So what's involved when you want to move a 48 foot sailboat?
First you measure the actual length from "bowsprit to bumpkin." NOTE: A 48 foot sailboat is not 48 feet... she is more like 56 feet... kind of like when you answer that pesky little question about weight on your drivers license. IDEAL versus REAL.
Next you make sure the engine is good to go -- it's a long trip 5 to 8 hours and mostly beating (straight into the wind) - so you change the fuel filters, find a crack in the fuel line, get air into the engine and in the process and discover an acutely necessary $7 fitting that is no where to be had in the entire Hawaiian islands. This also involves much hand wringing (by the wife/first mate) and the discovery of the first corollary of sailing.
"WHEN THE ENGINE IS NON-FUNCTIONAL OR THE SAILS IN DISREPAIR THE WEATHER WILL BE PRISTINE FOR YOUR JOURNEY"
So then day after day passes...you are SO close. You get the fuel line repaired. The fitting arrives overnight four days later...oops...you need THIS fitting as well that is ordinarily found at Home Depot but...GUESS WHAT? Not today!
Suffice it to say much more drama and handwringing ensues...AND THEN?
The engine starts and purrs like the proverbial well fed feline. The sail covers are off. The boat ready to go and?
The discovery of the SECOND corollary of sailing...
"WHEN THE BOAT IS IN TIP TOP SHAPE AND READY TO GO THE WEATHER WILL SUCK BIG TIME."
And so ORION waits to shove off.
Stay tuned.
NOTE: For your information BETA READER BOB doubles as HANDY DANDY WEATHER ADVISOR AND DELIVERY CREW. Tooloose has opted out of the trip. He's miffed because HE wanted to be captain. He said it was his turn and Gordon was being selfish. Instead he's driving one of the cars to Waikiki and doing research on where exactly IS the best place for Mai tai's...
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12 comments:
Thank you for your comment on my blog. It's hard to decide who was more excited -- me or my book buddy who called to scream "you didn't tell me that an author left a note on your blog!" This was five minutes after our phone conversation during which I detailed all the wonders of LOTTERY and why she should immediately read it.
I'm so glad you had an opportunity to be part of a baby quilt. There's just something special about a quilt.
Happy sailing!
You've moved from Ko'Olina? Where are you? Is that downtown Honolulu?
As we say in the Biz...
"It is where it is."
HAVE A HAPPY DAY!!!
Love,
Your favorite sister
I'm too blonde to get that. Either that or I'm just in too much pain. I really could use a big, fat painkiller right about now.
That other guy would have just packed up and sailed off...
... you know, the guy that bought a neighboring boat, sailed off, then discovered there was a water and fuel theft. aHahahaha... ah, that story STILL makes me shake my head and laugh.
good luck and safe travels.
Happy sailing to your new slip. How much fun it must be to swap locations when you feel like it.
I wish you smooth sailing and happy landings. Very nice to be able to just sail your whole home to a new spot. Hope you enjoy the new as much as you seemed to enjoy the old. Quite often when I read your blog it brings to mind my Great Grandfather who was a whaling captain. Trying to imagine living for years on such a small ship in all conditions. Boggles my poor wee brain.
Best Mai Tai? Barefoot Bar at the Hale Koa ... duh!
Even better ... a short walking distance from your new home!
Congrats on the slip!
Aloha! We're over on the new F dock and used to be on 500 row right across from your new slip. I found you by clicking on my Hawaii link and a bunch of folks from the islands popped up...then I recognized 600 row in your picture and thought I should pop in and say hi. Jen
I guess it was a good thing Tooloose took the car instead. That looks like a built up area compared to the old sloop.
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