This is the first test blog. At the moment we are planning to leave in the last week of April or first week of May on our sail up north of Western Australia through the Kimberley. So far everything is on track, although in recent days there have been a few hiccups. We tore the mainsail on a shakedown trip to Rotto the other day, so have ordered a new one from Geoff Bishop at UK Halsey Lidgard. Geoff makes great sails and has promised to try and get a quick turnaround even though he is on holidays in Vietnam at the moment!!
Other small issue is our new Alternator and smart regulator don't like each other and aren't talking, so the alternator has got very hot under the collar and I have disconnected the two. Alternator is on a complete holiday and refusing to charge at all! So will await the advice of Captain Hill the electrikery magician when he returns from Easter Break.
Finally, waiting for the autopilot motor to be rebrushed and a few bits and pieces to come in from over east and the US before we can get through the final list of jobs. The major exercise is to rewire the engine control panel with all new gauges and a new chart plotter. Fingers crossed that will all go according to plan over the long weekend!
Other small issue is our new Alternator and smart regulator don't like each other and aren't talking, so the alternator has got very hot under the collar and I have disconnected the two. Alternator is on a complete holiday and refusing to charge at all! So will await the advice of Captain Hill the electrikery magician when he returns from Easter Break.
Finally, waiting for the autopilot motor to be rebrushed and a few bits and pieces to come in from over east and the US before we can get through the final list of jobs. The major exercise is to rewire the engine control panel with all new gauges and a new chart plotter. Fingers crossed that will all go according to plan over the long weekend!