The last post

The cataclysm has come, but turned out to be more of a whimper than a bang. Leaden skies, a bit of a flash, rain and an apologetic rumble or two. Oh and an earthquake.
The main event seems to have been further south where there was a good going scary earthquake plus a significant storm at sea, but we got off lightly and we managed to sleep through it.
In preparation for our grand lift out, we were moved into the marina proper. It's a bit tricky with cross winds and strong currents but the staff stood by with a tender to give us a nudge if needed. Colin took great pride in doing it perfectly without assistance.. All that practise clearly showing dividends.
Funny day followed. No chance to sail, and trapped into this busy marina with an atmosphere of beginnings and endings. Boats coming out and others going in. Hectic activity scrubbing and a feeling of anticipation all round. People asking 'are you coming in or going out?' All with this in a pervasive atmosphere of impending storm.
We had to be ready for lift out this morning at 8 and lo! we had a prompt reveille by the man in a tender calling us to action. No messing about here.
We duly arrived at the lift out bay. A very slick process ensued. We queued behind another boat, like a conveyor belt, and were instructed to hand over the boat to the very efficient team . Watching, its all a bit hairy . But these guys made it all look easy and it all went without a hitch. It is the first time we have seen Summertime nude in her entirety.
Feels a bit unceremonious.. Being towed onto a parking lot and feeling, well, like a boat out of water.
Cooler weather has helped as we have scrubbed and mended. We spent hours in the chandlers like kids in a sweet shop and spent the afternoon repairing bits and pieces. Always Stuff To Be Done.

Cleopatra Marina is a quality set up. Not a lot of chat, but buzzing activity and thorough professionalism. It seems like a very safe home for Summertime until we return..
It's sad to be leaving but we have to return to real life for a while. It will be a comfort to know that things here will be continuing in our absence and hopefully the sun will be back when we return.
We have had a wonderful trip and I certainly have a craving for more sailing, longer distances and  new challenges.

Whilst  Colin was in the marina office today I found a book named.... 'The woman sailor'.
It gave lots of wonderful tips about how to keep a sparkling galley, cook cordon bleu meals and maintain perfect coiffure and suitable wardrobe on board. Much to learn.
It also briefly mentioned astral navigation, before the chapter on 'your relationship aboard...and how sailing can affect it..'

What followed was a description of how the author had become so bored with her husband when sailing long distances, she spent days fantasising about how to escape him. In the end her thoughts changed to murder instead and how she could manage to push him off while sailing the boat home and giving a convincing story.

I obviously have not been at sea long enough.. Or perhaps it is fortuitous that we're having a break!
Early start tomorrow for midday flight.
Thanks all for sharing our adventure and sticking with us! Nearly 2000  views. 
I'll let Colin conclude... 

The staff in Cleopatra have been beyond reproach, although one punter did try to have a fight with the Marineros because he thought his berth too narrow. The stood their ground and dealt with it brilliantly.

The chandlers is excellent. 

We have fixed various things. The impeller for the log had been antifouled into oblivion so that has been sorted. A few other minor items like light fittings, blinds, have been sorted.

The anode on the prop shaft consisted of two bolts held together by ethereal zinc. i.e. it had not been changed for a while. I also noted that there is not an anode on the hull. The purpose of an anode is to give cathodic protection to metal  items on board further up the periodic table, like the engine, prop shaft and propeller.

There is a lot of debate about whether an anode, fixed to the hull and internally bonded to these items is required, or whether an anode attached to the prop shaft is sufficient. Oh and there are huge arguments about a variety of associated strategies.

I have taken the view that, as the anode on the prop shaft had mostly disappeared, it was doing it's job and I have replaced it. As I still have an engine, it is not exposed to galvanic corrosion and I will leave the current (14 year old) situation well alone.

If the "forums" get hold of this there will be hell to pay. 

On our next trip I am looking forward to an on board wash, cut and blow dry.
Perhaps.



C.

C.