There are a few new people on board working hard to help keep us on schedule. Jerry Nash has taken over where the electrician Mike (who flew back to north Carolina a few days ago) left off. While Mike is missed by us all, Jerry has done a great job taking his place. His son, Brady, has also been down to the boat most days to lend a hand. Also Allen Metzger has been doing an amazing job with putting in the water maker. The water maker installation turned out to be a bit trickier then we had thought it would be, and as there are so many people on the boat during the day, Allen has been getting to the boat late after most people have left and working until the early hours of the morning. Jerry, Brady, and Allen have all been putting in a tremendous effort and they are great to have on board. I don't know what we would do with out them!
Today is a big day with Wild Eyes being put back in the water at 11:00, the mast being reinstalled at 11:30 and the new UK Halsey sails being installed at 2:30. She has her new Shoe City signs on the hull and some new 'eyes' as well. She is looking pretty fast and ready to get some water under her keel.
Thanks to all for your continued support!
Abby
It seems that work is going on well, and being back in water is an essential step. What about a very important part: the communications systems... Radios, radars, phones, satellite, internet and all?
ReplyDeleteYou will probably be allowed to spend Christmas at home, that's not too harsh as a punishment.
Enjoy it thoroughly, best wishes, and remember what the roman emperor Augustus said: "You work fast enough when you work well enough".
Pictures! Pictures! We want pictures! (When you get a chance to take a breath, of course.)
ReplyDeleteNew eyes, a heart on your bottom,(sounds like a Tattoo) as well as a delamination and non skid area,what a work over. It is great to hear your heart felt appreciation for the tireless work being put in by your support work crew. Your family must be really proud of the way you are handling the pre departure time as you hold it all together. Interesting to hear you are using Halsey sails ( Mylar or Kevlar), are they part of the sponsorship group?
ReplyDeleteNow all that is left are the sea trials, Christmas dinner, and batten down the hatches.
I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas.
Brian
Hervey Bay.Queensland AU.
I really wish you were not doing this alone!! I am very scared for you.
ReplyDeleteOne step closer to your goal. It's exciting to watch your preparations. Looking forward to hearing from you while underway.
ReplyDeleteBonjour Abby,
ReplyDeleteSuper!
Merry Christmas to you, your family, your team and Wild Eyes too!
Mike's an "electrical engineer" not an electrician. Ask you dad about that :-)
ReplyDeleteLook forward to pics of the renewed "Wild Eye's" I think if the same name and the same eye scheme, with a new fresher look is still good luck as opposed to renaming completely and removing it's unique feature. I'm thinking when you're zooming along down South and a whale surfaces and sees those eyes it might do a double take. Dolphins as well perhaps.
I'm excited!
ReplyDeleteThis is a heck of a Christmas present for you!
Please give us a YouTube tour of the New Wild Eyes before you set off! I, for one, would love to see all the gear you've put on for extended cruising.
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteAmid all the preparations for your voyage, please know there are many of us out here wishing you and your family the merriest Christmas ever!
Blessings!
Marie, WA St.
That's awsome Abby! And yes, we want pics! LOL! I hope everything will work out fine before you go! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteWhat a team - you go gal! While preps go so fast, KNOW that you can handle anything - just breathe.... Enjoy EVERY moment. All the best - from an aged 50 year old solo sailor.
ReplyDelete12-23-09 @18:40
ReplyDeleteHi Abby,
Glad to see that you're making such good progress. Sounds like you've got a dedicated and conscientious crew working there. That is exactly what you need, you're putting your trust in them and their workmanship.
That was good thinking, painting an orange heart on the bottom, and like you say, I hope no one ever see it.
I’m glad Allen conquered the water maker, now that’s dedication. Kudo’s to Allen!!!!!
Well Abby, enjoy your Christmas and relax for a few days, if that's possible.
I figure this will be your last blog until your bon voyage speech. I know how excited you must be to get underway, but you're just about there. I wish I was there to see you off but that’s about 3000 miles and I don’t like flying. I’ll be there in spirit. LOL……
Looking forward to your next blog.
Good luck to you Abby, and may God bless and guide you.
Michael(74)from Kingwood, WV
Excellent news Abby! Enjoy Christmas with your family. Thanks for keeping us up to date. I'm sure that all of the ZAC PAC will be here for you while you are away on your adventure. Shall we rename ourselves the ABBY PAC????
ReplyDeleteRusty