WHATS IN A NAME?

A name is an important part of a vessel and I was always under the impression that unless you wanted to anger the 'sea gods' and bestow bad luck upon it and yourself, you did not rename your boat. However, after some great research and the realisation that the  previous owners had renamed her Catalpa only a year and a half before she became mine, I figured I can do whatever I want. 

The morning of the hurricane the whole 'what should I name my boat' conversation came up (as it did quite often). At that particular time I must have been hungry because naming the boat tortilla seemed like a brilliant idea to me... Apparently not so brilliant - that only lasted moments.

By mid afternoon, once we had prepped the boat for the hurricane and done all we knew to do, I was laying down, reading a story about a ship that was stolen by pirates and re-named 'The Fancy'. I thought this was an incredible name for a boat and it quickly evolved into 'Fancy Pants'. 

I was beside myself. I had spent ages looking for names and finally I had found one that I loved that had a theme song and everything. Partial love for the name was also due to the fact that every time I would have to be hailed on the radio, or we would enter a port the hailer would have to say 'fancy pants, fancy pants, fancy pants! I had struck Gold!

That night the hurricane happened. 

Two days later, when we were prepping the boat to have it pulled off the mud, we were reflecting on the previous nights misadventures. Talking about how in hindsight we should have done this and in hindsight we should have done that. There were sentences starting over and over again with 'in hindsight'.

After about the 5th time Hendo and I looked at each with a look of astonishment and realisation... an epiphany. Some might say, even similar to that of Isaac Newton when the apple fell on his head and he discovered gravity. Instantly it had become apparent that as much as I loved the name Fancy Pants, the boat wanted... In fact needed to be called Hindsight.

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ANCHOR WANKER

Anchored in the bay

Anchor Tattoo's

Picture courtesy of Westmarine.com - Doesn't fully capture the part where you have to smoke.

Now this is not technical... And all my sailor mates, be gentle with your criticism... But I feel learning to set an anchor properly was imperative for me.

Talking anchors in the sailing/boating community is like talking religion or politics. Everyone has their own opinion and discussions can get very heated. What type of anchor? how much rode to let out? chain or rope? What anchor for what bottom, etc. Endless contradictive advice came on how to anchor the best way.

Let's be honest, I didn't really care, as long as my boat wasn't  going to go for a wander during the night. 

My boat is already rigged with a CQR as the main anchor and a Bruce as a backup.

With some good guidance, Paul came over and checked out the ground tackle. He told us of some extra items that were needed. After a trip to the chandlery, Paul showed me how to very technically wire up the new swivels to the anchor and chain (which will never ever come loose) and he taught Hendo how to splice a rope into a snubber. 

We had some of it down, but he ran us through it all again. He told us to Angle the boat towards the wind until in the desired position, keeping in mind depth, swing area, etc. Once in position, Put the boat in neutral and drop the anchor with the desired length of chain at 4x depth. Once chain is out, put the boat into reverse until the anchor grabs. Then, put the vessel hard into reverse for as long as it takes to have a cigarette (none of us smoked, though we have since thought about taking it up just for this exercise) at that point the anchor should be fully set. Let out more chain at another 3x depth for good measure.

Other than hurricane night this proved to be incredibly successful.

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RECOVERING THE BOAT FROM THE MOGOTE

Dinghy and Power Boat towing in the distance

 

Tieing rope to the channel marker to winch over

Hendo checking for holes



Concerned face, getting towed

 

 We had been off the grid in our hotel sanctuary since we were picked up from the boat the day before, so we headed to the marina first thing, with the intentions of seeing what was happening with the boats, missing people, etc.

Club Cruceras along with the sailing community was in full form. Shelly the commodore rounded up people, dinghies, supplies and fuel. It became apparent that there were people still on their boats and sailors still missing. 

The priorities were to get the people still on boats supplies and to take advantage of the high tides by pulling boats off the Mogote. 

We were pretty keen to get out to my boat to see what

we were dealing with so we grabbed a lift with a dinghy heading past and got dropped off at it.

When we got there we saw possibly the most positive sight we could. The boat was now leaning on her starboard side - the opposite to when we had left her. This meant with high tide she had the possibility of being floated high enough that pulling her off wouldn't be too difficult.

Hendo checked the hull for holes (fortunately their were none) while I tried to pull the anchor that we had dropped. Unfortunately number 20 channel marker which was now about 30 metres behind had still not stopped mocking us. During the hurricane it had wrapped itself around the anchor rode which made recovering it a mission. 

