Hi again everyone,
Internet again so more photos.
First three 1= Iguana in the top of a tree behind GL.
2 + 3 = removing the Garboard Plank.















So I had to relax, and went to 'Las Vagas Night' a fund raising for the St Thomas Montisori School before Xmas.
1 = general view 2 = my date for the evening Erin 3= Sanding the Hull after moving the boat














Back to work and the first frame is removed. 1 = frame removed 2 = Frame on bench 3 = View from the room where Evelyne and Chris let me stay.











Pics of prorgress. 1 + 2 = Garboard removed Pic 3 = Hull sanded and Rig for pulling the boat back into shape.









pics 1 = second frame removed. 2 = New Years Party at 'Bottoms Up', Doug, Erin and me, Sam and me













So taking a little time off here and there.
Roy

Greetings to all from St Thomas

Wishing all my friends and family far and near a very Happy Christmas
and all best wishes for 2012, and Happy Sailing to boatie folk.
Apologies for not contacting those who I usually do - this all due to
the fact that Guiding Light was moved to another part of the boatyard,
the far end, where I can't get internet any more!!!! I only had the
internet connection for a few days,the move was just before Christmas
too, when I most wanted it to get in touch with everyone. I'll have to
get something sorted out again.
Still working hard on the boat, everyone here impressed by my
determination to get GL seaworthy again.Progress slow but steady, I've
been able to get back to partly living on board again. Christmas has
been very pleasant here as I know lots of people now.le
So to one and all, lets hope 2012 will be a good year for us, I'll be
raising a glass or two to drink to Good Health and a Happy New Year!

@ St Thomas Dec. 2011 No.2

Hi all,
I have been moving the jack around every day for a week now. Frames have responded very good. This shot was taken whilst sitting on the bog, its the only place left I can have a sit down!

Pic 1 = view looking aft from my Head

I Have also been moving back on board to stay. So I needed electrics, I was going to leave this till later but forgot it gets dark of a night.
First night aboard it was so dark its a wonder I didn't kill myself, many bumps on the head and banged shins/elbows etc.

It took a bit of courage to remove the panels hiding my electrics, and the first thing to greet me was the Global Satellite Comms Interface unit, hence Pic 2 = sat comm panel with cover removed.

The overall view wasn't any better either, hence pic 3 = elec. work to do.

Most of what you see here is all corroded after being under water. First day after rescue was spent drowning in there with the fresh water hose, but it was all live when the salt water level reached this high, I had a feeling it wouldn't be good in here.
So the last couple of days has seen me replace all 16 breakers, and all connector strips and buss bars. I have had to re make all cable ends to. At time of writing this, I have nearly finished all the lighting and power circuits. Engine + monitoring and Nav instruments will have to wait till later.

More later guys.
Roy

Going Native

Hi Everyone,
Well everywhere I have been so far I have found 'project boats'. They are usually in need of lots of TLC, but they are owned by people who are not rich, and they can only fix things slowly. Some will never journey again, even though the owner still tries to make the required repairs.

I have always seen these very down to earth people, everyone a 'charecter', that are well worth talking too, going back and forth to their moorings using outboard motors and dingies of dubious age and condition. After the reef, my outboard fits in with this local scene perfectly, hence the pics. 

The dingy its on was kindly lent to me by Chis of Custom Canvas and Sails Inc.

The next pics are of my shattered anchor windlass, it sits in the bar at 'Bottoms Up' at the boatyard. Only one foot remains still attached. This winch took the full force of the attempted tow off on the night I ran up the reef, 30-10-20011. It didn't pull out of the deck.

more later
Roy

@ St Thomas Dec. 2011 No.1

Hi everyone,
Well at last I have an internet connection using a new laptop sent from UK.

photo 1 = bunk and panels removed showing 5 of the damaged frames.

So first posting. I am going to try and post at least once a week, more if something happens.
I've been very busy trying to salvage tools and equipment. Also I have been removing the starboard side bunk and panels. I bought a new Bosch ossilating tool, as, when I opened my Fein toolbox it was full of salt water, with everything rusty. I suspected the electrics were U.S. I have been using it to remove the caulking on the damaged area of planks. Then I needed to use another attachment. I cleaned up the rusy ones as I needed them. While doing this I took the tool itself to bits, and to my suprise I was able to fix it. So I now have a 220 volt tool and a US 120 volt tool.
After doing all that I then sourced a 2" pipe of the correct length, using this and one of the boat stand adjusters, I have been jacking the broken frames back into original position from the inside.
Photo 2 = pic of jacking out the frames.

