Sail Cutthroat

We’re  beginning to feel like boat slaves again. As we go through each of the major systems, it’s amazing the little things you find to do to increase the safety factor by a very small margin. Actually, things are in excellent shape - we added a piece of hose to buffer a water hose line on the engine to keep it from rubbing, still need to lash down lots of items, finish provisioning, some continued route planning, and the ever growing radio challenge…

The rigging and sails need a good set of eyes to identify potential failures. Between the salt and sun, the damage can quickly assess. We had two patches done on the genoa and the gooseneck needed a major overhaul, but I also found a cotter pin missing on one of the lifelines as I was cleaning and tightening them. The up the mast work is scheduled for this week -yes, that’s a pink task on the Cutthroat. We need to clean up the rigging and spreader tops, hang an additional radar reflector, and replace a flag halyard that broke on the way south in November. Of course, checking for any undue chafing is a critical function while I’m up there. Don’t want any sails falling down while we’re in the middle of the ocean.

The engine got a clean bill of health as did the generator.  Another task we decided to take on was to write a Watch Procedures Guide.  With additional crew aboard, it was prudent to put procedures and information in writing…yes, much like the SOP’s of the “old” Army days.  Just can’t seem to totally get away from it.  Topics covered include:

• Watch Procedures - Standing Orders at Sea
• Radio and Weather Information
• Medical
• Provisioning
• Abandon Ship and Man Overboard Procedures

This was actually a good exercise in preparing for this passage.  The information here can be used on any voyage and it helps us all stay focused on the process.  There is lots of work to do each day at sea.  In addition to ensuring the boat stays on course, listening to the weather and ham nets is critical as well as posting our position.  There are lots of people back on the mainland who assist sailors while they’re underway.  This is especially important in an emergency…duh!  The person on watch is responsible for making certain mechanical checks, keeping up the hourly log book entries, handling sail changes, and there’s always the cooking and cleaning that still has sto get done.

So that’s what we’re up to now.  The days fly by and we’re incredibly busy with many lists.  Our social life is actually suffering through this

Our good friends, Eric and Gisela Gosch on the Far Niente left Friday for the Marquesas

and ultimately New Zealand.  Gisela and I spent a day provisioning (good exercise and time to discuss options).  They also had the same sail and gooseneck repair issues to deal with…only they delayed their departure by a few days  (can’t always get the Mexican guys where and when you think they’ll be there - imagine that - kind of like Western Latino Time).  We celebrated their farewell dinner twice, but as we quickly learn in the cruising world - your cruising plans are cast in Jello. 

On that note, we’ll close this chapter - hope we stay on schedule - don’t break anything between now and 10 April….

Lots of Love from the Cutthroat Crew -

Elise and Roger