Hello all,

We arrived at Green Cove Springs on Monday, Nov 12th. As the yard doesn’t move boats on Mondays, we had arranged to be transferred to the workyard the next day. The boat was very dirty after it’s summer storage but had little mildew below decks. Washing everything down with diluted vinegar before we leave seems to really help.

Once the interior was cleaned up somewhat and the remains of my chemical factory disposed of safely, we moved clothes, food etc aboard and started to work. First job was to rinse off some of the summer grime. Then, clean and wax the topsides. We have found an inexpensive wax that is easy to work with – Starbrite’s Premium Marine Polish. It had been recommended by friends and also had a great report from Practical Sailor magazine. Once the waxing was done, time to re-new the bottom paint. Murray scrubs the existing paint with a wet 3M pad before applying new coat of an ablative bottom paint. Meanwhile, I cleaned and polished the prop. In my spare time, I continued to unpack suitcases, sort and put things away. Murray replaced all anodes, checked and greased all the thru-hulls.

Launch was scheduled for Tuesday, the 20th. Finding a space on the dock was the next obstacle. Marina staff helped by building a fender board to prevent the boat from being pushed under the pier ( it has happened to others! ) and we were tied to the north side approx 3/4 of the distance out on the pier. Not a good spot when a front comes through, with strong north winds pushing us onto the dock. Oh well.

Yesterday, we put the sewing table back together ( Mur cut it in half to store it in our locker ) on the pier, dug out the fabric and sewing machine. Time to start work on the dodger.

But, today we awoke to rain and it seems to have settled in for the whole day. Sure hope not as the marina is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. The manager is supplying turkey and ham and everyone brings a dish to share. But, instead of making patterns today, we have been sorting, putting things away ( constant job aboard ) and reading the instruction book about building a dodger. It seems a scary, daunting task but once we start things will make more sense, I hope.

I know that it isn’t Thanksgiving in Canada, but Happy Thanksgiving anyway. We will think of all of our extended family as we share a feast with friends here. Best wishes to you all and stay in touch.

Heather & Murray