I watched a programme about the 50 million pound refit of The Cutty Sark and if there was one message to take away it would be that one should never consider buying a wooden boat. The cost of the new holding tank paled into insignificance compared to that little project. Must say though, it all looks lovely and is on my list of places to visit in the spring when she re-opens to the public.
The Kipper visited Petra again today to put the new teak table on board and to check that everything was fine given the ever decreasing temperatures. The new table fits perfectly in the space between the two cockpit seats which all-in-all is a relief because if it hadn't done so it would have been a bit of a waste of money. One assumes the clever Kipper measured the cockpit before heading off with his credit card.
He tells me that he has left the small fan heater runing on low just to keep pipes from freezing. Now, I don't know too much about what will and will not freeze during a particularly cold winter so there followed an in-depth discussion about boat management during the winter hard standing period.
Petra's water tanks are still in use but as the tanks are located inside the boat up in the forepeak it is most unlikely that they will freeze. The Kipper said this with such confidence: who am I to argue! It is apparently, the pipework that will most likely freeze up and this could cause splits in the pipes which can be an aboslute devil to find. We know from having to do just that a couple of seasons ago when the hose to the freshwater tap in the forepeak sink split. The resulting bilge full of freshwater was good in that it gave the bilges a good clean but it was a pain in the proverbial to try and locate the actual problem. We replaced jubille clips, we searched the entire length of pipe work but it still took an age to find the problem. It turned out to be on the very end of the pipe up near to the point where it attaches to the underside of the tap. So, from our own expreience The Kipper is reluctant to let anything freeze if he can help it. I asked if the freshwater punp might be damaged if the water contained within were to freeze. He doesn't think that is likely. Again, it would be more likely that the pipework would suffer long before the pump.
The engine should be fine because not only is it located inside the boat down in the bowels so therefore well protected it also has a healthy dose of antifreeze in the water cooling system. Apparently, it will need to get down to -10 before we need to worry. The Kipper serviced the engine soon after Pera was lifted out because he tells me that the earlier this job can be done the better. This will stop dirty oil causing damage to the engine from sulpur build up during the season. This build up can cause corrosion and will eat into the metal work the result of which will be pitting. Apparently, that is why you should change the oil in the engine at least one a year. As mentioned, the freshwater cooling system has the antifreeze added and this system acts like a cooling jacket running around the engine. In addition to this, there is a sea water system allowing sea water to be pumped up and in through the heat exchanger and it is injected into the exahust and is dumped back out over the side. The freshwater passes through the heat exchanger and is thus cooled as it goes through. Clearly most chaps will know all about this but for those of us who still look at an engine and marvel at the fact that it actually goes when you turn the key, this is like rocket science.
Believe it or not, I've actually completed and passed the RYA diesel engine course but in my defence it was some years ago now ad I've slept since then. I do know that it is always a good idea to have a little glance off the back of the boat after starting the engine just to make sure there is water coming out of the exhaust. I was always told - rule of thumb - water coming out the back - good sign.
Tuesday 27 March 2012
Friday 10th February 2012
The Kipper hs been confined to barracks because the man has arrived to mend the floor in the bathroom following a leak last year: not nearly as glamorous as prepareing to go to the Med for the summer. If you can believe it, he is incredibly grumpy about having to stay home for the day. He hasn't been idle though, he has cut out the ply-board that will be covered with vinyl and will shortly be used to fix the headlining problem. The board we put up in the heads a couple of weeks ago is holding fast and so, enthused by this success he has been out and purchased the ply-board and vinyl to start sorting out the headlining in the aft cabin. We plan to be at Petra on Sunday (weather permitting) to fit said boards and also to begin cleaning and polishing the hull. I will be taking along my handy platform (B&Q - about £70 of my money well spent cos I'm short and can't reach anything). I will smugly watch as The Kipper balances on the ladder trying to hold on and keep his balance whilst at the same time cleaning the hull. Bobbie D has hinted that he might come along to help on Sunday.
The only other point of note is that the scheduled crew meeting has been moved to the 19th February because Bobbie D could no longer make the 16th. No word yet from Steve E who has just returned from a week skiing in France.
The only other point of note is that the scheduled crew meeting has been moved to the 19th February because Bobbie D could no longer make the 16th. No word yet from Steve E who has just returned from a week skiing in France.
Saturday 4th February 2012
It's blinkin cold but still no snow. The Kipper was there again today heroicaly working on the keel which needs rubbing down in preparation for the fresh coat of antifoul paint. The keel needed a little bit of extra attention this year because towards the end of last season we practiced parking in the mud and spent a good hour or maybe it was two...or possibly longer...keel deep in mud looking at Margate.