So far I have been doing this for three days and have had really good results. The planks on the starboard side are just about back in position after being squashed flat on the reef.

I have made a deal with the boatyard manager, this is to stay here for 6 months while repairs are carried out. I have to decide now how or what method to use to replace the frames


More later, as I go with the repairs.
Roy

Pictures Showing the damage

Three saved batteries and temp wiring for engine start and charging

interior shot after about 5 bin bags filled and dumped, still a mess

Starboard side planks with car sticker.
Frames here are all broken insideon

broken starboard frames before bunk removal

 view of damage to port side planks

Tub and pump for running engine

Another view of the damage

Update from St. Thomas

Hi Everyone,
It’s been Thanksgiving Holiday here in St. Thomas, so everywhere has been closed since last Wednesday, but I’ve been going to the boat every day and trying to keep up a steady work rate so I can get the big Clean up finished. Another three big black bin bags of mush yesterday – to give you an idea of the mess, I had a pack of 12 toilet rolls in my store, this has gone to a mulching mess and is absolutely everywhere. Mixed in with it is all my bits and pieces of documentation and memorabilia from the places and people I’ve met.
There are still two more compartments to open, and the biggee, the electrics compartment, which I’m scared to open because I know it’s just going to be a mangled rusted mess. Where to start there I won’t know. Now I’ve managed to run the engine the water has come out of the diesel tank, gallons of it, and the engine is now running on proper, if somewhat dirty diesel again. The renewed alternator is working great, starts first time to recharge the batteries, the propeller is working, so I’m power independent again.
My next priority is to get the hull back to some sort of condition so that GL will be able to float again, but to do this I have to also buy a completely new windlass and anchor, as during the first failed recovery attempt when all the bad damage happened this was shattered and was lost to the sea.
The cost is scary for just that one item, about 2.800$US. Lost many of my tools to salt water too.
I’m trying to make a deal with the boatyard so I can stay here in an out of the way corner for the time it will take to get the planking stripped and repaired.
To get to the damaged hull will need to take up all the tongue and grooving, remove starboard bunk, door down aft, pull out paneling, dismantle toilet and all fittings. The hull is in worse shape than when I first got Guiding Light, but at least I won’t have to do the mast , rigging and sails again.
Some good news is, today I finished washing all my flags and pennants, so they are neat once more, also my waterproofs and clothed are also OK after a wash.
My camera did turn up, guess where? In the motor of the recovery vessel pump! The girl from the crew said they had heard something rattling around and found my camera inside. It’s in working condition too, except it must be shorting on the rust in the battery compartment as it runs out of battery in about 5 minutes. Haven’t been able to do anything about posting pics on my blog because it’s been Thanksgiving Holiday and everywhere is shut…
Hoping to be able to replace my computer again very soon so I can get communications going to everyone under my own steam.
All for now, more later.

Progress Report

Working this week on fitting replacement parts to repair damage to alternator. Hoping to post some pics of GL on the blog very soon - my replacement specs are on order too. Working out what needs to be done as a priority, and settling down a bit after all the trauma of the past couple of weeks. More later

Main engine saved and working!

Hi everyone
Yippee! Extremely hard work this week resulted in being able to see if engine would come back to life – it did and was able to run it for a couple of hours. Not connected to any electrics yet of course, as that has to be completely renewed with new cables and wiring, so it’s just a temporary battery connection for now. It’s a start though, and it made me feel very much happier about things today.

Cleanup cont.

