Wellll it is now T-minus 2 months until we are set to head out on this wondrous journey and it all seems to be going along smooooth. This great post is going to be a solid recap on the major and minor touch ups we have been sinking our teeth in to over the last few months, as well as a cheeky bio on the latest recruit (Sir Michael 'Seaman, Deckhand and general Frother' Chaney) who looks to be joining a large chunk of the journey, because he is smart.. and fortunate.
So as the days have been ticking by Snr Watson and myself have been knocking over the job list and getting the boat ready for the trip. The navigation and electronics have been a major project which has now been completed. The blood, sweat, tears, heartache and frustrations that it took to get this done was substantial, but we are super glad it is complete and working like a dream. Thanks to Aquatronics Marine for their supply as well as their past and future help with it all. We now have a new: Depth sounder/fish finder/transducer, Autopilot, Compass, 2 touchscreen displays, Radar, Maps and AIS system. This gear is crucial for the trip and will keep us safe, on-track and cruising exactly where we want.
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| The painful running of cables and the two new screens |
To keep this gear and the rest of the vessel powered (mainly the beast of a fridge) we have upgraded the batteries on-board as well as installed 6 solar panels on the roof to aid in keeping us powered while away from port. Snr David 'Sparky' Watson knocked this over with ease and has been keeping a close eye on our power usage so we aren't caught out on the adventure.
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| These beauties soaking up the rays (plus the new radar) |
Another welcome upgrade to our lady was a new oven. Snr David 'Nigella' Watson has been learning, experimenting and mostly pleasing friends and family lately with his cooking and it is with great happiness that he has added this new appliance. If you are lucky enough to be joining us you and your stomachs will too be as happy as us with the upgrade of our oven.
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| Nigella's baby |
Some additional tasks that we have ticked off (and that I don't have photos of) include: Resealing the windows, adding to our library, booking marinas and a complete engine check and major service. We have also been splashing the cash purchasing an EPIRB (boat and personal), Life Raft, Handheld Radio, Satellite Phone and life jackets all in the name of safety.
That concludes the info on our reno's...
And now to meet Mike..
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| Melting hearts with his sweet grin |
Michael Peter Chaney (19yrs) is the second of two boys from Pete and Trish Chaney. Living in Collaroy he is a diligent and hard worker at both Eagle Boys Pizza and Alfresco Emporium and possesses a fun-loving (frothing) and positive personality. Regularly, Mike engages in a number of recreational activities such as Surfboard riding, Skateboard riding, Push bike riding (fixies exclusively) and Disco nights. He is regarded by few as a skilled tools-man, yet has a good crack at building and fixing his own equipment for his recreational interests.
Having little to no experience on boats Mike could be considered a medium to large liability during the first few weeks, however he is a keen dude and will be knocking old mate Watson off the helm by the end. His boating abilities aside, he will be a top asset with all other areas of the boating adventure life, most notably with his photo/video, surfing, fixie, handyman, life, time passing and stoke skills.
Welcome Sir Michael 'Seaman, Deckhand and general Frother' Chaney to the team.
Some more images of this goose:
Til next post..
Ciao
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