2008: Even More Work in the BVI

Nanny Cay, BVI: Part 3

Minor Repairs.  Included:

1. Small Crack in Hull Gelcoat.  Repaired, with epoxy filler, small crack in hull surface gelcoat about a foot above the starboard waterline. 
2. Timber Repairs.  Numerous bits of furniture, floor lamination, etc were cracked, had come apart, floor laminate lifting, etc and these have generally needed simple ongoing repairs.  The floor panels, teak and holly, are often different shades and, one day, will need replacing.
3. Stanchion Bases.  A couple of stanchion bases needed to be removed, re-welded and refitted.
4. Some hairline gelcoat cracks around gunwales, to be repaired.
5. Navigation lights on mast needed repair ie wiring or globe replacement.
6. Purchased/fitted safety gear like liferaft, lifejackets, lifesling, flares, etc.

That's right - the refreshments were cold on Virgin Gourda too!

All these repairs, replacements, etc took two months for 2 people plus various contractors.  It was an intense time and we worked all day most days but it resulted in my feeling confident that WJ3 met many of our initial, important priorities.  We could safely sail away to St Martin (& its duty free marine goods) and then on to Trinidad to get out of the hurricane belt (at my insurance company’s insistence). 

It’s important to realise that although you are now in the water and sailing, there are still things that need to be tweaked or added to make life a little less “thrilling” or perhaps just plain common sense.  I’m not advocating for a reckless assault on boys’ toys to pimp up your yacht, just handy gadgets that add to efficiency, safety and comfort.

Crossing the Anegada Passage to St Martin