Hi all again,
Have to say thanks for all the comments and support I have been receiving, I felt very alone for a bit but have rallied myself into gear again. Managed to open up the battery locker yesterday, what a mess, melted cables everywhere and an inch or so of corrosion on the batteries themselves. I spent all day getting them out to see if any could be 'fixed-ish', a good clean up later, and a borrowed battery charger, and to my surprise three of them are in pretty good condition, one though is kaput. I have them on charge now..so.. I can continue with the engine and trying to start that. I have saved the starter motor and I am trying to save the alternator today, using all my knowledge. Also the new battery charger I bought was full of SW but after a complete overhaul I will try switching it on and see what happens. I am expecting a spectacular big bang.
On a lighter note. About a month ago I bought a local car bumper sticker. It reads 'WELCOME TO ST. THOMAS' USVI, underneath it says 'YOU CARN'T MAKE THIS SHIT UP' I found the sticker under the fuel tank, intact...so...I took it outside and stuck it on the worst damaged bit of GL's hull! Its made everyone laugh and say that at least I haven't lost my sense of humour.
I have still to find my camera, it was suposed to be waterproof, but as yet no sign, it could have been washed overboard of course, but have not finished searching everywhere yet, so still hoping.
More later
Roy

The Big Clean Up

Hi Everyone,

Haven’t managed to search GL completely yet – you wouldn’t believe the time it’s taken to try to get through the gunk left by the sea water flooding through. Add to this the water levels coming and going during each of the tides while on the reef, then finally being pumped out, and you have some idea of how much flood chaos there has been to try to clear up. I’ve been finding things in very odd places – eg my shaving brush under the electric box. I even found my computer hard-drive back up, thought that had been washed overboard. Don’t know whether it will work or not. Can’t try it in the lap top of course, that’s sitting there completely useless encrusted with dried salt, as is all my radio and sat nav electronic gear . So have very limited access to the internet at present.
Yesterday managed to remove the saloon table to access the floor-boards, so am finding more things washed down below too. Have filled lots of black bags with sodden equipment no longer any use. Including waterproof torches, hmmm.
A few brighter notes to end – Fred survived intact! The new reinforced mounting that I fitted last month has certainly had the mother of all sea trials and passed with flying colours.
The solar panels are giving some output despite not working properly. Also, although the dingy was lost I managed to recover the outboard motor and have managed to repair it except for one small broken piece which I’ll order after the holiday weekend. St Thomas US VI has been celebrating Veterans Week (from 11.11.11).
Friends here are helping me keep positive, and as you know, I haven’t lost my sense of humour either. Thanks everyone.

The Reef Rescue - in Pictures

Guiding Light last week in October, 2011, in fantastic
shape.

Guiding Light on the Reef at 'False Entrance'  Benner
Bay, US Virgin Islands.  

Picture used with kind permission Gerald Singer http://seestjohn.com/st_john_life/

Guiding Light coming in through the entrance with
assistance, but afloat and un-holed.

Sea Tow recovery vessel with GL being made ready to put ashore

GL  Safe in the boatyard - 'Fred' the windvane still intact.

In the cradle sling, water being pumped out with heavy duty pumps

After all the stress and excitement Skipper Roy being
revived by medicinal brandy!

Facebook Page now up

Very quick update. Have asked my niece to help me out in getting the word out about what's happened to GL. So many people who have admired her in the past.
Please go and like it and we will try to keep that up to date along with blog to keep everyone informed.
Here's the link
 Yacht Guiding Light Facebook Page

Hi Everyone,
It was suggested to me after I described my difficulties that I could
put a Donate Button on the Blog if anyone wanted to help me get
Guiding Light back to a seaworthy state. Thank you for this advice,
the button is there,and if anyone would like to do this they have my
gratitude. Any help will be extremely appreciated by myself.

The terrible sight - Guiding Light on the reef:(

 http://seestjohn.com/st_john_life/life-on-st-john/false-entrance/ - Courtesy of Gerald Singer - Blog about life in St. John US Virgin Islands



More later
Roy

The prognosis for repair

Hi Everyone again,

And now my and GL's quandry, it concerns my finance's as much as anything else, also the estimated work and time/materials required to carry it all out.
The main damage is to the starboard side when she was pulled over. Morgan the Shipwright has been aboard for a quick look, and we discussed what needs to be done, and a rough time scale for completion. It doesn't look good for me. All my budget for the next 5 months was used to get her off the reef and into the shipyard. Over $10,000. Right now I am out of funds. I had to spend that amount as I just couldn't stand by and watch as she was battered into matchwood by the relentless waves on the reef. I spent all day yesterday searching the reef and the mangroves for all the items washed overboard. I found them scattered all over the mangroves. And recovered:- outboard motor/washboard/cockpit floor/cockpit cushion/aft hatch cover/salvage pump/bottle of washing up liquid/petrol can/life jacket/dingy oars and dingy which was shreaded and useless. I recovered all except two anchors and my boathook, so luck is still with me a bit.
More news later
Roy

Sink or Swim

Hi again,


Saga continues,




Monday 31 Oct



I had arranged with my friends to meet very early the next day at Bottoms up 'Carigues Bar and Restaurant'.

