Anzac Day. We have packed up the Pelican Point Shack, my home for nearly twenty six years. And are about to fly out to the other side of Australia, to Gladstone in Queensland where the new shack Jigsaw is berthed.
Like Tribute, Jigsaw is a Bob Oram designed catamaran: a 48C extended to fifty feet. And the extra 12 feet that she has on Tribute is what makes it a live- aboard, a houseboat. Bob reckoned that she was a top-notch build ( and of a brilliant design!) so I bought Jigsaw unseen before anyone else did.
She is similar to Tribute- duflex construction, long and slim hulls, light, and built for sailing. Everything needed is there and of great quality, but no frills. The previous owners- who were the builders too- have sailed Jigsaw around the world and said they did so safely, comfortably and at a very respectable pace. And we in turn are about to attempt to sail her ‘around the Top’ to Carnarvon.
Jigsaw needs to transport, house, feed and water her crew for weeks on end. And getting ( and keeping) the gear and systems running to do that takes time and effort. I did what I could, remotely from Carnarvon.
We have sailed for a week or two last year and everything was in perfect order. But I have reluctantly developed the notion that on a really sound and well- maintained boat, only one thing goes wrong per month. And that this happens whether you sail or not; so I anticipate seven issues awaiting us in Gladstone.
This idea that everything on a boat is in a fragile and temporary state of function is as old as boats are. Even a brand new boat has to be commissioned- sailed to find all the problems, then fix them. The struggle starts tomorrow and I’m excited!
No comments:
Post a Comment