Island Spirit on the Launch Pad 2009

Island Spirit is on the “launch pad” after months of work which began back on Easter Vacation, on April 9th, 2009. That makes 10 weekends of work and SHE IS READY! We have prepared Island Spirit every year for these long summer sails, but for some reason, this year seemed like a never ending process with another job added to the list each weekend. Our plan for this summer sail is to maximize our summer vacation from our teaching positions. This is our 1st summer of true freedom in 2 years without any Drexel Graduate School work. We plan to spent the entire month of July exploring the waters and beautiful harbors of Maine. So bundle up, get out your woolies, and sail along with us as we make the run to MAINE 2009.

Here is a list of tasks we (Radeen, Hayden & our #1 crew, Jeff) completed in our preparation for this trip.

1. Epoxy barrier painted 2 coats on bare spots on the hull
2. Sanded and refinished teak cabin sole with http://UltimateSole.com
   
   
3. 2 coats of sanding sealer, 3 coats of top coat finish
4. Bottom painted with Petit Trinidad Epoxy paint
5. Re-painted boot stripe with a $5.00 spray can of Krylon Fusion Navy! Worked well.
   
   
6. Compounded hull
7. Waxed hull
   
   
8. Re-designed bilge pump and shower sump systems
   
9. Installed new pumps, new float switches and new hoses
   
   
10. Removed shrink wrap cover
11. Launched boat
12. Flushed water system, re-connected water heater
13. Flushed all water lines with Clorox to kill odors and bacteria
14. Hoisted 135% Genoa Sail, wired & taped SS shackle
15. Hoisted Cutter sail, wired and taped SS shackle
16. Installed full enclosure, polished glass on dodger
17. Replaced main and jib halyards
18. Sent Jeff to the Masthead to remove & replace the B&G wind anemometer with new unit
    
    
19. Removed and replaced B&G depth sounder
20. Re-packed the stuffing box in the water!
    
    
21. Took boat out and tested all systems; Radar, Autopilot, Wind, Speed, Windlass, etc)
22. Changed primary and secondary fuel filters (primary – 30 micron RED)
23. Changed oil, and oil filter (Oil= Shell Rotella 10-40W)
24. Removed 250 feet of anchor chain and re-paintd 25’ markings (every 25’=yellow paint; every 100’=white paint)
25. Soldered and made new RS232-DB9 Communication cable multiplexing GPS and AIS NEMA data into one USB cable.
    
    
26. Installed SeaClear II nav system and connect to AIS radio, moving system to another laptop
27. Purchased and stowed provisions for 2 months of cruising (trip #1=one FULL Costco shopping cart!)
28. Serviced, repaired and brought back to life both folding bikes, returning them to near perfect condition
29. Rode bikes and indexed gears, brake cables and lubed. Packed into bags for on deck storage
30. Moved bikes onboard
31. Loaded a total of 10 dock carts onto the boat! YES 10 DOCK CARTS
32. Stowed all 10 carts, labeled all food, prepared menus and meal plans
33. Removed AB Dinghy oarlock and re-glued new oar lock to Hypalon Inflatable
34. Installed new ratcheting dinghy tie downs, old ones rusted. ($20 for 15 footers)

So that’s what we did to prepare for this trip. 10 weekends, Radeen, myself, and Jeff all worked on these jobs!

Now it’s time to head NORTH and discover new places….

PS: Look how I spoil Radeen with these beautiful EASTER Flowers and a "Fun" day of painting our wonderful boat.
She is sooooo SPOILED! :-)