B.O.A.T. = Bring On Another Thousand

Newport has been a great place to base ourselves while the engine got fixed.

Over the past week, we spent hours at the park and local library, walked to the beach and grocery store, met some nice cruisers and another sailing family. 

The kids practiced a lot of dinghy driving and did schoolwork at the Maritime Center and the Seamen's Institute (beautiful historical buildings that are meant to welcome sailors and travellers with showers, laundry facilities, wifi and comfy sofas).

With the new fuel injection pump installed, we can now rev up to 3200 rpm while blasting along at 8 knots

It is with a great sigh of relief that our engine seems to be in good working order again. Those good old diesel Perkins are just incredible.

We are trying to come to grips with just how much money we have spent over the last couple of weeks on mechanics, parts and mooring fees.

There is a saying that BOAT stands for Bring On Another Thousand. So true! More like bring on another FEW thousand!! Oh well. It had to be done.

Tomorrow will be the real test when we set off at dawn to head down Long Island Sound. Fingers crossed we won't have to turn around again like we did a few days ago when we thought the engine was fixed, but really wasn't.

On the cruising Kids4Sail online community we got in touch with another kid boat that was also planning the same journey as us tomorrow. So we will buddy boat through NYC together! Fun to have company!

We want to be in Annapolis by next Thursday for the boat show. There are a ton of kid boats there and we want to meet everyone we've been communicating with for the past year or so online! We'll also get to see several of the other kid boats we've already met in Maine and New Hampshire - can't wait!

There is a LOT of ground to cover still before we get to Annapolis.

Tomorrow's passage will be about 24 hours. We will start early, sail through the night and aim to arrive at Port Washington Yacht club on Sunday at sunrise.

The wind, tide and current are all in our favour, but with boats you just never know what surprises they will throw at you. 

Well, we won't give up that easily. And in the meantime, we are practicing Patience with a capital P!

Tai's way of carrying home some groceries.
Just using my head, he says. Literally. 

Fantastic Newport park!

Sewing lesson in aft cabin.

Lego has taken over a lot of the floor space on the boat!

Maker Lab at the local Newport library.

A few days ago we were surfing on the beach!!
Tonight we wear hats to bed!

Another load of washing done today. Clean sheets, showers 
and fully stocked fridge. We are ready to go!

Counting money for laundry - real life math.

Schooling at the Maritime Center.

A snapshot of side of engine. Hard to get a good shot.

Matt all snuggled up in the bilge compartment next to engine.