CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN GRENADA

With all the delays due to the Hydrovane installation (waiting for parts etc.) we decided that it wasn't such a bad idea to spend Christmas and New Years in Grenada. There were plenty of yachts and other cruisers present so lots to do and see. In addition we were moored right outside a wonderful restaurant run by French Canadians who were pretty damn good cooks.

Candles of course.. To get the 'ambiance'

very varied weather. But glorious anyway..

Christmas trees and lights in the Caribbean at 28 degC

Local brewery

Happy cruisers..!

REPAIRING THE RUDDER BEARING AND OTHER WORK

The play (looseness) in the rudder had weighed on my mind the whole year. Its not an easy job and in addition when you take something apart there is always the possibility that you will find other problems.
So I have included some boring photos of the rudder rework..
In addition to this we had a total failure of our battery chargers (Cristec) so had to order new ones. We also had pretty bad window leaks on the saloon side windows. The problem here is that the bonding material which glues the window panels in place deteriorates in the heat. This is a Beneteau inherent problem. We also had a new bimini and sprayhood made, and the water maker had to be repaired.

The rudder and shaft are dropped down for access to the bearing bushing

here the bushing has been cleaned and glued back in place.
Ensuring that the looseness has been eliminated.

this is the bushing that goes into the rudder tube

the bearing surface on the rudder that runs in the bushing

More work...This is the rebuilding of our water maker high pressure pump

this is the Hydrovane installation partly done. We had to wait for lost parts to be shipped in

Kwanza sitting pretty with new bimini, spray hood and new Hydrovane installed

PREPARING KWANZA FOR THE LONG CRUISE WEST

We are planning to sail West very cautiously, because although we intend to go through the Panama Canal this year we are aware that everything can change in the yacht cruising world, and already this season has started slowly with all the problems we have had with the rudder bearing rework and the installation of a Hydrovane self steering system.
So after we launched Kwanza in Clark Court boat yard we stayed on the dock for a few days then we anchored out in Woburn Bay. We were waiting for additional parts to arrive for the vane..

Woburn Bay

On a mooring just off Whisper Cove marina

A lovely little 'night heron'

Whisper Cove marina

LAUNCH December 5, 2017

Here we go again. Kwanza was first launched in April 2013, and has been put ashore four times. Nevertheless every time she gets back in the water it's a thrilling moment.! This time we will set her up to cross the Pacific to Australia..

Kwanza with new anti foul paint waiting to be launched

new bimini "will travel"..!

on the trailer

sling lift gets ready

the launch dock..