We were going to attempt to board GL. I needed my documents, and most important my insurance information to authorise a salvage of GL. We arrived on the inside of the reef about 07:45 and I attempted to walk out to her. The waves however were too much for me to reach her, I kept getting knocked over, I already had fire coral stings on my feet from the previous evacuation in bare feet the night before, I didn't fancy getting anymore, but did on my hands trying to steady myself in the surf.



I had no phone or numbers and needed communications. This was only achieved at about 13:30 to late to find info in the uk it being 17:30 there.

My sister went to my house to get the documents required. I wouldn't receive this until the next morning. Meanwhile I put the word out to those I knew here as to my predicament.

That night saw me with my mind basically shot away. With everyone telling me 'that boats don't last very long there, 2 hours 6 hours, some a bit longer', I was trying to come to terms with the fact that GL just can not survive 2 nights and a day on that reef, by everybodys reckoning.

Tuesday 1

Rang UK very early and speaking with my sister found that we had both missed receiving insurance renewal info due to both our computers having been hacked last year. I was now on my own.

I went to the office (Bottoms Up Bar), put my professional hat on and sat at a table, with a coffee, in front of me a pile of contact numbers. After seeing my mast still there in the distance I assumed the boat was still hanging in there, so rang the towing company to arrange to be taken to the boat to retrieve a few personal items and for them to give me an estimate on how much cash, if possible to extract her from the reef. I was taken to the boat at noon, they had already put a pump on board and were seeing if she would pump out. They helped me across the reef and I got aboard. I retrieved most things I was looking for and they put this in a small boat. After dumping this back ashore I returned for the prognosis. They gave a couple of scenarios and knew I had no insurance. It was very expensive. But sitting alone in the tow boat, looking at GL, who it seemed to me was doing her best to stay in one piece, I decided I had to at least get her off the reef, even if she sank in deep water. They waited with the cell phone ready to call the shot while I looked at the forlorn aspect and sight of GL high on the reef. "I'll commit to a try" I said. A call was made and a bigger tow Boat immediately left Tortola BVI bound for our position and the process swung into action. It took time for Huskeys salvage tug to arrive, then pumps were manhandled across the reef and set up aboard. A bridle was made up so both boats could do the pulling when there ropes were shackled up. They were allowing me to watch but said I could stay in the dingy when they went round to seaward to do the towing. All was ready and approx 1600hrs they were ready. I asked if I could come with them and they said yes. So about 1610hrs all 4 pumps running the pull began. Both boats slowly applying more and more power. I had been given there mobile phone to take pics. GL wasn't moving yet then more power then more power, I saw a swell wave running in and as it hit GLs bow she suddenly leaped upright and catapulted foreward towards the deep water. I was saying " come on girl come on girl" a second swell came in, she did the same again. And again and she was off. WWWOOOWWWW. It had taken maybe five minutes tops. They decided to tow her immediately round the point into 8 feet of calm sandy bottom water to assess how many holes needed patching, and how many air bags it would take to keep her afloat. They did this and at 1640 told me amazingly there were no holes on the starboard side, and only one small pump was keeping her afloat. With a bit of persuasion, I convinced Indipendent boat yard manager at 1645hrs to arrange an emergency liftout of GL. He said be quick you only gave me 15 minutes to stop my men going home. 25 minutes after that I had been towed through the moorings with people cheering and was being lifted out on the travel lift. What a result. I was shell shocked and when all secure went to the bar for a beer. I had enough adrenalin in my blood to fly to the moon.
More about the assessmeant of damage later, but for now the hull isnt to badly damaged, 8 or 10 frames have been cracked, a lot of surface deep scuffing marks, but how on earth did a 75 year old survive 48 hrs battered by the swell on such a trrible reef?
more Later
Roy

GL face's her greatest lifes Challange

Hi To Everybody (with a lot of sadness in my hart.).

I have a bit of a Saga to tell you all. There is a lot of stupidity involved on my part in this story, and also a lot of events that individually wouldn't have meant a lot. But, putting them all together equals a disaster.

