Splash!

Finally, the day arrived. On Friday, March 14, almost four months to the day, we splashed at C.S. Nautica after the most extensive refit in the boat’s 25 year history.

The job list started big and just got bigger. Plus throw in worldwide search for critical parts, shipping delays, a six-week Italian Christmas holiday/yard closure and an emergency operation on my collarbone into the mix, and it’s fair to say I am one very happy skipper to be leaving the shipyard.

The staff and management of C.S. Nautica were knowledgable and professional. I can recommend them without reservation. And what’s best, they not only allow you to do your own work in the yard and bring in outside specialists as needed, they loaned me tools, provided helpful technical advice and never hesitated to lend a helping hand even when the ask wasn’t a task on their job list.

Completing such a refit would not have been possible without Nathan who you met in previous posts. He handled the bulk of the rigging, along with Mauro at RiggSail, and arranged all the metal and GRP work through his extensive network of marine trade contacts in Olbia.

The heart of the job was taken care of by Luca Mameli, the master diesel mechanic who also fixes engines on the ferries that run between Olbia and the mainland. (I need to connect him with our friends at Black Ball Ferry Line. He loves the Pacific Northwest!)

In an upcoming post I’ll provide a more detailed list of the jobs completed for all you boating techies out there. For now enjoy this photo gallery.

And I will enjoy ‘one more sleep’ until I pick up Gabriela, Sol, and Leonie arriving tomorrow on a 17-hour direct ferry from Marseille. A happy skipper, indeed!