Now, to be fair, we don't often run aground so it was good practice (always find the positive). I don't think The Kipper saw it that way at the time and every time the fallig tide in the Thames Estuary slapped under the transom and made the rudder bounce in the mud The Kipper made little whimpehing noises. I did what any good crew member should do in that situation - I kept him well supplied with hot tea. I'm sure the coast guard found it all very amusing but I did draw the line at seeking help from those nice chaps from the RNLI. I would have been utterly mortified to have to call them out for assistance. I would rather have jumped in with a shovel and tried to dig us out than have to call out the chaps. We tried to motor off and to sail off and to put all the weight on the lea side in order to try and bring the keel up out of the mud but Petra was having none of it. So, there we sat trying not to look sorry for ourselves.
And for those of you who might be reading this and are scoffing at the fact that we managed to run aground on a falling tide well - good for you but watch out you don't fall from that bosun's chair in that moral high place at the top of the mast! There are two types of sailor: them that have run aground and them that have yet to do so. We actually ran aground about an hour before low water so it wasn't all bad. We were making our way back along the North Kent coast having had a cracking sail back from France and we decided to go through Hook Spit which is a channel we have used many times before and yes, we have been through at low water before now. Clearly we can't do that anymore. The Thames Estuary is a cauldron of constantly shifting sand and mud and so I guess it has excercised it's right to make life difficult for us rag and stick people. With her fin keel, Petra draws 1.8m so sitting in the putty on the fin was a bit of an experience and if I'm honest, it was a little bit of a worry. Having said that I've heard of much bigger vessels beiing laid on their side on mud and rocks and coral reefs so all things considered, it wasn't that bad.
It was all part of the sailing learning curve and once the tide started to flow we were away and clear in no time. It is also worthy of note that we were not the only yachties to cime to grief that day. At least two other boats sat there with us and they were much smaller than us so that made us feel better.
Now, to be fair, we don't often run aground so it was good practice (always find the positive). I don't think The Kipper saw it that way at the time and every time the fallig tide in the Thames Estuary slapped under the transom and made the rudder bounce in the mud The Kipper made little whimpehing noises. I did what any good crew member should do in that situation - I kept him well supplied with hot tea. I'm sure the coast guard found it all very amusing but I did draw the line at seeking help from those nice chaps from the RNLI. I would have been utterly mortified to have to call them out for assistance. I would rather have jumped in with a shovel and tried to dig us out than have to call out the chaps. We tried to motor off and to sail off and to put all the weight on the lea side in order to try and bring the keel up out of the mud but Petra was having none of it. So, there we sat trying not to look sorry for ourselves.
And for those of you who might be reading this and are scoffing at the fact that we managed to run aground on a falling tide well - good for you but watch out you don't fall from that bosun's chair in that moral high place at the top of the mast! There are two types of sailor: them that have run aground and them that have yet to do so. We actually ran aground about an hour before low water so it wasn't all bad. We were making our way back along the North Kent coast having had a cracking sail back from France and we decided to go through Hook Spit which is a channel we have used many times before and yes, we have been through at low water before now. Clearly we can't do that anymore. The Thames Estuary is a cauldron of constantly shifting sand and mud and so I guess it has excercised it's right to make life difficult for us rag and stick people. With her fin keel, Petra draws 1.8m so sitting in the putty on the fin was a bit of an experience and if I'm honest, it was a little bit of a worry. Having said that I've heard of much bigger vessels beiing laid on their side on mud and rocks and coral reefs so all things considered, it wasn't that bad.
It was all part of the sailing learning curve and once the tide started to flow we were away and clear in no time. It is also worthy of note that we were not the only yachties to cime to grief that day. At least two other boats sat there with us and they were much smaller than us so that made us feel better.
Thursday 2nd February 2012
The weather is about to take a turn for the worst and snow is forecast for the coming weekend. The Kipper is undeterred and visits Petra whenever possible to carry on working his way through the endless jobs list. He was there today with the heater and the dehunidifier working overtime. He tells me that he is now the proud owner of in-date flares and fire extinguishers. He proclaims that he is over his little blip and is again feeling excited aout the prospects of the coming summe.
Monday 30th January 2012
The Kipper has had a meeting with the holding tank man (Pete).
I think it went well.
