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Trapped by an anchor chain and how we broke free

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Trapped by an anchor chain! This post tells the story of the trials and tribulations of preparing and securing our boat Saboteur in order to have a worry-free visit to see Martin Lloyd in the Philippines.

—

Freddie Mercury singing, ‘I want to break free’ is ringing in my head.

I was attempting to leave the Brisbane River to berth Saboteur securely at East Coast Marina in Manly while I visited Marty in the Philippines. I did not want to worry about Saboteur being left on anchor while I was away.

Let me step you back a little. I had had a restless sleep. I was overflowing with a mix of emotions. Excitement and anticipation as it was one more sleep before I would be winging my way to Marty. It had been two months. I was also a tad nervous, as it was going to be the first time I docked Saboteur myself. Normally Martin docks and I take us off the doc when we leave. It is just a habit we got into.

I was probably a tad overwhelmed as well. I had so many projects on the go and the boat looked like a bombshell had hit it. Not how I normally like it. I am a touch boat proud.

My partner in crime for the trip was Phil, a friend we meet while at Dockside Marina. He and his wife had owned a Tayana 54. They have sailed it around the world twice. I was looking forward to the trip and consider Phil a Mentor.

First things first, prior to picking him up I went through the safety checks:

  • I – Isolate (we are on anchor so it is fine)
  • F – Fuel, Aft tank full. Forward tank, 25 litres
  • W – Water
  • O – Oil
  • B – Belts
  • B – Bilge
  • L – Links
  • E – I forget… Need to look it up… Ha, ha…

I headed into North Shore Hamilton to pick Phil up at the recreational jetty. He jumped into the dinghy and we headed back.

We disembarked from the tender via the swim deck and connected it to its davits. I passed the oars and the bailer up to Phil then removed the electric motor outboard battery and placed it on the swim deck and then passed it to Phil. I had to hunt for the key to unlock the steel cable on the outboard shaft. Mental note – I should have done that earlier.

Found it… I unlocked the cable and unscrewed the clamps that secured the shaft to the transom. As I was mid-lift, Phil quietly said, ‘You really should have a safety line on that’. OMG, what was I thinking. He was dead right, and I had flashbacks of chasing my 20-litre water bottle down the river. Extra carefully, I lifted it on the swim deck and passed it up to Phil.

I then jumped back into the dinghy and connected the pully to the dinghy. Phil began to hoist the dinghy up on its davits. He informed me that the clamps were slipping a little.

Mental note: Add to the project list … replace clamps.

When it was two-thirds of the way up, the dinghy slipped out of the port davit and nosedived for the water. The river rushed into the bow of the dinghy. Next thing we heard was the sound of timber creaking and the definitive crack of when it yielded to the combined weight of the dinghy and the river current trying to pull the dinghy under.

Bloody hell. The good news is:

1. It righted itself. Woohoo! Love the Walker Bay design…

2. We had appropriately tethered the dinghy to the safety railing. Otherwise, it would have been phoning a friend to chase it down the river.

I assessed the damage to the swim board. Yep it’s broken. From my first inspection, it was too hard to work out how the damage was done. More precisely, how much work would be involved in repairing it. Secondly, we still had all the parts of the davit system. I took them off the dinghy and secured them on board (Of course, we now had to tow the dinghy, not carry it).

OK, that was a challenge we could have done without. Bah, humbug.

I started the motor and:

  • Turned on the instruments
  • Turned on the engine blower
  • Turned off the anchor light
  • Checked the anchor winch was on

We were ready. Phil headed up to the bow sprit, removed the snubber and got ready to lift the anchor chain. He did so, and every now and again the chain jumped out of the winch jockey and he had to lower it again.

Note: Another project, replace the arm pin and service the anchor winch. Great now I have two new projects….

I heard Phil say, ‘We are clear and all good.’ As he moved towards the cockpit, I put a little power on. He grabbed the boat hook and headed back to the bow. He signalled for me to stop. I did so. It was clear we were not moving forward. In actual fact, Phil said ‘We are clear and it’s not good.’

I made my way to the cockpit to see what was going on. Our anchor was clear of the water, however it was wrapped in another anchor chain. Bloody hell! We attempted to remove it without much luck. We really needed to lift the weight of our anchor to have any chance of removing the chain.

I phoned a friend. 

My neighbour Mike (Michael Hendra). He put on his life jacket and headed over in his dinghy. Phil and Mike discussed strategies. Mike positioned his dinghy under our anchor and we lowered it into his dinghy. Between twisting and rotating the anchor, with Phil on the boat hook and through Mike’s sheer strength, the anchor was freed. We attached a buoy to it so that we could avoid it next time, and maybe pull it up on our return.

With many thanks and a grateful heart, I waved good bye to Mike and shouted ‘see you in a few weeks’. We turned our attention to the voyage. We headed in the direction of the river mouth. It was a pleasant day with a slight breeze on the nose. I handed the helm over to Phil while I attended to some paperwork for my travels.