We would have just cut the rope, but it was literally the longest piece that we had and thought we might need it to use as a bridal, or at least to assist in getting the boat of the mud. 

We were having so much trouble untangling it that we ended up tieing a rope to the top of the marker and winching it over. It still proved a mission but we got their in the end. The navy watched us battle with it, from their boat. 

We organised for M/v Oso Negro to come at high tide to pull us off. Green at sailing life, we had no idea how to coordinate a boat tow and stress was still running high from literally everyone involved. Lucky for us, Don from M/v Double Overheard came through with a massive rope and tied it for us to use as a bridal. He showed us where to attach it and made it all happen.

Apparently the theory behind floating a boat that has run aground, is to pull the mast down from the halyard with dinghys and so it rolls the boat over. Then using the massive power boat, the bridal is pulled from the bow. This will swing the boat around and off she goes. 

Sure enough this works a treat. Mind you it is actually pretty scary being on the boat while they pull your cruiser so that the rails dip under the water. For a moment, I was worried if the hurricane didn't de-mast or shipwreck it, this might.

But alas, as soon as she was in deep enough for the saltwater intake to be covered, we cranked the engine. As always she purred instantly. Everybody cheered (I don't know if they actually cheered, but in my mind they did).

We were the second boat to be pulled off the Mogote, the first being our good friend on S/v Rascal. 

We paid out a lot of cartons of beer for that day and the whole ordeal.

 

 

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LEAVING THE BOATYARD

On the trailer all ready to hit water




Hendo and I excited after the final coat



Captain Spec

  



*Notice the CAT tractor!!

The day after we arrived back in La Paz we applied the final coat of paint that was needed and we made plans with the yard to put the boat back in the water. First smoothly run, simple task complete for the trip.

The boat going into the water however proved nervous times for everyone as Hendo had replaced the prop seal aswell as changed some thru hulls so he was hoping that they had sealed properly and I was just nervous about the fact these guys were putting my boat on a trailer hauled by an old cat logging skidder and driving it into the water. 

As they were about to hit water they pulled back up the ramp a little and realised it wasn't straight. They hadn't set it on the trailer right so had to get the stands back out and straighten the boat up properly and re-set it. Not something you particularly want to watch when your already nervous. 

Hendo was already on the boat when it hit water checking the hull for leaks. Some water was expected to leak as the prop seal has to swell from the water, which was happening, but it wasn't more than the bilge pump could keep up with, which was perfect.

Pulling out of the Marina we had our first hairy moment - we were expecting many as new sailors, but not quite so soon.

 We knew that in reverse the boat would walk to starboard but not quite to the point that it did. As it was put into reverse, it instantly became like a magnetic force attracted to the rocks just past the dock.  

We were inches from smashing into them. I thought we were done. Apparently time is meant to feel like it stops at points like that, it definitely didn't feel like it, but maybe it actually did stop because somehow with Hendo yelling directions and me being somewhat responsive on the helm we fluked our way into not hitting them.

After several attempts, we managed to get it off the ramp and into open water, celebrations were in order, we hadn't shipwrecked it.

We were close enough to the rocks though, that we even did a bit of a dive on the hull to see if it had contacted. At this point, she was still pristine! 

We were ready for our next obstacle... Anchoring!

 

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THREE WEEKS ON

Sunset over Marina Don Jose



Dive Operations on Tobasco II



Fleet of Dinghy's for Gunthers Memorial

 

Getting Sexy Bruce Ink from Manuel

 

Nearly 3 weeks post hurricane Odile and life around the sailing community has started to come back together. The constant hugs and questions of how you are coping are getting few and further between.

A lot of the boats have been pulled off the beaches and the ones too far gone signed over to salvagers. 

The bodies of the three fellow sailors lost at sea were found and memorials have been held in their honour.

We have spent a week diving for the personal items of Paul and Simone on Tobasco II. An honour to be able to help out the family of an amazing couple that I know would have done the same if the circumstances had have been reversed.

Once again, the dolphins are visiting, the sunsets have become beautiful and the gentle rock of the boat at night is soothing to sleep to. All signs that La Paz and the sailing community here is slowly healing. 

 

 

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BOAT UPDATE # 4 - PAINT THE TOWN RED... ONLY AFTER YOU HAVE SANDED, PRIMED AND PAINTED IT BLACK'

Tri-coloured Hull with stand marks

 

Before pic - Haul out last year

 

After Pic - Sexiest Hull in La Paz

 

According to Hendo, the last few coats went on a treat, with several tiny conundrums along the way, but nothing too unexpected and difficult to solve.

