Boat Jobs and Goodbye to Selkie

Guest Post by Matt.

So it's 8:30pm and kids are still up whispering in their bunks but Bonnie is asleep already so it's probably my turn to do the update today!

After we got back from the fireworks last night I decided to do some more work in the electrical systems so we were up till 1:30am then another early start as our electrician arrived when we were still in bed. A very quick dressing routine and then we got to work.

He changed a rotary switch that was badly corroded and now we have shore power so we can use all the electrical outlets in the boat. Much more convenient than having extension cables trailing all over the place.

We also said goodbye to Selkie this morning with our friends Jackie and Robin on board. They are the couple who brought us over some hot water bottles on our first night here and have given us so much helpful advice and support since we've been here, it was sad to see them go but they gave us a bottle of Selkie rosé which we will enjoy when we launch.

We also got our electronics hooked up so we can listen to the VHF radio channels, but no power yet to the instruments by the wheel so need to investigate that tomorrow.

We also got our jib (front sail) pulled up the forestay and rolled up so we are now a sailboat with sails, well one at least. We also used our new outboard harness to lift the outboard onto the rails but now that is stronger we have noticed that the arm of the hoist bends as out outboard is so heavy so I need to get that stronger before it snaps and we lose our outboard.

During this time the kids were pumping up our play dinghy and having a great time just rowing it around by themselves and bumping into the dock.

We're now a month into our trip and haven't actually left the dock yet. I try not to think about that too much, but it will happen one day soon.

Selkie rose

Our friends SV Selkie glides out of Gold River Marina. 

Keith, the electrician, helping us trace some wires.

Behind the panel !!

Aila helping by sorting out all the screws which came out when I
took out the cabinetry for the bulkhead repair.

Very proud to launch the dinghy they had pumped up themselves.

Tai winding up on the winches to pull our headsail (jib) nice and tight.

Furling jib (headsail) onto furler.

Little did we know, this picture would prove invaluable to catch
yet another newbie mistake of ours!

Aila's journal. Should be dated July 2nd.