October 1, 2023
34°2.507’S, 23°2.664’E
Where has all the time gone? With the end of September and an impending late October departure looming from our absolutely beautiful enclave of Knysna, we are acutely aware of all that must still be done to prepare while struggling with what we’ll leave behind. Knysna is a special place, with special people, and has won a spot in our hearts.
The days are running together. As are the winter/spring weather lows that just keep rolling through every few days.
Activities since our last update have included:
- First trip up the mast to inspect the rig and confirm the diagnosis that our Code 55 sail needed some work and minor adjustments (the code 55 is a sturdy downwind sail that is ~ 2x larger in size (63.5 m2 ) than the standard outfitted headsail / Jib (32m2 ) yet not quite as large as the glorious Spinnaker (135m2 ). The code sails should prove to be workhorses in the Caribbean Trade wind angles and wind speeds we expect to encounter in 2024. Regarding going up the mast, although the Life Insurance policy is up to date, Lisa neglected to exercise her easy financial option and held fast at the winch while deploying proper rope handling technique. Thankfully, and safely, raising and lowering the helpless schmuck going up the mast.
- 1st overnight on anchor, enjoying the beauty of the Knysna lagoon, pulling up at the Featherbed Private Nature Reserve. This forested coastline has sandstone cliffs and sea caves with hiking trails and scenic views. Here we tested and shook down the anchor and associated gear. Defining and refining our processes with the anchor, ground tackle and anchoring systems (windlass to raise / lower anchor) and the bridle (line attached to the anchor chain to reduce the shock load and stresses that occur as a catamaran swings on anchor during the night or with wind, current, seas etc..). The degree to how well we sleep at night has a lot to do with our confidence in and the reality of the quality (or lack thereof) of the anchor set execution. And to think we had finally grown accustomed, after all these years, to the kids having a driver’s license and more restful nights as they have increased their talent behind the wheel. Now, we have the nightly contemplating of the anchor set achieved (or not). With every creak and shimmy to keep us company and question the execution, as we try and count sheep ….
- Working through the current sails in the portfolio (Main, Jib, Spinnaker, Code 55, Storm Sail). Testing the fit and function while learning new techniques that will make sailing this catamaran a safe and enjoyable endeavor while maximizing her performance. All Halyards (lines to raise the sails) and various other control lines have now been tested and marked to indicate the appropriate tensioning stops. While lines will stretch some over time, these initial markings will ensure consistency in early setup and sail shape while preventing over tightening as we become accustomed to new gear, a consequence which can have expensive reverberations should a sail tear from overly aggressive actions (these electric winches are a glorious blessing and a dangerous temptress just aching to trash very expensive sails).
- Continued shake down of all systems coupled with work on remaining factory punch list items. Additionally, some new items (mostly organizational/storage related) identified as helpful are being added now that we have lived aboard for over a month and have a better idea on where a few adds can be meaningful in ease of operations
- Continued docking and close quarter maneuvering. With a beam of almost 25’, this vessel takes a bit more time to get comfortable with the breadth, particularly when docking in a tight marina with wind and or current pushing you around. Nothing that patience and deliberate practice won’t alleviate.
Our son Andrew is due to arrive at the end of the week along with dear friends, the Murphy’s. We are looking forward to a visit with loved ones and some planned sightseeing away from the full immersion that has become our life in these early days of catamaran ownership. Not to be missed will be returning to Knysna with all in tow to share the beauty we awaken to daily and share a bit of the experience we have been blessed with on this early part of the journey.