It has been established that the new holding tank can certainly be fitted along with all the associated pipework and fittings and all for the mere sum of several thousand pouns. Unfortunately, the tank will have to be located in the starboard cockpit locker which is a bit of a worry because we will have to:
a) find homes for all tht stuff we carry around with us in the lockers that fit into the 'may come in hand one day' criterea
and
b) always aim to sail on a starboard tack because all the weight will be on that side of the boat.
As I mentioned previously, Petra already has a slight list to starboard that we have tried many times to cure but no matter how well we rearrange thigs and re-pack the locker, her angle of heel always remains the same. We've learned to live with it and always look forwar to sailing close hauled on a starboard tack when Petra really digs her shoulder into the water and hoons (technical sailing expression) along at a cracking pace.
The tank chap tried to reassure The Kipper by saying that most of the time the tank will be empty so we won't be carrying around all that weight for all that long. I guess he has a point. When we're on passage and at least 3 miles offshore we can still punp out as usual and will only need the use of the holding tank if we end up in an area where you will be shot on sight if you even think of opening the skin fitting and allowing any matter to escape the tank - like for example, in and around The Kornati Islands in Croatia. They are very particular about what annoying sailors can and can't do. It will be nice to know that when he reaches his destination in Greece The Kipper will be able to swim off the boat wthout fear of something homemade floating past his ear or being sucked up in his snorkel. Nice!
Following on from this meeting, I received a frantic text from The Kipper this afternoon that contained a plea for help. He was having the first of what will proabably be many moments of doubt about his plans for the summer. I of course was on hand to offer reassurance and the resulting telephone conversation went something like this:
The Kipper: Am I doing the right thing?
Tishie: How do you mean?
The Kipper: I feel like I'm being an idiot, tell me I'm doing the right thing...I am aren't I?
Tishie: Um....Yes...
The Kipper: It's just that it's such a lot of money and I've told the chap to go ahead but what if it isn't the right thing to do; am I doing the right thing?
Tishie: Ummmmm.....Yes....
The Kipper: Really?
Tishie: Yes...
The Kipper: But it might be a really foolish thing to do spending so much money on Petra, I just need someone to tell me I'm not being an idiot.
Tishie: Um....You're not being an idiot...
The Kipper: Really?
Tishie: Really
The Kipper: Really really....
At which point Tishie turned off the hoover and sat down on the recently vacummed stairs. She quietly but firmly explained the following to The Kipper. Since his retirement from that job we will never speak of he has worked his little socks off to pay for his pride and joy - for those that may be in any doubt I am referring to his boat! He has budgeted and worked hard for each nd every item he has upgraded or fixed or replaced. He has now taken the decision to finally follow his dreams and relocate the boat to the Med so that he can spend lazy days bumming around in the sunshine, meeting like-minded people who are following the same dream - there are a lot of them out there - and, all in all he will feel very content that he had the courage to actually do it instead of being one of those people who prop up the bar of the local yacht club, talk a good job but never actually leave the dock.
The wise old scabby crew continued; yes, it is a lot of money (I'm not typing it again!) but he will need the tank if he is to follow that dream because you simply must have a holding tank if you are to be civilised and kind to your guest when they are swimming off the boat. I believe it is also a legal requirement in some countries to have one (I believe although this may be an urba myth). They really do get very sniffy about holding tanks and pumping out. So, for the first time, he is spending his retirement money and is putting it towards his retirement. Is that a bad thing? NO! He is in a position to be able to afford it and when he gets to the Med he'll be living on salad and freshly caught fish anyway so he will be able to survive on a modest stipend.
Note to self: add fishing line, fishing hooks and lures to the shopping list.
I also pointed out that it cannot be a bad thing to upgrade Petra and make her a very well found little yacht that is perfecctly set up for blue water cruising. In the long run, the investment will pay off.
Finally, The Kipper laughted and said that he felt better. I did understand his moment of panic. After all, this from the crew who refuses to spend precious pennies on buying a new pair of oily bottoms even though her old faithful tousers are falling to bits and only keep the water out if she's standing under a brolly. I panic like mad at having to pay out for expensive items but not when I know that it is justified and necessary. I suppose it could be argued that I am being selfish because I will be able to sail in the Med with The Kipper (as long as he hasn't traded me in for a younger model of crew - available from all good dockside bars!) I do want him to pursue this dream because I have been present for so many lamp-lit evenings sat at anchor on the River Medway when the subject has come up and the 'one day I'm going to do it' conversation has raised it's beautiful head once again.
