SUMMARY OF OUR 2013 SAILING
From April to October we lived on board Kwanza, and cruised around the West Coast Lochs and Isles. Weather and warranty repairs kept us in the area close to Ardrossan where the vendors agent was located.

So to begin the story...We were assigned a berth on the first pontoon and here we stayed and sat-out the terrible Scottish weather of May and part of June. Some of our new friends told us that 2013 was one of the best years for perfect sailing weather... We were surprised to say the least, however we had never been to Scotland before.

Kwanza sitting peacefully at berth, with spray hood and bimini.

The Christening Ceremony. One bottle of Luxembourgish Vin Mousseux, poured over her bowsprit and forward deck.

 

FLYING OUR LUXEMBOURG RED LION..

THE FIRTH OF CLYDE

 On our first sail out of Ardrossan harbour we headed over to the Island of Aran in the Firth of Clyde. Interestingly we got involved in the Joint Warrior Naval exercises. The destroyer in these pictures is actually Canadian, and decided that we would act as an obstacle, and passed close to us at full power. Meanwhile landing craft were being deployed from other ships in the area who also `buzzed' us..

THE KYLES OF BUTE

We sailed the Kyles of Bute, and watched the Fife Regatta from our anchorage off Tighnabruaich, just beside Kames on the West Bute channel. We also anchored in Loch Riddon just North of Kames off 'Coal House' and watched one million and one Jelly Fish float past the boat. (they thrive in these waters due to the rich plancton colonies)

Loch Riddon, near coal house anchorage

PORT TARBERT in LOCH FYNE

KWANZA is moored at the back. She is the biggest yacht in the picture

 After sailing the KYLES we sailed into the Sound of Bute and up into Loch Fyne. Tarbert was a friendly little coastal town with a big fishing industry. We decided to return when the Sea Food festival was on.

Tarbert castle

Loch Fyne as seen from Tarbert Castle

View of Tarbert harbour from the Castle

Eider ducks in abundance

Our yacht launch is a 2.5 meter long Honwave inflatable dinghy with six horsepower outboard motor.

OTTER FERRY in Loch Fyne

This is a unique anchorage in Loch Fyne just North East of Tarbert, behind a large natural breakwater. Sublime views, and sightings of Otter, ducks and Seals.

Kwanza lying peacefully at her mooring in Loch Fyne

Oyster Catcher Pub at Otter Ferry

We walked along behind the breakwater of Otter Ferry and were surprised by the lush vegetation. Later we had a supper of scallops and salmon at the Oyster Catcher pub.

WE HAVE TAKEN DELIVERY
Today we took the final brief from Chris at Sunbird Yachts, filled in the Beneteau check list and set up the final payment. We now have the keys and have started the loading of goods and equipment, which constitutes our whole life's belongings from now on.
We are a bit worried about stowage space, so will make the aft port cabin into a storage room. Here we will store the tools, bikes, spares, extra clothes, Heathers shoes etc. The wine will have to go into the bilges. The fishing rods, dive cylinders, kedge anchor and spare chain and rope will go into the lazarette lockers.

LAUNCH !
On the 2nd April 2013 KWANZA was put in the water.
She was moved by cradle hoist from her on-land stand to the marina launch area. As she was slowly lowered into the sea at high tide, four of the marina staff held her off the wall. She was then moved to the visitors berth just in front of the marina office building.
Great day for a launch. Sunny and calm but very cold......

KWANZA was rolled out of the hangar on Monday 25th March 2013.

Weather in Ardrossan was very cold but they were not under snow as Aran was (and still is..) just across the sound. So the roll out of Kwanza was done on schedule.!
The mast was mounted but the rigging not set up yet.
And the Arch was installed.
Lets hope no damage sustained and that everything done with care and attention...

Next waypoint on the schedule is the launch due to take place on the 4th April 2013.
We will then accept the yacht on the 10th April. At which point we will Christen her. Two bottles of Luxembourg Cremante, one for her and the other for us...

At this point I should mention that I have bought the following equipment:
A dinghy. Waveline 270 inflatable rib.
A 6 hp Yamaha outboard, with external tank, and lock
A 6 man offshore Life Raft
An "A" sail or Spinnaker with a Snuffer.
Complete set of cockpit cushions.

We still need:
Life vests. We are looking at the Spinlock or Kru vests, and would like personal AIS and PLBs.
Complete Safety Kit, including flares etc.
Grab bags.
Wet gear and footwear. Probably the Musto MPX.
Personal VHF sets that are small enough to fit the pocket and that can float.