Author: Jeff

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.

I’ve just dropped the asking price on Escapade to $US50k. 

I’ve been chatting with local brokers and boat repair folks.  When I came here last year part of the appeal was that there are skilled wooden boat technicians who could do part or all of the required work on the wooden structure.

There is an excellent shop here that can do the work.  The challenge is always scoping, and in this case there is lots of work in final prep and paint to get a seamless repair.  I can provide contact information for anyone interested.

I’ve always fought against the notion that Escapade is a yacht.  The previous owner put a lot of time and attention into making every surface perfect, but for me the attraction is that it’s a work boat.  Excellent bones, easily maintained systems, and exceptionally economic operation.  If I kept the boat I’d opt for the basic repair and not fuss about finish quality.

The new owner will have a range of options.  Work can be done here, or I can launch and deliver the boat if not gone sailing.  It’s ready to keep moving.

I’ve been scrubbing out the engine room.  Will take a video of it and more pics shortly.  Also will review in detail the deck damage.

Will be listing with a local broker if not sold within the next few weeks.

jeff@boatingadventures.ca