New Rigging

After 15 years it is wise to replace the rigging especially if one is planning to travel long distance. We thought we would take a week well deserved holiday in Malta whilst someone else was doing the work, but no such luck. The ever-growing list of jobs to be done is mounting and Chris decided to take the opportunity of expert advice at hand to get on. It would appear that soon only the hull and mast will be original.
The short wave radio fitted a few months ago is causing a certain frustration. I can’t understand that such an expensive piece of equipment can give only crackles in return. We have tried to communicate with our friends in various part of the world with no success. At times we can hear them, if we are lucky, but it would seem we can’t transmit. The expect was called in and after testing the system, it would appear that all is well. It is a matter of time, learning, much discussion with radio hams, twiddling with frequencies and not forgetting lots of patience we are told. I think I will leave Chris to do all the groundwork and will join the class when he can pass on all the knowledge. Meanwhile the C’ptain has had a field day cycling to various chandleries (ships) has the French calls them, returning with all sort of apparatus hanging either on himself or the bike. The riggers have done a superb job; only one hand is now required to put away the headsail in the new roller furling and after 5 days we sailed back to Gozo, in preparation for Rowena and Ralphy’s visit.