Sunday, July 31, 2011

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.

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