The news for the day is that the mast I was much worried about got the OK from the rigger. The mast on Maia is made of steel, unlike most modern boats which use aluminum, or as they say here, aluMINIum. Steel is cheaper, which is probably why it was used for Maia, but it rusts, and this one has some rust that caused us some concern. Yesterday I was able to secure a contractor to replace two places on the deck that are a bit rusty too. When we're out sailing the next 6 months, we'll have to work on some rusty spots. This is part of learning how to care for a steel boat, which requires more maintenance, but in turn is much stronger.
There remain two big steps for the boat: an inspection by a surveyor and a sea trial to make sure it sails well and the systems work. This was just scheduled for Tuesday next week. It may seem from far away that these are formalities, but we have to remain ready to turn down this boat.
In other news, our friend Dave is coming out meet us next week, which will be a help getting boat ready to start voyaging. Dave is looking for some adventure too, so we plan to be a happy crew of three for a good part of our journey.
We are starting to adjust to Australia. Our first 3 days here consisted of somewhat stressful car driving, on the absolute wrong side of narrow, winding roads, in a daily commute of an hour or more. On Tuesday we thankfully gave that up for the train. Coming home that first train day, we stopped in the Central station, one stop from home and walked along the river front. Evvy said it was the best City walk she's had in years. Downtown Brisbane is very dense, with shiny new buildings beside quite old ones, and the waterfront has cute ferry boats, the walkway is packed with runners, bikers and very fancy bars and restaurants.
This entry is the first one I've been able to do with a power connection, and after much needed boat business was just concluded, so I could write at more length. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures handy, so I'm afraid dear readers, you'll have to sit on the edge of your seat. No worries, right?
2 comments:
Hey glad to hear you're getting closer on your ship! Don't worry about the English, they probably like your accent.
-Curt
I don't see my other comments, so hope I'm doing this right. Will you have a spare mast? I think you can't put an al u MIN i um mast on a steel boat...chemical reaction that destroys the al u MIN i um ... I think I remember that.
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