One thing that was established and explained to me is that putting the last coat of paint on now and then leaving the boat sit on the hard for a couple of months will cause the copper to oxidise and the paint will lose it's barnacle killing ability. Therefore there is one last coat to go on just before she goes back in the water... And more than likely I will finally be there to help with it. 

It seems boat paint is copper based and has big warnings about being carcinogenic. Who knew that it would take both Hendo and Eddie to use a drill to mix the paint and spill most of it on themselves before coming up with this ingenious 'hole in paint lid idea'.

 

*For the record (it's in the blog so it's a legal disclaimer), no compo will b paid for work carried out on this boat...

 

The two troopers moved stands back and forth, sanded, painted, and spent time strategically placing and sikaflexing zincs so that water cant get behind them, yet also ensuring that the zincs have good contact for electrical current.

 

Looking at the obvious difference from the haul out until now you can appreciate the amazing amount of effort and work gone into it. I am so stoked, who knew a mechanic could be such a craftsman with a hull.

 

 

*I will be sure to update with a picture of Hendo and Eddie with a finished Hull.

 

 

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BOAT UPDATE # 2 - THE IMPORTANCE OF THE VENT (SUNBAKE AREA)

A beautifully flushed vent

 

View of the vent from the head

              

Me imagining myself laying out (needs a towel and beer though)

                   

More exciting times on the boat fixing front. For me, possibly one of the most exciting achievements to date (after the removal of the compost head of course)

The installation of the skylight/flushed air vent.

Part of the compost toilet was a vent that was setup on top of the raised deck right in the prime 'layout' location.

Being a girl that takes a lot of time and bases great importance on her tan, this saddened me greatly. It was possible to lay on, but was not flush so there was a discomfort factor but More importantly than that was the stench of the compost through the vent. Safe to say, I found different, less well functioning tanning spots. 

Whether Hendo knew it or not (but I'm sure he did) the importance of the vent decision was a 'make or break' moment. 

As you can see from the picture it was a pure success. The new skylight is unable to be seen through, due to the Perspex and sun reflection, will have no permanent stench and provides adequate and comfortable tanning space! 

Pack up the tools.... Boat complete!

 

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CURRENT - ISH

Karajini National Park, Western Australia

Hendo's leverage tool for changing the engine mounts

Diving Baja

Ok so I have found sailing, found Mexico, found a boat and bought it! Now were up to date...ish.

At current to sustain this lifestyle I am in Australia still working. My mate Hendo on the other hand was smart enough to quit his job and is in Mexico doing some work to my boat (absolute gun). He also has big plans of putting it back in the water and cruising around on it for a while. I am working to get back there.

In the meantime however, I have been lucky enough to have a two week on site, one week off site roster. Allowing me to be homeless and just about travel wherever I want for my week off, saving money by not paying rent and for a car, etc.

Over the past 18 months I have been floating between Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Kalgoorlie. And been on trips to China, Mexico (twice), Thailand, Indo (twice), Broome, Kununurra, and briefly Karratha and Karajini. Not a bad effort considering I have had a full time job.

Right now I am in the middle of changing sites with an unexpected 2 weeks leave(paid being debated) in between.

So what do u do when your put on the next plane out of Port Hedland... You book more flights. Too expensive and not enough time to fly to Mexico, so 10 Days diving in the Gili Islands it is!

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BOAT BUYING

 



The Sea Trial



Camaron Cerviche
 



The Ole Volvo



 

 

 The second I got to La Paz I knew I had made the right decision going. I had semi organised to stay on Franks boat but was pretty vague on the details. He knew around when we were arriving and I just kind of figured I would meet him at our local bar. When I arrived he had organised a little welcome back gathering - with some of my favourite people that were still in La Paz, along with some friendly new faces. Instantly I was glad I had made the journey.

 

When your actually in La Paz, time slows down. Days feel like weeks and weeks feel like months. Luckily for me this meant not only could I get in some boat buying time, I also had plenty of time to eat all my favourite foods. Having a weeks worth of time in one day also meant that I could eat more than just 3 meals each day- which is exactly what I need when it comes to cramming all the best taco stands and restaurants into 3 days. 

