Friday, November 19, 2010

Preparing for the Caribbean


Dance Aweigh at anchor
After spending March through June in the Bahamas for 3 years in a row, we decided to cruise the Eastern Caribbean for a couple of years aboard our 40 ft. Endeavour sloop, Dance Aweigh.  Our Bahamas blogs can be found at www.sailblogs.com/member/danceaweigh

We suffered a temporary setback in October of 2009 when our mast broke while we were sailing back from the SSCA meeting in Punta Gorda.  Six months later Dance Aweigh had a new mast & rigging & new main sail & furlers. 



Fourth of July
We then set to work equipping Dance Aweigh for the voyage. While the list of improvements is too long to cover here, highlights include: new 55 lb Rocna anchor with 250 ft of 5/16 chain, new 1500 lb windlass, new radar displaying to chartplotters at the helm & nav station, new VHF radio with AIS, new AB dinghy & 9 hp motor & motor lift & a 120 v AC watermaker that makes 28 gals of water per hour.

Just a few last minute details to cover, then we hope to depart Marco Island, FL next week.

Let the party begin!
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11 comments:

  1. KevinNovember 22, 2010 at 7:47 AM

    It is awesome what you are doing. Happy sailing!

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  2. AnonymousNovember 25, 2010 at 6:20 AM

    Happy Thanksgiving, and bon voyage! Is anyone smashing a bottle of champagne across the bow before you head out? We're all looking forward to the great stories and pictures here (oh, and I'm pretty sure everyone is just a little bit jealous!). Have a great time.

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  3. UnknownNovember 28, 2010 at 12:27 AM

    Got your midnight 27th./28th. e-mail recording the start of your exciting journey. Here's hoping for a perfect voyage! /Wm

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  4. UnknownNovember 28, 2010 at 8:02 AM

    Thanks for including us in your list. We're so sorry that we didn't get a chance to see you before you departed and wish you fair winds and following seas as you pursue your dream!

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  5. UnknownNovember 29, 2010 at 7:45 PM

    Brent and I send wishes for a wonderful time and Happy Anniversary for tomorrow! Love looking at your photos. Don't go near the edge, Marg! (tee hee!). Pam

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  6. AnonymousNovember 30, 2010 at 4:37 AM

    Web shortcut to your position: http://www.winlink.org/dotnet/maps/PositionreportsDetail.aspx?callsign=KJ4BMY

    Have a great trip,
    Rich Thompson

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownNovember 30, 2010 at 8:51 AM

    Happy Anniversary. Where did you dine on your Anniversary? Did you forget anything yet? Glad things are going well. Bob & Meg

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  8. AnonymousNovember 30, 2010 at 8:15 PM

    Happy Anniversary you ole sea dogs. Blog works great. Have a great and safe trip. Paula and Dean

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  9. AnonymousDecember 1, 2010 at 7:14 AM

    WOW, we really enjoy living vicariously through your adventures. I'm back full speed now...ready to rock and roll...Never got those dance shoes working but will when you return.
    God Speed and Take Care of each other...Love you both...L J and Sammi.....

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  10. Fran and HermDecember 1, 2010 at 7:25 AM

    Just trying to see if this thing works. Hope all is well.

    Herm and Fran

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  11. AnonymousDecember 4, 2010 at 8:36 PM

    Just checking in to see where you are and what you are up to...Living vacariously is fun, don't have any of the work and can enjoy the fun.
    Linda, Jim and Sammi

    ReplyDelete

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