As you all know from my last blog post, GL, now all fixed and tested, (looking better than she ever has) was ready for my next adventure 'down island', with only one more promise to fulfill.

Sunday 30th October I decided, was a good day for a relaxing sail to Water Island and Honeymoon Bay.
With two Local friends, beautiful weather, and calm seas, we had a really really nice day out.
On our way back beating into the wind, it was a magic sail, GL effortlessly riding the swell, but darkness was beginning and we knew it would be completely dark before our arrival back. With only about a half mile to go to rounding the point to spot the unlit green marker buoy, we decided to stand off, start the engine and drop the sails. With this all done I handed the tiller to one of my guests, an experienced local charter skipper, and went down below to switch on the charging circuit from the engine to the service batteries. What happens next is a bit hard to recall, I might have spent a bit to long down below I just don't know, BUT, I felt a bump on the keel! As I shot out of the cabin with thoughts of what could we have hit out here in deep water, the other skipper jumped on deck to get a better view ahead, as I looked foreward I could see a reef with a line of terrible looking rocks blocking our way, and they were only just about 300 yards ahead. The engine still in gear was just ticking over but the boat was still doing 3.5 knts straight towards these rocks! I grabbed the throttle control and threw it in astern at full speed, the boat began to stop, then, another sickening and heavier bump occurred, GL shuddered, then a large swell wave lifted her stern and broke just behind, at this point with engine at max astern we had little astern speed and the wave pushed GL forward. When we grounded again this time hard, the sound was more like a crunching sound, I was making no way astern and now being on the wave break line of the reef every wave was pushing her further, we heeled over and GL I knew, was hard aground. During all this I was shouting "were the hell are we", "I don't recognise anything" the other skipper said "we are on the reef at False Entrance."
I had heard of this place of course, but didn't know it.
It would take to long to narrate the next half an hour, and I'm sure typing the words used by all would be banned from being posted.

'Mayday-Mayday-Mayday' words I have never wanted to utter. I broadcast these words for the first time in my life, giving all the info as to GL and our position and situation. Each approx 3 to 4 foot breaking wave was pushing GL further and further up on the reef .

The response was quick and the emergency services were soon in contact. Speed was of the essence, this reef has claimed many many boats. I was in shock. I couldn't understand how this had happened. I kept myself detached however and concentrated on calming my guests, and making sure, No One did anything stupid as to endanger themselves any more than that we were already in. GL wasn't leaking, I had the engine running and as I had fitted an engine driven bilge pump, this was on standby in case it was needed.

The small harbour Coast Guard rib arrived and stood by as we waited for the local salvage towing boat to arrive. I was in constant communication with frequnet updates as to our situation, and everyone knew what was going on. The sea was washing over and being night time in only shorts and t shirts we were all getting very cold.

After this tow boat arrived we discussed the options to attempt a tow off the reef. When this had finally been agreed and a rope attached by myself, an attempt was made. The tow only managed to turn the bow a small amount. The second pull managed a full 180 with the bow now pointing out to seaward. The third pull moved GL about 4 foot towards the deep water. Then the bigee pull. GL was scraping with horrible noises coming from below were I was, she was moving a bit then she lifted nearly upright and dropping back, then she lifted again...teetered on her balance point and went over onto her starboard side and crashed down hard on the rocks. I saw and heard wood splinter inside and at that moment a loud crack from up forward some where. When I got there I found the anchor windless, middle one of three tow fixing points had sheared of its mounting feet. As it had pivoted on the one remaining foot it had guillotined the tow rope. The tow boat with this sudden release had catapulted foreward swamping the boat to the gunwales. and also her massive outboard engines. Now with no engines they drifted backwards and ended alongside about 30 feet off are portside, hard aground! Inside GL were I was, the water level was rising so rapidly even with the engine bilge running it was obvious that was that. With the cooling intake above water and overheating I shut the engine off. Two minutes after that the water hit the batteries and switch panel and all lights power and of course radio died. After shouting questions to the tow boat they said they would be getting a tow off attempt when a line could be taken from the coast guard boat. I then told my guys we get off now onto the tow boat and leave GL on the reef. We did this half drowning in the breaking waves and were all aboard when the attempt was made. It was successful and we came off with a lot of scraping banging bouncing cursing and god knows what else. Halfway to Redhook we were transferred to the big Coast Guard boat which had a cabin we could get in to get a bit warm. 20 mins later we were on the ferry dock Safe.

