Boating Adventures

I wasn’t able to complete the circle, which runs inside New World Island through Dildo Run, a long treacherous small boat channel.  I considered it long enough to realize that the 40 ft fixed bridge was likely to stop me.

I finally left Lewisporte Wednesday at noon.  I’m writing this Thursday afternoon as I’m leaving the eastern end of Fogo Island.  It’s been great motorboat weather, sunny and calm. 

All aboard is good.  The only issue is the refrigerator doesn’t seem to be getting as cold as it should.  I added refrigerant yesterday before leaving, but that doesn’t appear to have solved it.  Apart from that everything is in good order.

Yesterday I took a cruise through Moreton’s Harbour, then continued to Twillingate, where I anchored for the night.  Today I traveled the north shore of Fogo Island with a tour through Fogo Harbour.  That looks like a great anchorage.

Pics in order

I’m ready to set out.  I spent a day or two chasing down a starting issue successfully, and had an opportunity to get into the bowels and systems.  It’s all good now. 

The boat is great.  I appreciate the engine access, and all the systems are well done.

About the only thing left to do is bring food aboard, which I’ll do tomorrow.  Then it’s off.  My first three stops from here are Moreton’s Harbour, Twillingate and Fogo.  I’m starting to get excited.

Nice day today, sunny and warm with not much wind.  I got the motor going mid-afternoon, and went for a cruise around the harbour, then set sail.

All is good.  I’m pleased with the boat.  Still sorting through some issues, but making progress.

Lots of pics from my first sail.

We’re in the water.  I’ve got two issues – a dead start battery and a leaky valve, but both easily remedied.  I dropped an expensive cable adaptor overboard and had to improvise a charger.  I can see it on the bottom though, so will get it back.  Had the engine running.  Both easily remedied tomorrow morning.

Apart from that the boat is great.  It’s neat and tidy, and the owner’s notes have been very helpful.  I’ve got the sails on and the water tanks filled.  Instruments are all working.  Still lots to work through, but getting there.

Shannon and Mark are flying over to Gander in a couple of weeks and will drive my car back, and maybe join me on the Avalon Peninsula for a bit.

I’m starting to get excited about being underway. 

I got to Lewisporte yesterday afternoon, and have slowly been going through the boat.  All is good.  Tomorrow we launch.

Now that I’m here, I’m not in a big rush.  I plan to take a few days to get comfortable with the systems, then head out towards St John’s.  I’m targeting arrival in Halifax in mid-October, and want to explore Newfoundland along the way. 

Will take more pics once we’re in the water. 

This is very much a repeat of last year.  And there’s nothing bad about that.  We’re solidly mid-pack. 

Yesterday was a beautiful day, and after waiting for the wind to fill in we had a short windward-leeward race.  Unfortunately when we went to hoist the headsail for the next race the prefeeder jammed, and we were unable to sail that race.

Today started out nice, with rain in the forecast for the afternoon.  We had a short race, then racing was called off due to the threat of lightning.  We weren’t unhappy heading in before it got stormy.

It’s been fun.  The race committee work is great, and it’s a beautiful venue.  We’re a happy well-fed crew.  The next two days look perfect, with light NW winds and sun forecast. 

We’re back in much the same configuration as last year.  Allister jumped ship for a fast boat for the season.  We’ll miss him. 

The fleet looks much the same, with a couple of more boats that we owe time to.  I’m helming Narwhal V.

Thankfully (for me, at least) conditions are forecast to be moderate for the week.  We’re not really expecting podium results, but it’ll be fun to mix it up with some great competitors. 

I’m staying aboard Escapade ashore in Gold River.  I’m really glad I hauled here last fall.  It’s a delightful small yard.  So not quite the mother ship of last year, but not far off.

…and I’m getting ready to go boating.  My health issues have largely been resolved. 

One of my last shore-based tasks here in Ontario is to retrieve my motorcycle from Eastern Ontario, where I left it 13 months ago when heading east on Escapade.   Vehicle management can be a pain sometimes.  Fortunately we’ve got a flexible fleet.  My only recent picture is of a nice 2008 Matrix I just brought home for one of the kids.

I’ll fly to Halifax later this week, picking up the car I left there.  I’m joining the Narwhal crew for Chester Race Week next week, then loading the car and taking a long drive/ferry to Lewisporte to commission Kashmir.

My basic game plan is to sail Kashmir to Halifax before winter.   I’m very much open to having company, and am also looking for someone who can drive my car to the mainland.  Reach out if you’re interested.

Escapade is still ashore and covered, still for sale.   Tin Lizzie is still in Guelph, but I’ve pledged to get that boat to NS as well this fall.

More later…

Happy Canada Day!

I haven’t been posting here because I’ve been largely disengaged with boating, though I did have a fun weekend hanging out in Halifax on David and Laura’s boat watching SailGP racing in the harbour.  Pics below.

I’ve been having mobility issues over the past year or so that got markedly worse this spring.  I’m taking a break from my normal boating life to try to recover at home with treatment and therapy. 

Kashmir is waiting for me in Newfoundland, and Escapade remains ashore in NS.  I had made plans to be in NF now, but had to defer them.  Hopefully I’ll still get some time aboard this summer.

Plus pics of genset and rudder area under cockpit aft.