EARNING THE BOAT

Mobjack Bay Marina, Mathews, VA 37º25.586N | 76º24.072W

We've come to rest in our summer home in Mobjack Bay -- and a happy reunion with Max and Jen onboard Anastasia.

Cara Mia is getting a whole new outfit tailored here, new dodger and bimini, new sail cover and a screened-in porch.

In the meantime, we'll be scrubbing her down and making her shine. This boat has taken great care of us this first year, and now it's time to give back.

When I think back to a year ago when we were outfitting her for our first year of cruising, I felt sort of timid about it, like an interloper.

Now, having cruised south of the Tropic of Cancer and back, I feel a sense of ownership. I have earned the right to call this boat mine, and with it has come a sense of pride. I want to move in, take over.

She's my boat now!

And, boy, is there a long to do list we've made:

Tammy's List:

--Insulate fridge

--Refinish cockpit combings

--Add coats to toe rails

--Make pillow covers

--Clean or replace dorade horns

--Make a helm seat

--Mark anhor chain

--Adjust Dutchman flaking

--Move cabin fans from water pressure switch

--Make or buy wind scoops

--Install reading light in salon

--Replace head hoses

--Get another iPod

--Make holder for binoculars

--Divider for rope lockers

--Mark reefing lines

--Seat cushions for stern chairs in cockpit

--Organize lazarettes

--Make winch covers

--Get pactor modem working

--Move SSB

--Wax decks

Chip's List:

--Put reflective tape on mast

--Replace bulb in anchor light with LED

--Rig or buy preventer

--Inspect standing rigging

--Replace main halyard

--Switch anchors

--Service windlass and winches

--Rebuild head

--Install raw water pump in galley

--Fix or buy new stereo

--Service fridge

--Check packing gland

--Get depth and speed meters working

--Fix bow pulpit

--Replace life raft box

--Evaluate and replace lines as needed

--Check chainplates

--Mount solar panel  monitor

And this doesn't include the list, just as long, for the dinghy.

So, we're going on a road trip.