Or "Panacea is on the hard, freshening up."
Ok... Here's the story of what's been going on since last Friday... It started out as a normal day with winds from the NE at 20+. Alex and I were getting Panacea ready to take to the yard to pull her out of the water. It was time to put some new bottom paint on before the trips that were coming up and it would be nice to pick up a knot or two.
You know sometimes, well all of the time I feel that Angels watch over us and help us along the road or seas. All we have to do is listen and take a action. First we were sailing in the slip with all the wind trying to make a high tide appointment at 2:30 p.m. We were delayed with a 125 footer blocking the fairway so I called the yard to tell them that we were going to be 15 or 20 minutes late. They told us that the wind was high and wondered if I wanted to wait till Monday since I had a very small turning basin and had to back into the lift. I conversed with Alex and John on the dock, as they were retying Panacea. I decided to push on and take the appointment.
Second, once the fairway was clear I worked out the details in my head on how to pull out and said ok, let's go. We were just getting ready to cast off and when I put her in reverse, nothing... Forward, nothing... I told them to stand by, cut the engine and went below to check the linkage. It was disconnected. No problem. I hooked it back up and once again we were casting off.
We got to the yard, which was just a few minutes away, realized that since I was backing in that we needed to take the back stays off the davits so they would not hit the lift. Once that was done, I spun her around and backed into the slip with the lift. Once they caught us and worked us in, we were strapped and we got off the boat.
We were watching her being lifted and Alex said he didn't like the way the strap was placed forward on the iBeam. We both knew that they knew what they were doing and so let them do what they do. Not more than 2 minutes later, they lowered the stern a bit and the strap jumped from the center of the iBeam to the back dropping Panacea about 4 feet, landing in the sling, sliding her back and pushing the mizen mast against the lift. Of course the other back stays were in the way, but with 17 tons of boat, they didn't have a chance.
You can click on a photo to enlarge it in a new window.
The lift was rocking back in forth so badly that the tires were lifting 2 feet off the ground. We saw all of this over our shoulders as we were running away to get clear in cast the whole thing went down.
It was a heart dropping experience. The owner of the yard said he blew a seal and sent me to another yard to be pulled. Of course it was too late for Friday so Panacea sat on their dock until Monday when she was pulled, pressure washed and blocked. She dried out today and tomorrow she is going start the sanding process and have some blisters repaired.
I have the riggers getting the parts together to replace a couple of stays and plates. While she is up I'm having a Perkins guy come in and pull the transmission out to fix a seal. May as well change a couple of hoses while I'm at it and I'm going to install a new electric head in the aft cabin.
A couple of port lights were cracked in the accident so they will be ordered and replaced when they come in.
Within the next couple of weeks I'll be replacing the roller furling on the main sail and shoot I think I'm going to put on a couple of solar panels to keep the batteries charged while on the hook in the Dry Tortugas. I've got a couple of trips heading down there the first of May as well as Key West.
So when you hear those Angels and there are road blocks put up, pay attention. I know I'm going to listen in the future. How many times do I have to learn this lesson. We're here to learn you know.
So lots of work going on. Panacea is glowing from all angles. She's an exciting vessel to sail on. She looks like a duck out of water on the hard. Boats are meant to be cradled by water not a few sticks. All of this work is important to make her better than she is right now. I Love her a lot and I'm excited to share the cruising experience with anyone that wants to feel what it's like to cast off those lines and play on the sea for a few days.
I'll continue to keep you updated on her progress and drop some photos here so you can see how wonderful she is.
Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico is a fun way to spend a day or two on the water. Remember when you are this far south, you will want to go sailing in Fort Myers Beach. There is so much to see and enjoy. I can promise you that you will have a great time and we are looking forward to showing you our neck of the sea.
Look online at the Availability Calendar to see if I have some dates open for you, then call me so we can talk in real time and get the planning of your trip scheduled. 1-888-582-9046.
You will come as new friends, but after you spend some time, you will leave as family. We cherish our sailing family which means you'll be back... Again and again.
If you live here in Fort Myers, remember you can use my boat like your own. I have some special packages. You let me know when you want to go out. I'll keep your 43 foot sailing vessel, clean, safe and ready to go at the ring of a phone.
Thank you all for all of your support.
Remember: Coming Soon! - Half Day Adventures, Sunset Celebration Sails & Full Moon Voyages. Call now for information.
I'll see you on the dock...
Capt. Paul
FantaSea Sailing
"Sailing the Sun Coast of Florida to the Keys"
623-203-2698 Nationwide Direct
888-582-9046 Toll Free
CaptPaul@FantaSeaSailing.com
http://www.FantaSeaSailing.com
Member:
Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce
N.A.C.O. National Association of Charterboat Operators
Sailing in Fort Myers Beach • Sailing on the Gulf of Mexico • Sailing in Florida
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