug for thirty years but something has always held me back. I don’t know why, I’ve homesteaded living off the grid for more than 15 yrs of my adult life. I currently liveaboard but it has become something of a dockuminium. Anyway last year you and Carla gave me some advice and or words of encouragement and I found a boat and crewed 800 miles down the US east coast. Not much but a start, now in July I will crew from New York to the Azores, Canaries, Cape Verdes, Brazil and Uruguay crossing the Atlantic twice, about 8000 miles in total. This would not have happened without the inspiration and dreams your site have helped keep alive. For your readers all of this is done with most of the expenses paid by the boat owners. If I can afford it any one can. Thanks Alex and Carla!
Wade,
I’m happy to hear your out & about playing with boats. Life is about having fun, loving, experencing, and doing the things that put a smile on your face, and that warm feeling in your heart.
I haven’t forgot about TMS (The Minimalist Sailor) and spend hours on her almost every day. We will launch soon.
I managed to do an hour or so of wood stripping and sanding but got pretty winded and headed back to the bed :(
Peace.
Dude! I can’t believe your getting hitched. I talked to Dave the other day and he told me the news.Congratulations! I’m a little confused though. You say neither of you are religious, but it’s quite obvious she must be a Saint!
Peace
T
Tom,
I don’t know about a saint. Carla is a punk bass player, and you know me, the sailing anarchist :) But we do get on nicely. She seems to be unshaken by my crazy ideas and predisposition to poverty.
I cant believe it either :)
Congratulations Alex you two do seem perfect together. punk bass player huh. looking forward to hearing some music you two put together. I love red hot chili peppers punk stuff. does that bass run on solar panels?
It does run on solar, as does the electric guitar and keyboard. We also have two acoustic guitars onbord :)
Hey Dude! My first big sailboat was a W28, Nanette, loved it. I want to buy your DVD, don’t know how to email you. The checkout is trying to charge $29 for DVD, $5 shipping, but total is $39, needs fix. Also, will you DVD work on a regular USA format DVD player? Thanks and Smooth Sailing, I’m right behind you!
Syd
sounds like a blast just cruisin around and making music. Can you run a 120V marshall amp cranked to eleven on solar? that would be sweet