An Enlightening experience

Moored up after a small cruise-lette to Rockingham over New Years, Fully Involved was unfortunately struck by lightning early morning of January 4th!
At this stage we appear to have lost all instruments and have suffered damage to internal wiring. Rigging and sails to be assessed later today, and a haul out on Tuesday to try to find an exit hole.
Ironic, hey?
We came all that way only to get zapped less than 30 miles from home.
Thank goodness we are insured.

Lift out

On Dec 7^th we lifted “Fully Involved” onto the hard stand for a well earned clean and antifouling. We were amazed at the lack of growth on her bottom after the 12,300 mile trip; needless to say the zinc anodes were all eaten away to nothing!!!

After she was pressure washed we noticed that the antifouling was still in very good shape all things considered, it was a 50/50 decision to repaint but in the end we decided to give her a coat of blue over the black put on in Mexico as she would probably be in the pen for more time than out sailing. The prop speed was still OK for another 12 Months so that was left as was. The bow thruster blades were replaced for the new improved 5 bladed “Q prop” giving us 15% more thrust and 10% less noise, this extra performance was very noticeable once back in the water.  Jan spent many a hard day on her knees scraping, sanding then re applying the varnish to the toe rail and coach top cheat line, she now looks magnificent again. The name on the Starboard side, damaged when we deployed the sea anchor mid Pacific was replaced. The yard guys had the job of replacing the blocked rear head outlet pipe, something they achieved with remarkable speed!!!!

So now she is back in her pen at HYC waiting for the next adventure, but in the mean time we are doing some small jobs on her that have been put off .

Mike.

Geraldton, Mindarie and finally HYC.

Sorry for the delay in posting but as you can well imagine it has been a very hectic 2 weeks since our return home, so here goes for the final rap of the trip.

Departing Geraldton on in the morning of the 9^th November via the shipping channel, we aimed to be at Mindarie by the 11^th to meet our family and special friends as well as celebrate Jan’s Birthday. A good sail down was enjoyed in 10-15 Kt South Westerly, the 211 NM leg was done over two nights giving us both time to reflect on the journey we had just done and ready ourselves for the welcome back.

As we neared Mindarie we were met by 2 yachts of fellow club members who took pictures of our return. The following day more members sailed up to Mindarie to see us and a very pleasant day was spent chatting, drinking and eating.

On the morning of the 13^thwe put up on the port burgee lines all the countries flags we had visited, on the starboard went all the yacht club Burgees we had collected and on a Spinnaker halyard we raised the “Boxing Kangaroo” and Pacific Puddle Jump flags!!! Departing Mindarie at about 14.30 we  sailed down to Hillarys Yacht club with our Daughter and a couple of good friends, a fantastic run South was had doing 6.5 SOG in 10 Kts of wind shame it was only a  9 NM leg!! As expected, going thru the entrance to Hillarys was a very emotional experience for us but that was far overshadowed by the sight of 150+ club members coming out of the club house to greet us as we came up the fairway to dock on the VIP jetty in front of the club house.

And a so dear reader that concludes our Blog of the trip, what happens now is still undecided. We have both had a remarkable time and learnt a lot about sailing and ourselves. It is time to take stock, reflect and catch up with friends.

Thanks to you all for reading and being part of this adventure.....

Mike.

Home....

We arrived back at Hillarys Yacht Club on the 13th November 2011 after a trip of 12,333 NM.....A full rap up and pictures will follow shortly so stay tuned!!
Mike.

Clippers

The round the world clipper fleet left here yesterday, bound for New Zealand.
I have such mixed feelings, I want to go home and see all those I love, but part of me would have jumped onto one of those clippers in a heartbeat if I could have!
What on earth am I going to do after we get back?
Suggestions please, on the back of a self addressed stamped envelope....LOL
Jx

Carnarvon to Geraldton.

This is the last multiple night leg on our adventure from the USA. The Gods blessed us with good 10-15Knot North Westerlies that enabled us to sail down the coast without drama on a dream beam reach. Even in such light winds Fifi romped along at 6.7 SOGs with all 3 sails out, what a feeling!!! We saw quite a few whales frolicking in the water as well as sea snakes. As previously mentioned we had our friend Mark with us and I must say it was nice with 3 of us doing the watches allowing 6 Hrs sleep each of the nights. Our thanks Mark and Di for being so hospitable while in Carnarvon J

As I always seem to do, we made our approach to Geraldton at night. Personally I find it easier as the channel marker lights of the shipping channel stand out so well, crossing over Geraldton bay, we entered the marina and made our way to the yacht club pens. Opposite us are the 10 Clipper Round the World 65 foot yachts. Interestingly our first yacht “Sirocco” was launched for its first time at Fremantle while the clippers were visiting there in December 2007, so with this coincidence we went and bought a weekend Lotto ticket !!!

This was a quick leg of only 282 Miles and 2 overnighters. From here down to Perth is a little over 200 miles so we are more than likely to day hope and time it so we arrive just before Jan’s Birthday.

Mike

Fifi in the Fascine

Thanks to Di for taking these beautiful photos during her early morning walk