24 October Wet, wet, wet

Haul out on a rainy afternoon

We choose to haul out in Trinidad in September to do our boat work while it was hurricane season further north. We knew it would be the rainy season, but what we didn't know was that this was to be the wettest summer ever recorded in Trinidad. And we were here for the largest earthquake for more than 50 years.

At the weekend 210mm of rain fell in one day – the same amount as a hurricane would produce – on to already sodden land causing widespread floods on the east end of the island. Houses were underwater, cars washed away and lives lost. On the boat we took shelter inside while a lake formed under the boats.

polishing topsides

big steps for a little lady

wet, wet, wet

I was told at this time of year the winds normally come across the Atlantic from Africa. This year they are coming from the south east, straight up the coast of South America as the ITCZ, or doldrums, sit higher than usual. Odd weather patterns, floods around the world due to global warming.

The consequence for us has been that our list of jobs has taken longer despite getting up at dawn to begin work knowing the rain was most likely to begin in the early afternoon. Afternoons were given over to any work which could be done in the shelter of the cockpit. I took off for a trip home to the UK and enjoyed the warmest and driest October on record while David developed webbed toes.

All work from the rub rail down is now completed and we are fitting a secondary linear auto pilot, a Raymarine Evolution 4000; bigger, stronger and superior control computer. We're not decommissioning the old Raytheon, that's to be kept in tandem as our back up system with a switch to enable us to move from one to the other as required.

new anti foul

Once the autopilot is in we move on to the headsail furler and mainsail furler rebuilds with all new bearings and seals, new Amel decals to fit. Oh, and there's a new bimini ordered.

Doing a good job, or if working with David, a perfect job, can't be hurried. After all, Jackster is worth it all.