Should I apologise for encouraging him...probably yes but, is it a bad thing to pursue a dream? I am absolutely certain he will have the time of his life and his only regret will be that he didn't do it sooner. He will meet wonderful sailing folk who all have their own stories to tell - some of them will have been yachting around for years and some will be very new and nervous to it. He will meet young and old; he will trip over boat-rats (also known as kids) on the pontoons and enjoy comfortable evenings sat at anchor watching the stars come out under yet another heavenly night sky whilst enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cold beer. He'll enjoy the morning dingy trip ashore to gather fresh bread and provisions and then, after stretching his legs, he'll return to the boat and decide if he wants to watch the world go by or go for a sail or do both. That is what awaits him, that and so much more so I've decided not to aplogise if I'm accused of coercinng him into it. Once he has the boat in the Med and he's gained his confidence the next stop will be 3000 miles west for winter in the Caribbean.
But I'm getting ahead of myself...
By the time our call ended The Kipper was laughing and saying that he felt better. I advised him that my invoice would be in the post and then I returned to the vacuuming. Heigh ho - if only my own retirement wasn't at least another 20 years away.
I think it went well.
It has been established that the new holding tank can certainly be fitted along with all the associated pipework and fittings and all for the mere sum of several thousand pouns. Unfortunately, the tank will have to be located in the starboard cockpit locker which is a bit of a worry because we will have to:
a) find homes for all tht stuff we carry around with us in the lockers that fit into the 'may come in hand one day' criterea
and
b) always aim to sail on a starboard tack because all the weight will be on that side of the boat.
As I mentioned previously, Petra already has a slight list to starboard that we have tried many times to cure but no matter how well we rearrange thigs and re-pack the locker, her angle of heel always remains the same. We've learned to live with it and always look forwar to sailing close hauled on a starboard tack when Petra really digs her shoulder into the water and hoons (technical sailing expression) along at a cracking pace.
The tank chap tried to reassure The Kipper by saying that most of the time the tank will be empty so we won't be carrying around all that weight for all that long. I guess he has a point. When we're on passage and at least 3 miles offshore we can still punp out as usual and will only need the use of the holding tank if we end up in an area where you will be shot on sight if you even think of opening the skin fitting and allowing any matter to escape the tank - like for example, in and around The Kornati Islands in Croatia. They are very particular about what annoying sailors can and can't do. It will be nice to know that when he reaches his destination in Greece The Kipper will be able to swim off the boat wthout fear of something homemade floating past his ear or being sucked up in his snorkel. Nice!
Following on from this meeting, I received a frantic text from The Kipper this afternoon that contained a plea for help. He was having the first of what will proabably be many moments of doubt about his plans for the summer. I of course was on hand to offer reassurance and the resulting telephone conversation went something like this:
The Kipper: Am I doing the right thing?
Tishie: How do you mean?
The Kipper: I feel like I'm being an idiot, tell me I'm doing the right thing...I am aren't I?
Tishie: Um....Yes...
The Kipper: It's just that it's such a lot of money and I've told the chap to go ahead but what if it isn't the right thing to do; am I doing the right thing?
Tishie: Ummmmm.....Yes....
The Kipper: Really?
Tishie: Yes...
The Kipper: But it might be a really foolish thing to do spending so much money on Petra, I just need someone to tell me I'm not being an idiot.
Tishie: Um....You're not being an idiot...
The Kipper: Really?
Tishie: Really
The Kipper: Really really....
At which point Tishie turned off the hoover and sat down on the recently vacummed stairs. She quietly but firmly explained the following to The Kipper. Since his retirement from that job we will never speak of he has worked his little socks off to pay for his pride and joy - for those that may be in any doubt I am referring to his boat! He has budgeted and worked hard for each nd every item he has upgraded or fixed or replaced. He has now taken the decision to finally follow his dreams and relocate the boat to the Med so that he can spend lazy days bumming around in the sunshine, meeting like-minded people who are following the same dream - there are a lot of them out there - and, all in all he will feel very content that he had the courage to actually do it instead of being one of those people who prop up the bar of the local yacht club, talk a good job but never actually leave the dock.
The wise old scabby crew continued; yes, it is a lot of money (I'm not typing it again!) but he will need the tank if he is to follow that dream because you simply must have a holding tank if you are to be civilised and kind to your guest when they are swimming off the boat. I believe it is also a legal requirement in some countries to have one (I believe although this may be an urba myth). They really do get very sniffy about holding tanks and pumping out. So, for the first time, he is spending his retirement money and is putting it towards his retirement. Is that a bad thing? NO! He is in a position to be able to afford it and when he gets to the Med he'll be living on salad and freshly caught fish anyway so he will be able to survive on a modest stipend.
Note to self: add fishing line, fishing hooks and lures to the shopping list.
