Changing To A New Blog.

As this Blog is now full (1 GB) we change to a new Blog: http://sailingnewdawn.blogspot.fr/

Nearly Ready For The Launch?

This year we started the preparation work on 13 May and three months has now passed. OK we also spend some nice time in Beauvallon, as well as ten days in Luxembourg seeing the boys. We had a lot to attend to and one of the most time consuming, was the fresh water and forward holding tanks. They are now done to our satisfaction. The anti fouling was finalized yesterday, the polishing now done, bow-prop completed, new anodes installed all around and below the water line only the Gori prop needs painted. New out halt sheet bought today and some spares are on their way (hopefully) and the new anchor chain, should hopefully, arrive soon. When that is done I need to do the engine room and machinery.

Today we also installed some new batteries, which is a difficult and heavy job as they weight about 45 kg each. But it went well, even though the back is now poor again.

The battery bank as it looks today. We have eight batteries in total (total weight is 360 kg). 

Water Tanks.....

Today we re-installed the water tanks and again it was a huge job. Is it OK now, we are not sure, but are hopeful. However, we have noted a leak elsewhere, which we will check on tomorrow, before we head back to Luxembourg Friday, if we can.

Saint Maxime Market.

Today we went to Sainte Maxime market after I had a small intervention in my left foot and Chris bought giant Gambas, Oysters, Clamps, etc..

Today St Tropez.

Today we were surprised that there was hardly any traffic when we drove to St Tropez. We had the usual walk along the port and in the back streets and a coffee at the port (€ 9.80 for two coffees). It is such a charming town, but of course there were loads of tourists and the prices are by far too high for everything.

Still In Beauvallon And Enjoying The Perfect Weather.

The Chap Sylvan that has the Water Tanks has experienced difficulties in getting the spare parts and we have now lost about two months on these tanks. Today I spoke again to him and he believes he has found a company that can manufacture the Stainless Steel pieces and likely he can have them in a week's time. that is good news and we cross our fingers that it will work now.

In the meantime we are enjoying the perfect weather here in Beauvallon and I set out below some photos of the garden this evening.

Preparation For The Water Tanks.

We have now cleaned the bilges and put insulation at the supports for the water tanks. Looks OK again and we now wait for Sylvan to return with the tanks after he has found the spare parts needed.

 Bilges cleaned as much as we can.

Chris attaching the insulation.

Curtains.

Some of the curtains were dirty and need care. Chris took them all off and washed them in Beauvallon, but some were too damaged and we ordered new curtains in St Maxime. Chris has so far spend a week on these curtains; nothing comes easy on a yacht

Water Tanks.

We had a tiny leak in one of the water tanks that has bothered us since January when we noted water in the bilges. We wanted Sylvan to have a look at it, as he is the only one we trust with such a job and he is an excellent Stainless Steel welter and has been working with us in 2005 and 2010. After a lot of trying, as he is no longer independent, we found him and he agreed to have a look at the tanks.

This morning he came and we spend four hours dismantling them - a huge job - and they were too heavy for us to lift, so we got the yards boys to give a hand and to load them on the trailer.

We believe that the leak was from a bad connection between the tanks, where the bronze pipe was corroded, as can be seen on the left of this photo. But to be sure, Sylvan will test all the welding and put the tanks on a pressure.

Croissants (Home Made)

Well I tried this morning to make Croissants and the below photos shows the results.

Gassin Town On Top Of The Hill.

We finally visited Gassin situated on top of the hill with a magnificent 360° view. It is a small and charming town, but geared to tourists and the restaurants shows this with too high prices.