Early July, Lymington
In this beautiful sailing weather we are on the hot dock getting La Bamba fitted out for her voyage of a lifetime. (I am expecting the weather to break just in time for our departure, currently scheduled for 16 July.)
The keel bolts have been tightened with the biggest spanner I have ever seen!
There was a touch up job on the bow, matching our lovely blue was tricky.
David has replaced our engine battery, apparently that’s a reasonably straightforward job.
He has adjusted the hydrovane to a sensible length and installed a pulley to make it easier to get in and out of the water (we hope).
I went through the emergency grab bag and added flares and other required items, and stowed all the medical kit.
We have put Sally,the more relaxed Sanders mainsail, back on – she will be much happier in the trades than our stiffer, racier North Sails one (and quicker and easier to reef and stow).
David sorted reef 3 (we will use the Cunningham).
The Cutter is also bent on, I wanted to put the Yankee on as well but Skipper says stick with the jib for now, and who am I to disagree with the Captain?!
I measured out the extra long lines for when we need a shore line – we have 2 around 70m long (same length as the Bayeux Tapestry don’t you know) – one floats, the other is stretchy. I also made up 2 extra long mooring lines for use as a shore line when rafting up.
The mast and boom got fresh protective tape and a touch up.
Then the Enormous Sorting Out began.
Everything came out, got bagged (as appropriate) and labelled and put in the correct place.
The lazarette now has more in it and more room – a bit like the tardis perhaps!
All of the spares and the tools and the maintenance stuff is bagged and put away inside, under cupboards, bunks, floors – and all documented on my phone in a note called ‘Where is everything’.
David put some handy straps in our cabin to tie stuff down:
It was very hot work and we did have to cool off in the marina, though apparently you’re not allowed to…We were very glad to have our awnings, bought for the Caribbean. All we needed was rum punch and a steel band and we would be fully acclimatised!
There was no time for a walk on the sea wall but we did have a nice meal with Jess & Tony.
We took everything off the boat that we don’t need and it felt good to be taking off almost as much as we put on!
Now all we need is our clothes and food!
We currently have 5 crew lined up for our departure, Sam, Mark and Penny will join us on the 15th for an early tide-beating start on Thursday, weather permitting of course.
It’s getting very exciting!