The crew comes together
Moorglade's Voyage
Ted Wilson
Sat 20 Nov 2010 19:07
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This has been a hectic week getting the boat ready
to depart. Kay left and John joined last Monday. We took advantage of
having a hire car to buy as much of the non perishable food as possible, Kay
and Ted had a session before collecting me and then Ted and I did more in
the afternoon. The cot in the aft cabin and the newly adapted Focsle hanging
locker are now full of food.
We took the boat round to Los Cristianos on
Tuesday, where it was lifted out of the water. The yard workers started to
pressure wash the hull but, after a while, stopped and wandered off. Enquiries
were made and it transpired that the pressure washer power lead wouldn't reach.
An extension lead was obtained but this didn't work at all.
After some poking and prodding it became
obvious that they hadn't a clue how it worked. However we were able to take it
apart for them and fix it and the job progressed. Finally the washing was done
and we painted the bottom finishing well after dark. Meanwhile Ted changed the stern gland and we were all ready for a
lift in the following day. I have to say that, with the beach just outside the
yard wall, the view beats that from Baltic Wharf any day.
We then motored back to Marina del Sur to meet with
the rigger. He never turned up. Ted spoke the following day and re-arranged the
meeting but again he didn't turn up. This went on for some time and patience was
wearing thin! An internet search revealed another rigging company in Sta Cruz.
An incredibly helpful chap offered to make new parts while we waited so,
after Ted climbed the mast for close inspection of all the rig and
removal of the lower shrouds and baby stay, we hired a car and crawled
through the Friday traffic round the island. We finally found the place in a
garage round the back of this chap's house. It was equipped with every rig part
known to man (or so it seemed) all organised and to hand. True to his word the
parts were made with great efficiency.
Meanwhile Peter and Glen flew in and made
themselves at home we joined them for a beer or two and then off for a
meal.
This morning the rigging was fitted first thing,
all spot on, and then Peter and I used the car for a shopping trip before it had
to be retuned. Glen's sister Lynn husband Tim daughter Jo grandson Leon and
Jo's freind Jo arrived for coffee and we all lunched at the local bar.
(thanks Glen)
More jobs and stowage this afternoon.
The plan now is to do a day sail to La Gomera
to shake down all the new parts (and the new crew). By Wednesday the spare part
for the watermaker should have arrived (fedexed from Trinidad!) and we should be
all systems go.
JMH
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