My thanks go to the Purto Rico rescue center...The USVI Coast Guard...St Johns USVI Rescue Service and Sea Tow for their combined efforts in rescuing my crew and myself.
GL now had to survive a night on the reef enduring the crashing waves.
I found shelter from the owners of Custom Canvas and Sails on Fabians Landing.
My crew went to the skippers yacht.

For everyone to note
Imeadiate family know the complete story, but this is my first opertunity to keep my readers informed.

The next blog will be titled
'Sink or Swim' and will describe what happened to GL on Monday 31, Tuesday 1 Nov. and Wednesday 2 Nov..

Still a very sad person
Roy

General Info

Hi All,
Just to let everyone know, I have stayed here in Benner Bay because of hurricane season and the facilities available here. Also of course to make sure the boat is ready for another passage. Benner bay is a natural hurricane hole and very protected from wind and waves. I have met many new friends, and have been made very welcome here. I have fixed all the bits and have made a few more mod's to make things easier. Varnish work has had a few new coats, also the cabin top has been painted. Living aboard has enabled me to fix many things, and GL really does look and work better than she ever has. Fred has been tested a couple of times and now appears to be really sorted with this new fix. The Garboard planks port and starboard have been bolted back in position, but, its my opinion I will have to recalk them again as they moved during this process and do leak a bit, well more like weeping would be more accurate, so bilge pump comes on more often than I would like. Its always leaked a bit, but since the aborted Atlantic crossing its been an awfull lot more than at present. The stem however always did leak a lot, this has now stopped completely, everywere up forward is now dry as a bone.
It has been a very active weather season, unpridictable, and so far we have not been hammered. I am keeping an eye on the Atlantic, and its looking as though the trades are starting and begining to push the tropical storms down into the south.
So after I have finished a couple of more little items, my plan will be to go 'down island', prob as far as Grenada, then as the time passes furkle my way back up here to the Virgin Islands, and carry on were I left off this year. This will be 2012 next May, as long as the world is still here. April in Antigua 2012 is the 25th Classic Event, and could prove very prestigous to attend, so.....
Thanks for all your comments and emails, I have terrible internet here, I try every morning to connect, but most times nowt. Today is good though?
Keep the comments coming, Alex hope this answers your queries, Patric you did join, its the only way you can leave a comment!

Fred

Hi Everyone,
Fred thank goodness is now fixed at last, a different way to mount the struts and a new reinforced mounting were fitted.
I tested the boat this last Sunday and all is now AOK again, which, leaves me free to plan whats next. Hurricane season has only a month to go before the trade winds are supposed to start up again, I am keeping my fingers crossed for that.
After the repairs to the Garboard planks Starb. and Port, I have developed a small new leak on the portside, but I belive this is due to me re-bolting the plank, and have probably moved it a bit. As long as it gets no worse that will be another job to do next time I am hauled out. The starboard plank is not now moving, and that rarther large leak 'is no more', I just hope it stays that way, it's taken a long time to get it right.
Will blogpost the pics next time internet is good.
Roy

Fred

Hi everyone,
Repairs to Fred are now well on the way. After a great deal of thought about the broken casting and why it failed, I came up with a plan to strenthen the support frame. This I have now completed and after a talk with the owner of the local machine shop a design to connect the 2 struts to the frame has been descussed, and today I will make a template so he can manufacture the parts required. Mounting these struts has been very hard to come up with the solution, trying to imagine were the forces from the rudder are transmitted to the 2 supports, with twisting, compression and stretching forces, but feel this latest mod will do the trick at last.
If I get a better internet conn I will post some pic's of this later.
Roy

