Saturday, March 5, 2011

March 2011... and counting

We've been busy.  In November and December Shannon's mast was rebuilt and her standing rigging re-done.  As well, her new life-lines were installed. The stormy weather in January was spent planning, designing and collecting... for the many tasks to follow, and these past many weeks have been spent 'head down in the bilge' installing and re-wiring a major portion of Shannon's electrical system(s).  The new equipment includes new house batteries, a smart voltage regulator, another solar panel and controller, a Standard Horizon MATRIX (VHF & AIS), an ICOM 802 SSB radio, tuner and Pactor Modem, a Raymarine ST60+ wind speed instrument, a loud hailer, a second anchor light, a water maker, a new solenoid on the starter motor, new shift and throttle cables, and a rebuilt ignition panel.  The details of Shannon's equipment are listed on the attached Blog, available by clicking on the link to the right.

Work continues as we're not quite finished with the electrical projects.  And then it's 'full-tilt-boogey' as we get ready for our visit to the shipyard.  Shannon's going up on the hard for the month of April while we see to some of the lower, exterior projects.

The good ship Shannon has developed quite a support team over the past few months.  Many thanks to Serge and Camilla (Mainstay-Yachttech Ltd.), Rick and Wendy (McBride Sailmakers), Larry (Four Winds Marine), Earl (All Bay Marine), Richard (Steveston Hardware), Eric (Poco Marine), Ron K. (BCA), and our family and friends who have known just exactly what to do and say in support of our challenging preparations.  Some days it just seems like too much, but with a kind word or an encouraging smile... we continue... secure in the belief that, in the end, it will all be worth it and the hard days will fade into the past as we reach forward into a thrilling future.

Carolyn