Over three years ago, we set the 23rd of June 2018 as our “sail-away” milestone. It was far enough in the future to get a solid boat and for us to be ready, which we envisioned as the kids to not need constant attention, our downsizing completed and some financial reserve. These three years went by fast. So where are we? No, we are not sailing on the boat, yet. And we are still in Portland. But we are getting very close to leave. We sold the house and living in a smaller –but still larger than the boat– floating house, we decluttered from our stuff a few times already, we left our jobs, the school year is over and we have been very busy getting Ubi ready to host us. And we said goodbye to our friends. We think that next week we will be casting off.
The major repairs on the boat were:
- removing all the old electronics and all associated cables
- replacing with new electronics and re-wiring with new cables going through insulating conduits (thanks Sarah)
- replacing the piston rod of the rudder (done by Schooner Creek)
- installing a weatherproof housing (from NavPod) at the elm for the electronics
- installing an electric horn (we started this project in Martinique…)
- replacing the plexiglass of port holes (thanks Yves)
- fixing the boom head
- fixing the boomvang connection to the mast
- re-wiring the port bowpit position light (that fell off during FL->OR trucking)
- changing all the latches on the water tanks as some were leaking into the bilge
- changing some of the woodwork, especially in the companion way and making a new the cockpit duckboards table (done by Yves and thanks to David for tools, time and expertise)
- fixing the dingy, including patching air and water leaks (thanks to Northwest Inflatable Boats for their help and support)
- replacing our butane gas system with propane
- installing a flexible shaft coupling (from PYI Inc) to stop the electrical leak from the engine
- changing saloon lights with efficient LEDs
- installing USB plugs in all berths
The finals steps are to downsize our stuff once more (including selling our cars), move in to the boat and provision her for our PNW maiden voyage.
One unexpected twist happened on the 23rd, as luck would have it: Mike broke his elbow (radial head) in a silly skateboarding misshape. His first cast on the day we were hoping to leave! Although it would technically be single-handing, it is safer for Mike to rest his arm and not sail on the Pacific Ocean. Time for a new plan. On Wednesday or Thursday (4th or 5th of July), Ubi and its tribe would leave Portland and reach Astoria in a day. We would meet there the small crew that will deliver the boat to Port Angeles over the weekend, while Mike and the kids would drive up there. In Port Angeles, the crew drives back to Portland with the car and the Ubi tribe starts their adventures in the Victoria / San Juan area.
Oh my gosh, the list of repairs you’ve done in the past few weeks makes my head spin! Incredible. But you forgot to mention the most impressive feat of all – Mike sewing Naomie a new dress WHILE having a broken arm. I used to think I was talented person … not so much now 😉But seriously. I can’t even quantify the ultimate awesomeness of you two. Bon voyage (on Thursday)! 😘😘😘