I also pointed out that it cannot be a bad thing to upgrade Petra and make her a very well found little yacht that is perfecctly set up for blue water cruising. In the long run, the investment will pay off.
Finally, The Kipper laughted and said that he felt better. I did understand his moment of panic. After all, this from the crew who refuses to spend precious pennies on buying a new pair of oily bottoms even though her old faithful tousers are falling to bits and only keep the water out if she's standing under a brolly. I panic like mad at having to pay out for expensive items but not when I know that it is justified and necessary. I suppose it could be argued that I am being selfish because I will be able to sail in the Med with The Kipper (as long as he hasn't traded me in for a younger model of crew - available from all good dockside bars!) I do want him to pursue this dream because I have been present for so many lamp-lit evenings sat at anchor on the River Medway when the subject has come up and the 'one day I'm going to do it' conversation has raised it's beautiful head once again.
Should I apologise for encouraging him...probably yes but, is it a bad thing to pursue a dream? I am absolutely certain he will have the time of his life and his only regret will be that he didn't do it sooner. He will meet wonderful sailing folk who all have their own stories to tell - some of them will have been yachting around for years and some will be very new and nervous to it. He will meet young and old; he will trip over boat-rats (also known as kids) on the pontoons and enjoy comfortable evenings sat at anchor watching the stars come out under yet another heavenly night sky whilst enjoying a nice glass of wine or a cold beer. He'll enjoy the morning dingy trip ashore to gather fresh bread and provisions and then, after stretching his legs, he'll return to the boat and decide if he wants to watch the world go by or go for a sail or do both. That is what awaits him, that and so much more so I've decided not to aplogise if I'm accused of coercinng him into it. Once he has the boat in the Med and he's gained his confidence the next stop will be 3000 miles west for winter in the Caribbean.
But I'm getting ahead of myself...
By the time our call ended The Kipper was laughing and saying that he felt better. I advised him that my invoice would be in the post and then I returned to the vacuuming. Heigh ho - if only my own retirement wasn't at least another 20 years away.
Wednesday 25th January 2012
The teak table has been purchased and is now safely tucked away at home. The Kipper reports that he went to the fire extinguisher shop to see if they might be able to service his fire extinguishers to save him having to buy new ones. Apparently, the nice man in the shop laughed...a lot. Shopping list now includes additional fire fighting equipment.
The life-raft has been safely delivered to a company called Seaweather in Dartford for a probably long overdue service. These chaps didn't laugh but instead gave The Kipper a guided tour of their premises and showed him where they will be servicing said life-raft. All very interesting and he felt confident that he could walk away and leave the raft there to be well looked after.
Update ref crew - it seems doubtful that Steve E will be able to crew but he states that all hope is not lost and he is still working on it.
The first planning meeting with The Kipper and crew is now scheduled to take place on February 16th in The Five Pointed Star in West Malling.
The life-raft has been safely delivered to a company called Seaweather in Dartford for a probably long overdue service. These chaps didn't laugh but instead gave The Kipper a guided tour of their premises and showed him where they will be servicing said life-raft. All very interesting and he felt confident that he could walk away and leave the raft there to be well looked after.
Update ref crew - it seems doubtful that Steve E will be able to crew but he states that all hope is not lost and he is still working on it.
The first planning meeting with The Kipper and crew is now scheduled to take place on February 16th in The Five Pointed Star in West Malling.
Tuesday 24th January 2012
The Kipper packed himself off to see the teak-man reference a new table for the cockpit. No news yet - we eagerly await a call to tell us how he got on and if he has a lovely new table in the boot of his car on which there will be much fine-dining on warm Mediterranean evenings.
Monday 23rd January 2012
Crewman Bobbie D has expressed concern about his code name and thinks that evyne will believe Bobby Davro is sailing with The Kipper. He has requested a manlier codename: currently working on something more fitting.
I thought it might be a good idea to include a short sailing CV for those undertaking any part of this trip. With this in mind I have asked for an interview with Bobbie D regarding his sailing history and notable trips. He has agreed but only if the interview will be conducted in the pub over a pint of beer.
Once I have had a chance to hold interviews I will update this site accordingly. Steve E had better watch out because he will have to fess up with his sailing credentials as well.
I thought it might be a good idea to include a short sailing CV for those undertaking any part of this trip. With this in mind I have asked for an interview with Bobbie D regarding his sailing history and notable trips. He has agreed but only if the interview will be conducted in the pub over a pint of beer.
Once I have had a chance to hold interviews I will update this site accordingly. Steve E had better watch out because he will have to fess up with his sailing credentials as well.
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