On day two we went on a sea trial. Luckily for us there was just enough wind for a beautiful day of sailing. She comfortably fit 8 of us and handled perfectly. She is an incredibly sturdy yet forgiving sailboat and I was instantly in love. In love with the boat, in love with ocean and in love with the lifestyle. Only one minor oversight...

I really know very little about sailing!
 

 

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APPARENTLY YOU SHOULD VIEW A YACHT WHEN YOU BUY IT!



 



 

Hendo, Lulu, Frank & Steve at Costa Baja

 

When Frank told me about this boat I was intrigued. A 1978 Rafiki Cutter - the type of boat I had been originally dreaming of. A boat covered in Teak, that I could pretend was my own miniature pirate ship.

 I got as much info as I could from the owner and had friends (Frank included) go and look at it. I was going to make my decision blindly from Australia. - I didn't have the leave and was very uninterested at the thought of going all the way to Mexico just for my rostered week off.

I was at work in the shipping container (makeshift hose-shop) when I told my friend Hendo about the possible purchase. He was pretty adamant that I should at least go over and look at it before I made a decision. I wasn't keen but deemed it do-able to fly over on my one week break. $1500 flights being the decision maker.

Hendo seemed as intrigued by this boat as I was and I think the fact I was randomly heading to Mexico gave him a good excuse to get out of Port Hedland for a week, so off we trotted.

 

Going to Mexico for a week in itself was quite a feat. From Port Hedland to La Paz was nearly 40 hours each way. 4 flights, 4 airport lounges, many cocktails and a 2 hour drive. That left 4 nights/3 full days in Mexico.

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FRANK

 

 

Frank and I briefly met at a backpackers in Ocean Beach, San Diego. Frank was driving down to Mexico in the direction I was heading and as I am always looking for a free ride, I hit him up for a lift in return for some great company! Frank is a young at heart, 60 ish year old semi retired Texan lawyer; always keen for company and a good debate or philosophical discussion on life. I also since learnt that he knows more about 60's and 70's Rock than anyone I have ever met! The morning of our departure another girl from the backpackers Alison, decided to join us as well.

I had only planned on heading about 150kms down the Baja Peninsula, however, after sitting in the car with Frank for a brief period of time we obviously got chatting about where Frank was going. Turns out he had just bought a 32ft downeaster called Island Seeker in La Paz and he was heading down to put it in the water to live on...

Safe to say all the sailing dreams/goals and bucket list priority came flooding back. I made the 1500km journey to La Paz with Frank and Alison and spent 3 months in the town and on the surrounding islands. I also had the privilege of being part of an amazing community of sailors where I inherited my 'La Paz Parents' and a La Paz Family.
 

18 months-ish after returning home - back to work in North Western Australia, doing Fly in Fly out to Port Hedland; I got a Facebook message from Frank saying 'if you still want to buy a boat, then I have found the one for you'

 

 

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THE BACK STORY!



Kochin, India

 

Gokarna, India



Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Malaysia

 

 

I stumbled across my first sailing experience when my travel buddy and I were chasing our next adventure and were pointed in the direction of a Malaysian yacht race 'The Raja Muda'. We solely saw this as an opportunity for a free ride - not to mention some great parties. During this 'race' we met heaps of different yachties. One who eventually invited us on a voyage to the Mediterranean. Long story short, we sailed from Malaysia to India where the captain got sick. 9 months later we flew home- After finding ourselves and our inner peace, of course!

After the Raja Muda yacht race; a month in Langkawi getting the boat ready; a 3 week voyage and a lot of open ocean, my mind was blown! It was blown so much that owning a sailboat became my dream.

Over the next 8 years as I went from ridiculously poor traveller to working in the Western Australian mining industry the category of 'dream' got upgraded to 'goal' and I nearly bought a live aboard sailboat with my ex boyfriend.

With life, work and relationships changing, my 'goal' of owning a sailboat along with lots of other things, turned back into a 'dream' and got down graded to low priority - then I met Frank...
(enter suspenseful music here)


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AND SO IT BEGAN...

I'm a 28 year old single, Australian female Traveller June last year I bought my own 37ft sailboat - it lives in Mexico.... Shit yeah!

I grew up Coastal but never around boats. When I was seventeen I had the opportunity to spend a reasonable amount of time overseas which grabbed me hook, line and sinker. 

When I was nineteen I had a mind blowing travel/cruising experience! Now, not mind blowing in the sailing sense (so any of you actual sailors reading this switch off now) but mind blowing to someone that didn't even know this lifestyle existed!

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