Travels aboard Obsession: March 2016

Today we spent considerable time at the condo downsizing in preparation for our trip south. I actually threw away my winter coat -I've had it since 1988. It was hard to do, but even if we come back to New England for a visit this winter, I think I can get away with my leather coat. Or...maybe it's about time I bought a new one? David, on the other hand, was able to say "good-bye" to many long sleeve shirts and sweaters that he won't need. Along the way we found some pictures of us sailing and enjoying Obsession 42 the first summer we owned her (We have owned 3 boats called Obsession - a C&C 29, a Catalina 36 and now a Catalina 42).

Engine update - the rebuild should be finished soon and re-installation within the next week or so. (fingers crossed). Other work on the stuffing box and propellor shaft will be completed too. David is also designing a helm seat that will become a project for his students at BP Tech. Electrical upgrade is in process and new canvas, dodger, bimini and enclosure have been ordered.

He's happy cuz we're sailing -
he has a winch handle i his hand -
and we are healing and there is wave action off our stern.

We still love our wine and rum, and each other!

One of the Danbury Mint Lighthouses from my collection.
SANDY HOOK Lighthouse
We will certainly be seeing this on our trip south.

A HOLE IN THE WATER...?

Saturday, March 19, 2016.

Today's blog will be the first of the 2016 sailing season and extended season into 2017 with our retirement dream cruise down the ICW to points south and the return trip. This blog will also be my experiment in using the iCloud photo library and practice in downloading pictures. I will also be updating my e-mail list. If you are receiving this blog and no longer want to, let me know, also, if you'd like to receive it by e-mail instead of looking for it on Facebook (I will continue to post it on FB) just inbox me your e-mail address, or even better yet, send me an e-mail and I'll add you to the list. (nbbj2004@yahoo.com)

Obsession under sail from Newport to Fall River
after engine failure

Here we go...
At the end of last season (Labor Day Weekend, to be exact) Obsession experienced a major engine failure, the cause of which is still to be determined, but ultimately we have had to have the engine totally overhauled and rebuilt. Along the way other problems surfaced, such as the stuffing box and the propellor shaft coupler after 10 years of use and good care will have to be replaced. We are also replacing the canvas and the batteries, and upgrading the alternator and battery charger and installing new lifelines. I'm sure we will find other things to upgrade, replace or fix as spring preparations get underway.

Engine removed from Obsession to be transported to
Niemiec Marine in New Bedford for repair.

Preparations also include downsizing the condo, preparing for renters, planning for car storage, browsing cruising guides and other sailors' blogs, and much more. We are looking into mail forwarding services, becoming as much "paperless" and more on-line savvy as we can.

One last thing. We would be most happy to have some friends meet and/or join us on our trip when possible. While we will have an itinerary, it can be modified. If you're interested in meeting up with us and/or joining us for any part of the trip, and can see your way to and from certain destinations along our route, let us know and we just might be able to work out a plan.

So far we plan to leave on September 15, 2016 from our mooring in Newport, RI, head to Block Island for a final Mudslide at the Oar, then on to Greenport, NY for a final grocery shop, ice, fuel, water and overnight electrical charge at the town dock. Next stop, Port Jefferson, one of our most favorite places on Long Island, then Port Washington before leaving for NYC where we will try to get reservations at Liberty Landing Marina. Sandy Hook is next, then Atlantic City then Cape May. I'm figuring 2-3 weeks for this part of the trip. Most of these day trips are 25-50 miles, except the one from Sandy Hook to Atlantic City. And...as you can see, that trip is along the Atlantic Coast of New Jersey.