More Thoughts on a Bimini

I found this image of a bimini frame set up off the pullpits of a yacht and thought that it would have a possible fit for our boat. The thing I like the most is that it is the full width of the vessel and would provide decent shelter in the aft of the cockpit. I also like the idea of using the bars to mount a couple of solar panels on. This way the panels are high up and beihind the direct shading of the boom. I figure that at least 4 large panels could fit across the beam of the boat at near abouts 14 feet. Anyone know where you can get good cheap solar panels from in Australia?

Are we MAD!!! by Liz

The date is set for the move and we have started to spread the news amongst family and friends.  So far (surprisingly) everyone is very supportive and share our enthusiasm maybe because we have spoken about this dream for such a long time they just want us to go, experience it and once and for all SHUT UP about it!!!
The realisation of the mammoth task ahead of us has finally hit and I for one am starting to feel the pressure to meet the deadline.  I am not even referring to the sailing aspect, we have just managed to settle in a lovely townhouse and feel like I have just only unpacked a house, to now start thinking about packing again is torture and causes major stress in the relationship.  James of course manages to stop stressing now that the boat side of things is progressing and has already started to plot our course for our first sailing destination. 
During this process I am having to explore new primary school, child care facilities, ballet schools, swimming schools, a family doctor along with all our other ties to the community.  I am starting to realise we have become what I dreaded for such a long time....complacent and comfortable!!! And then it hits me, we have every creature comfort around us, established careers, fabulous support networks, a wonderful group of friends and above all happy kids......ARE WE MAD????

Thoughts About Boat Bits, Dodgers

I had been thinking about the prospect of a dodger for the new boat. I want the cockpit to be comfortable place to be. Both at sea and at anchor. So I did some Internet searching and was surprised by the results. There were two options that have stood out as viable. Both are fitted to the same model of yacht we hopefully have bought.

Option 1: Dodger and bimini linked with canvas awning that is removed when sailing

Option 2: Hard Dodger and soft bimini. I also liked the code zero idea on this one. Is the hard dodger a viable option really?

How did we end up here?

Well it all started many years ago for James when sailing and cruising with his parents as a child. Many weekends and school holidays were spent cruising Sydney Harbour and Pittwater. This grew into a passion for competitive racing. So it is all my parents fault! I owe them a big thank you. For Liz it started out at the yacht club while waiting for me to return from racing and then the occasional overnight cruise. It was finally cemented on our honeymoon, when we spent 2 weeks cruising the Croatian coast on a charter boat. From that point on it was a definite in my future plans and a maybe / probably for Liz.

It has now been 7 years since were married. During this time we have had a number of trips to Musket cove in the Fiji Islands to socialise and sail with people enjoying the cruising lifestyle. We would plan our trip times to coincide with the cruising regatta week held in September of each year. On each of our trips we have met many fantastic people and spent many hours discussing the dream and seeking advice. Most recently catching up with the Lovesong crew of Alan, Kathy, Morgan and Wyatt. We have met them two years running and the kids get along so well. As a parting gift Morgan gave Olivia and Will a picture drawn during an art session on board.

Each year the desire to start cruising has grown stronger and stronger. It just so happens that this year Liz has decided it was time to do it and stop talking about it. We are now actively searching for a boat. In fact we have an offer in on one right now.