Plans
[Update] I have written a lot about Dyneema standing rigging so I now have a guide to it all in: Dyneema / Synthetic Rigging Summary[End Update] In my last post "Chainplate update, more challenges" I linked to a whole bunch of YouTube channels where people have switched their
Plans
Back in June I wrote "Chainplate update" which explored how we might solve the problems with our chainplates that we detailed in "Deck repair question". We are very comfortable with our solution to the backing plates / under deck reinforcement: replace the inadequate stainless steel plates that
Motor
We are really enjoying watching the Vendee Globe (single handed, non stop, no outside assistance round the world race). Our key sources are the official website tracking and their YouTube Channel but we are also enjoying the content from Sea Wolves. The weather has clearly been unusual and fits with
Appliances
Two recent examples have in equal measures frustrated and amused me. In their plans for Ruby Rose 2 Nick and Terysa have oodles of calculations but they appear to be aimed at justifying fitting large diesel engines because an all electric boat isn't possible. They seem to have
Environmental
Sustainability it a topsy turvy journey where contradictions abound and it turns out that this is good news for those of us trying to be more sustainable. The loudest voices come from the privileged and wealthy, but they have least to teach us about sustainability. That is good news because
Environmental
I watch a lot of YouTube sailing channels (especially during the COVID-19 lockdown) :-) I do notice that if we are not careful then what we watch directly influences our plans, even our beliefs in what is is possible, especially they influence what we think we need. I suggest that
Appliances
The need. Once we start cruising our plan is to spend the vast majority of time at anchor when we are not sailing. Partly this is to save money :-) For example, the nearest marinas to us at Conwy currently cost about £35 a night or £215 a week. A
Appliances
With the our commitment to Zero fossil fuel sailing we have been having to review and update our initial Solar plan. Designing our Solar Arch has been part of that. The traditional "passive" approach to solar is not going to work for us. By that I mean the
Dinghy
I've been quiet on here during the COVID-19 pandemic so far. More urgent priorities and has seemed inappropriate when so many have been dying, ill or struggling in other ways. However, some countries are now starting to move beyond lockdowns and it now seems more appropriate to focus
Appliances
How about this!? A Raspberry Pi 4 running OpenCPN on a Cello 12 volt TV. With a wireless keyboard/trackpad. Obviously lots more to do as I haven't loaded any charts yet. Nor have I connected a GPS, so it doesn't know where we are yet.
Progress
The paint has dried in the aft cabin and it is a lot more spacious without the lockers under the side decks (painted white also helps). The black insulation used to reach the bottom of the lockers so you can see how much extra height is above it now. Plus
Appliances
The biggest difference is availability. With an electric motor instead of a diesel in your boat you can achieve the same/similar performance in power/speed. At the same time you can get better reliability and lower maintenance. However, the biggest difference is that you have to manage availability. With