More G&T Photos

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  Hi from Andrew, Thursday 20/11

  Photo 1 - Corrosion to underside of winch Photo 2 - Making a plate to sit winch on Photo 3 - The complete job Photo 4 - Checking seal on water pump Photo 5 - Washing the cushion covers Photo 6 - Sorting food lockers Photo 7 - Cleaning the brass Photo 8 - Polishing - what's that growing out of Clare's ear ?

Life is very busy at present. Plenty of maintenance jobs to do, some we did not anticipate. We knew the platform under the anchor winch was damaged but when we took it off the winch itself had severe corrosion so that will need repair but I am not sure how yet. I will raise it at the next weekly "Skippers De-stress" meeting to see what others think. The platform has had two stainless steel plates made to reinforce it and we wait for a row of sunny days before I epoxy it all together. The plates were expensive but the job is better than new and looks good. The winch motor brushes have very little wear. This year, aside from the routine oil and filter changes I undertook a number of inspections on the engine. The heat exchanger was opened and inspected -as clean as a whistle so the cooling water treatment must be ok. The seawater pump has been dripping from the seal but a bit of a cleanup seems to have rectified this. The alternator was off to get at the heat exchanger so I inspected the brushes - hardly any wear - and measured up for a spare alternator incase we get one. The outstanding problem to solve is the rudder. Over the last few months the steering has got very stiff. I have new bearings but the problem is that it took Clare and I half an hour to drive the rudder down 10mm with a heavy lead weight. Next week we will lift out and luckily we are second boat of only two on the day so we will be able to have most of the day in the slings to get the rudder out. I have lined up some able-bodied assistance and a large hammer and some shafting to do the job. The dodger zips have been replaced and we are getting pockets in the cockpit side canvas so we can put all the loose ropes away. As you can see, Clare has been doing a lot of cleaning. Washing the cushion covers and curtains as well as the usual feeding of the workers (Andrew and Clare).

Bye for now, we are off shopping , it is market day.

Candy

Our G&T Shots

Hi from Clare, Thursday 13/11

Photo 1 - My last swim for the season Photo 2,3,4,&5 - Work Begins - packing up sails, service anchor winch, adjust tappets, install new batteries. Photo 6,7 & 8 - Cleaning

Last Friday we moved into Marmaris Yacht Marine to pack the boat up for the winter. We stretched the season out as much as possible, having our final swim just before entering the Marina. Our first day on land was pretty depressing but now, a week later, we are in full swing making sure all the jobs are completed before flying home on 3rd December. Downloading the weather forecast first thing every morning is now a thing of the past.

At the end of each year I have tried to describe the work involved in packing up, but this year I will send photos each week so you can see for yourself. We have decided to call our work photos 'Our G&T photos' just so we have proof that cruising is not entirely about having a good time and drinking G&T. Eventually we have to do some work - bad luck!

Apart from working on the boat we have also been into Marmaris a few times to buy batteries, take canvas in for minor repairs, or go shopping at the fresh vege market.

The marina has a good gym so I have been working on my fitness level - more work needed

We have many cruising friends here so we have plenty of company.

love CANDY

Three nights of freedom

Hi from Clare, Monday 3/11

Photo 1 - Why would you have your boat in charter?
Photo 2 - The raging sea at Dirsek!
Photo 3 - Marty Marina fro a distance
Photo 4 - How peaceful is Kuyulu bay?

We only have three nights of freedom left before we reluctantly sail back to Marmaris to pack the boat up. Every day now is a bonus as most of the cruising yachts have already run for cover. However the weather has been fantastic, warm, sunny and we swim every day in 23 degree water. We have completed some of the annual maintenance jobs at anchor but there is still much to do at Yacht Marine.

On Saturday night we were in a small bay (Dirsek) with a flotilla of charter boats. They were having a great time water skiing from the lead boat using the main halyard, and having rowing races in the dinghies whilst throwing buckets of water over each other. They then went for dinner at the only restaurant in the bay. Early the next morning the restaurant was dismantled, signalling the end of the cruising season. A 'take away' restaurant here means just that - they take it away!

In the same bay we met a New Zealand couple Margaret and Roy and had morning coffee on their boat Barnstorm. Roy (a builder) had spent 18 months renovating his boat before they commenced cruising 3 years ago. A lovely 47 foot ex IOR boat, spotlessly clean and beautifully finished, we could see the care and attention that had gone into every renovating decision. Somewhat in awe of their boat, I suggested they they might like to slum it on our production boat for drinks at sunset. However when Roy got on our boat he was impressed with the finish, the headroom, the space and light on our Bavaria 39. This year in particular we have spoken to many owner's who are itching to buy a different boat. Fortunately we don't share their restlessness, we are very happy with Eye Candy.

Yesterday we spent a quiet day enjoying the sun in another perfect bay (Kuyulu) across from Marty Marina. We are milking the last out of the season and we feel sad that we only have a few days left.

This morning we moved across to Marty Marina so I could buy bread and hopefully have access to WiFi to send some photos. We phoned Denise and Col on Skype and had a good chat for about an hour. As soon as I send this, we will move out to another deserted bay to enjoy the peace.

Next time I write we will be hard at work in the marina. I will send you some working photos so can see that eventually all good things must come to an end.

love CANDY