Electric
We were very fortunate to have a lot of help at the weekend from our son who is halfway through an HND in electrical engineering. So we now have a wiring diagram and all the technical details worked out for the solar charging, batteries, through to the inverters and to
Progress
I just wanted to share with you the awesome progress that Jane is making on the cushions for the aft cabin. It has been a very steep learning curve with the new Sailrite sewing machine, plus making thins kind of cushion for the first time. The aft cabin is a
Progress
I've written a massive post on seacocks already "Refurbish or replace: Seacocks?" Plus I made a video looking at the underwater features of Vida, in particular all the seacocks. As you may have seen in "Friday progress #5" we have now removed all 3
Progress
Just a day visit, albeit with the help of one of our sons today. Plenty more progress to report. Masts Both masts were taken down yesterday by Byron from North Spar and ABC Powermarine. Byron has removed the old mainsail furling system that had been riveted to the mast. Ready
Progress
One of the key factors in Sustainable sailing and reduced fossil fuel use that we haven't written much about yet is the actual sailing. This is an area where there is a lot of work to do. Starting condition Fortunately, we have evidence that the standing rigging (that
Progress
A slightly shorter and very wet Friday working on Vida yesterday. Still some good progress. Aft cabin We tested the foam mattress on our bed. Minor adjustments and the covers can be done (it was very comfortable). Also cut down the edges that hold the cushions on so that we
Progress
Found a gap in the rain to take the cushions off so Jane can finish them at home. But the boatyard is a bit flooded. More heavy rain forecast for the rest of the day. Only here til 4pm today as we have a social event this evening 😊 Wind is
Progress
So we tested our new foam mattresses in the aft cabin last night. We wanted to see how they fit before Jane puts the covers on. So we just slipped them into duvet covers. They are brilliant. Really comfy and much warmer. Plus as they fit the exact shape the
Progress
Jane is busy making the cushions for the aft cabin (our bedroom). She "invested" in the cheapest electric carving knife available to cut the foam. It works but after every 10 minutes of cutting it needs a half hour rest to cool down. So we won't
Appliances
Goal The goal for the environmental element of Sustainable Sailing has to be a zero use of any fossil fuel, at least for energy when using the boat. I don't think we will be there in terms of all inputs for a long time yet (zero fossil fuel
Progress
Look at this book for inspiring dreams 😊
Dinghy
So Highfield provide a pdf download plan for a cradle to store your dinghy so that it is under least stress. I've just knocked up one using the wood from the pallet that our solar stuff arrived on. It isn't going to win any prizes but