Update from St Thomas

Hi everyone,
well it became obvious I wasn't going to suceed fixing 'Fred' at anchor, far to difficult. I made up my mind then to do all the small jobs I coudn't afford to do in the shipyard, or even on a dock there (US $55 a day). While doing this I looked for a private local dock, it took a couple of weeks, but in the end I found one at a very reasonable fee. I have been moored up here now for 2 weeks, Chris the landlord has been very good to me. most of the outside small jobs have been finished, and I am starting 'Fred' next. I figured I carn't really plan a trip just yet because of the tropical storms we keep getting here, Katia formed here and 'Marie' too, is only now disapearing, but as I write, a thunderstorm will hit us soon. There is also so many facilities here it would be silly to go elsewhere just now. Internet is not so good, it was much better at anchor, as I have to sit in the cockpit to get a signal. I have again met so many local characters and have many new friends, Patric and Gabrella to name just 2, Patric helped me set my anchors before Irene hit us, also I have become aquainted with St Thomas as an Island. Many places to see and things to do, and of course learning the local way they do things here.
I'll post next when I have started the repair to fred
Roy

Hurricane Irene and what to do on a Sunday afternoon (corrected)

Hi Everyone
Well I don't believe it but its happening right now as I write this. After leaving the relitive safety of the boat yard dock, and happy with the repairs and boat planks taking up, I went to anchor yesterday morning and spent a nice quiet night afloat. That is not going to happen tonight, as Catagory 1 Irene hit us at 1400hrs this afternoon! So what do you do on a Sunday afternoon in torential tropical rain, with wind gusting in the 60knt bracket.
Well I thought about seeing if there was a internet connection out here, and blow me I have a solid free connection.
So Yard Work pic's for you all to see.


Pic 1
soon after my arrival in the yard I took off the Bobstay fitting and all the filler old and new out of the stem, then removed quite a bit of damaged wood, ready I thought to fit a new piece here.

Pic 2
I removed all the bolts, hoping to use them to secure the new piece inside, so cleaned this up ready.

Pic 3
Alas this was not to be. Shown in the bottom of this pic is the part were I had removed but not found the reason for the damage yet. So the saw had to come out! And deeper and deeper into the stem I went.

Pic 4
And I was finally left with a large piece of missing Stem, also 3 planks unfastened each side

Pic 5
different view of hole

Pic 6
Inside view of hole and frame ends I have cut back to good wood

Pic 7
The reason for all this work found.
Here is the upper stem scarf joint I removed, left is the broken frame end portside and left is the broken part right across the through bolt of the iron frame support.

Pic 8
Myself carving and shaping the first piece of new oak that would be joined to the lower stem.

Pic 9
Closeup of the bit of oak

Pic 10
First piece lower stem and second piece upper stem now all glued screwed and bolted together.

You can enlarge this to see it close up if your not bored out of your tree yet!

Pic 11
after fitting the interface piece between inner and outer stem laminations, the first three outside pieces were fitted

Pic 12
Half way through fitting the second set of laminations. there were 4 layers altogether, of 3/4" Oak

Pic 13
Inside the frame ends were joined the the new stem pieces and though bolted using bronze bolts, also in this pic you see the bob stay bolts and the stem through bolts

Pic 14
After fitting the planks back and the bobstay fitting, and fairing the laminations, the bow is ready to be calked and painted

Pic 15
All finished Yipee

Pic 16
View of the finished chain locker. I have fitted a lining now to protect the woodwork here.

So on this very windy night I will now post this to the blog, internet is running, wow, best I've had for a long while
enjoy the pics
Roy

Spar Lash

Good news everyone,GL was splashed this morning 1230hrs your time zone.
I have had to work so hard to fix all this stuff I need a break.
The shipwright here Morgan again congratulated me on a job well done repairing the stem on my own. I only wish I could show the photo's.
I found another 2 coach screws on the port side garboard and replaced them by re-drilling the holes and through bolting them. That made 4 missing bolts, all in the mast step area, no wonder it was moving about. It remains now to see if this has stopped the likelyhood of the garboard, and plank above from moving against each other, cos thats were it leaked bad before.
I have a berth for today and tonight and will anchor tomorrow, need a bit more wood for the chain locker, its just to control were the chain goes, its been falling over and jamming when I try and pull it out again.
I have no idea what happens next though, I have an invite back to Coral Bay of course, but now we are in the middle of hurricane season its a choice of were to go to hide. This present boat yard is nearly full to the brim with boats that have been hauled out, and there is still a queue trying to get out.
After quizzing everyone here it is looking like a trip to Grenada, its south anyway, even St Lucia is not concidered safe in hurricanes, so will have to have another sea trial and make sure everything is ok, so Coral Bay first then make a decision.
I can get internet there and will be posting as many pic's as I can.
Roy