The Best Laid Plans
Position: Moored Rushcutters Bay, Port
Jackson Today Sylph was supposed to be undergoing an inclination test so that a stability curve could be calculated for her, but last week we received advice from Australian Sailing that the one and only electronic inclinometer in Australia had been sent to Western Australia and would not be back until later this week at the earliest. Given that we had booked our inclination test some weeks ago, I confess that I am just a tad annoyed. My understanding is that these tests used to be done with a simple plumb bob but now we are reliant onexpensive electronics and they can be done no other way. Consequently, my carefully calculated plans have been thrown somewhat into disarray. There is of course not much I can do about the situation other than to just get on with other tasks. Fortunately, despite having unloaded most of Sylph's stores, tools and equipment into the loft of my sailing club thereby limiting what I can do, there remains numerous other jobs. Today I have been testing Sylph's communications equipment to ensure that she will pass her communications inspection which I hope to complete early October. The HF radio seems to be working fine but I have some concerns over the VHF radio's signal strength, so today I ordered some coaxial cable to replace the existing cable which is now over thirty years old. Tomorrow I will be doing a first aid course. Other jobs include updating Sylph's first aid kit, upgrading her insurance policy, and completing a few minor modifications and purchasing some additional kit so that we are compliant with the racing safety regulations. Hopefully the inclinometer will be returned to this side of Australia soon so that I will not be living in a state of limbo on board Sylph for too long. All is well. |