Thursday, August 11, 2022, Kingston Yacht Club / St. Catharines
So much has happened in the last 9 days, and yet not so much accomplished, I think.
Much of my my August 2 angst was in the wrong direction and not well thought out. Any solution that involved towing, and haulout, and the end to end process of fixing the boat generally broke down when the question ‘after all that, who will fix it?’ popped its practical head up. And it was expensive. There is a shortage of technicians to fix various things. I can replace the furler through the local dealer but there are no technicians in Kingston to do the work, even when I ask the local Harken dealer.
I’m frustrated with some of the stuff that hasn’t been accomplished yet, but there have been some big wins.
- I couldn’t find the local Kiwi propeller dealer for days, although when I did find him, service was as great as possible, but waiting for the propellor blades to come from New Zealand is the singular holdup, and it is reasonable, I guess.
- The engine mechanic came quickly and did great work. (Kevin Mcleod of Kingston).
- The Kingston Yacht Club seems patient with me but they will have hosted me for a month by the time I can leave, I think. But if I have to be stuck somewhere, KYC is a club full of great people, and have allowed me to get my boat back to proper seaworthiness.
- The genoa was fixed by John Clark at Kingston Sail Loft and it was fixed 2 days faster than promised.
- Isabelle, the insurance adjuster is prompt to respond and always cheerful.
Matt went home when it was apparent that the propellor would not be fixed for a week or two. I followed him home shortly after for doctor appointments and a change of view.
Now my doctor says I don’t need knee replacements yet, and I’m happy about that.
Then the propellor blades, which were promised for August 16 from New Zealand arrived on August 10 but the service guy is on vacation and we’ll have to wait until he can make time to do it. I know he’ll show up asap because he interrupted his vacation for a day to come to Kingston to pull off a blade to inspect it and check out the propellor. He then ordered the match of 3 blade replacements.
And I’m committed to photograph the 2022 Canada Games sailing events on August 17, 18, 19, and 20 which is inconveniently in the middle of the repairs.
So if the fix is in on Sunday the 14th I’ll be able to rush home if the weather window is right. Only the furler won’t be fixed, but everything else should be in working shape on this cruise. This means that we’ll be moving under main sail and motor only.
Through this whole experience, I hope I’ve exuded patience and grace. It’s safer that way.
Pierre has offered to crew and that would be a pleasure. I’ll be careful to pick a comfortable weather window and hopefully interesting ports. If we have to leave on Sunday Aug 14 we’ll not stop, but if we leave on August 21st it will be a vacation of stops. It would be fabulous to start with Wapoose winery. Then along the North shore to Toronto and then a usually simple crossing to Dalhousie. I’d like to spend a few hours each with Lily Storring and Elle Anne, hopefully photoshoots or dinner or drinks. They are in the Kingston/Gananoque area and maybe Stephanie in Cobourg. All good people and good models.
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