Congratulations on the purchase of your new home.

You mentioned fitting a new anchor windlass. Before buying brand new you might consider this one I have for sale. A Maxwell 1200 having done very little service, with an 8mm (5/16") short link chain gypsy and rope capstan. Reversing directional motor with deck switch and isolator relay. The original owner's manual is included.

Reason for sale. I have a Van De Stadt 34 from which I have removed this winch as I do not believe the size of yacht warrants an electric winch and I am trying to lighten her up as much as possible.

If it is of interest PM me with your phone number and we can discuss it. Cheers Cisco.

Sorry Cisco, I bought a new winch the day I bought the yacht as the one on it is a manual antique and with my bad back I do need a good windlass. It was fitted today actually.

Hi Trace, For some reason I usually have no trouble selling stuff, yet hate working in sales related jobs... my brother says I could sell ice boxes to eskimos and my sister calls me a horse trader and I guess there is some truth in that.

The yacht is on the hard stand at the moment in Townsville getting a new rudder, new prop shaft, the aforementioned windlass and an anti foul before going back in the water. She should hopefully be back in Thursday and i should be heading out of here bound for Port Douglas saturday with just a little luck.

I know there is a lot I want to do by way of refurbishment for ease of sail ability and live ability and in time it will happen, first things first and get her into home waters.

Ummm a word of warning ... DONT SLIP YOUR BOAT IN TOWNSVILLE ... I will expand after I get home but the experience is way less than pleasant or cost effective.

Cant wait for the coastal hop back to Port, 4 relaxing days of sailing and fishing with good friends ... that what its about for me.

Ciao

Okay one pic ... ready for anti fouling in this pic ...

After 3 weeks on the hard my baby is going back in the water today. I intend to sail her to Port Douglas and the plan is to leave here Friday morning. Should be 4 days of very nice sailing.

I am a little concerned about what the final bill will be but I guess I will end out this morning. They had to make a new rudder and new prop shaft for me.

@ Diaralei - No need to worry too much about sandbars and such, I have a marine engineer and very experienced navigator on board with me for the trip home.

A word of warning to those thinking of slipping in Townsville --- DON'T DO IT - go anywhere, run it up on a sand bank, don't slip at all, anything, and I do mean anything is better than going to "Robber Haven" in Townsville. They quoted me $2,500 to replace my prop shaft, once the job was done the bill came to $9,800. Like wise a new rudder, quoted $2,000 invoice arrived - $2900. BUTTT --- The height of villainy came when I had them get their sparky to wire up my new anchor winch, curcuit breaker etc ... only a mere $680 for one hours work ... thats right one hour, 60 lousy minutes - all he provided were a few crimp on connectors as I already had all the cable etc in place ready to wire in. Where the hell do I get a job that pays like that.

I almost forgot ... on my account was a charge of $192 for the treatment of marine borers ... its a freaking concrete boat for christs sake, I would love to see the borers that could make a dent in that hull.

I have been ripped off before but nothing like the total ravishment I experienced here.

Like I said, go anywhere before thinking of coming here to get anything done.

PS: The Tophat was a stepping stone and a great lil yacht ...

Arrived at Orpheus Island this afternoon and on to Dunk in the morning ... got the girl up to 7.8 knots today in about 16 knots of wind ... she sails really sweet ...

Sweet alright LexA...new beginnings and new freedom!!!

Savour it my friend!

Trace

Forgot to mention ... outside Hinchenbrook Island we had the main up and a #2 Gennie and the GPS clocked 10.1 knots at one point ... was a great sail ... hopefully will be able to have a spinnaker run tomorrow from Dunk to Fitzroy ...

LexA

so fair for a ferro...and such a pretty shape!! Her stern does it for me?! Sweet as!!

Beautiful pics....purr, purr!!!!

BTW...can vouch for Jotun Seaguardian. Have my girl out at the moment after 15 months in the water. Very impressed with the product! Bit of scum and minimal barnacles, most of which came off with the pressure wash. Pics and story of a very 'unusual' time in the boatyard to follow when the big girl splashes tomorrow!

Tr

LexA

Congratulations on making your home port.

The joy and excitement you have imparted in your story is infectious and i feel very happy for you.

Your offer of help and hospitality most likely identifies you as a 'nice' person and i believe that nice things happen to nice people so enjoy your boat and your lifestyle.

Thanks for sharing.

Ken

@ Disralei - I lost my Cat on August 30 last year just south of Townsville and yes I have come a long way... lots of work for several months with loads of wheeling and dealing, a Tophat come and gone and now this beautiful yacht. Its taken loads of focus and self denial but if someone wants something bad enough and puts in the effort then I believe it is generally achievable.

I would be happy to take you for a sail if you get up this way.

I have already met a couple of people from this forum and both have been very cool people... look forward to some day meeting more.

I am doing the WAGS tomorrow afternoon and we have a club sailing camp out this weekend to the Lowe Isles, should be fun. ..

LexA I haven't been here long but your story gives me hope that one day I will get to experience something similar (except for the bit in townsville ). She is a fine looking yacht with many hours of enjoyment yet to come.

Nice pics.