Phil seemed happy at the helm, so I sat back and enjoyed the journey. We were approaching Manly and were yet to turn into the channel when the engine coughed and spluttered and stopped. Bugger, I ran downstairs to check fuel tanks. I did not think we were that low. I had checked it after all. Luckily, we have a self-priming engine that pushes the air through on its own. And so I changed to the full aft diesel tank and we were under way again. I took the helm; my nerves were up. The weather conditions were still ‘perfect’ A very slight breeze from the South South East. It was brilliant. Remember, this was my first time docking. Phil and I spoke about which way to do it. Would we tie off bow first or stern first.

Phil suggested that we should berth bow first.

I told him that Marty and I always berth stern first, as we have the bow thruster. A bow thruster is a small propeller in the bow of the boat that assists with turning in tight circles. When docking it assists in keeping the bow of the boat against the dock. Phil informed me that they did not have a bow thruster. I got the feeling that he wanted me to dock without using the bow thruster.

We talked the approach, the speed and which way to turn the wheel. Bearing in mind that I suffer from dyslexia, and when I switch from forwards to backwards, I have been known to get confused sometimes.

The time had come. I really wanted to do this. I could have easily said to Phil ‘you take over’. But no, I held onto my nerves and I approached the finger. I could not see the finger as the sides of our boat are so high, so I ended up standing on the seat. I adjusted, a little to port and a little to starboard. It was more of a wobble zigzag, as it is easy to over-steer. The approach was now on point, I was slowing down. Was I at walking speed? … Hopefully.

Phil stepped off onto the finger to tie off the bow. As soon as he was on the finger, I turned the wheel hard to starboard and put her into reverse with a few revs. Beautiful, the stern of the boat was turning in.

I threw the stern line to Phil and he caught it. And voila – we were docked. It was not the smoothest nor the prettiest docking, and I have seen far worse. I did it, and I was chuffed.

We were docked

Phil went off to his boat to do a coat of varnish and I headed to the marina office to collect the key. We were meeting up later in the day. Phil was going to look at my generator to try and figure out why it was not working.

When he returned, we discovered that I had accidentally switched of the generator emergency kill switch. Ha, ha… I must have done it when I was checking the oil. He also noticed the fuel filter needed to be changed and the fuel housing cleaned out. Another first coming up for me to do this. It will be the subject of another post. For now, I was happy that I had docked for the first time, and that there was nothing wrong with the generator.

And now to go see my baby in Manila…

Originally published on Facebook on 10/09/22.

#sailingsaboteur #boatmaintenance #whatareyouwaitingfor #liveyourlife #getoutdoors #wearsunscreen

Saboteur with the dinghy
Broken swim board
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A small splash for me

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Boat Works our home for a few days

All morning I had been stepping from the boat to the marina (The Boat Works) finger and back again. The first time yesterday morning, the tide was pushing Saboteur away from the finger and the gap between the boat and the finger was significant enough for me to go to the stern of the boat and pull in the stern line and return back to the belly of the boat, plonk my bum on the toe-rail, stretch my legs out and half slide half step down to the finger. On completing this manoeuvre, the boat gently slides back to where it was.

I shortened the stern line from the finger to make it easier to get back onboard when Zac and I returned.

Zac had already elegantly jumped off and was waiting for me to take him for a walk. He looked at me, as if to say, ‘what’s taking so long mum?’

We had a lovely walk and on my return, I decided to clean the water line.

Two months in the Brisbane River was evident with a slimy green line of growth which has called Saboteur home, along with a few crustaceans that have also settled in. I grabbed the long handled scrubbing brush. I sat on the edge of the finger and started scrubbing. It was satisfying to be using my muscles and felt good.

It was also satisfying to see the white strip reappear as I scrubbed away. Damn it look good.

Now, above the water line looked dirty. I grabbed magic eraser and a Chux. I used the magic eraser under the toe rail and wiped it down with the Chux. And used the scrubbing brush for between the top edge and the waterline.

I would occasionally lean back, look and be pleased with myself.

It was time to show off my handy work to Marty and went back on board and asked him to join me on the finger. I went up the companion-way before him. The gap between the finger and the boat had increased. I plonked my bum on the toe rail once again and stretched for the finger. As I was transferring my weight, the wake of a boat lifted us and my toes hooked on to the springer line (the springer line is a rope that if set up properly, prevents the boat moving too far backwards and forwards). With my toes between the rope and my body weight transferring I pivoted, ending up with my right leg knee length in the drink and my left knee into the concrete which then my leg folded underneath me.

I ended up plonked on the concrete with one leg in the water.

Marty stepped over the cockpit to find me sitting on the concrete hugging my right shin in the hope that my toes would stop hurting. My toes were too sore to touch.

You have to laugh.

Timing sucked for Marty who was already busting to go to the loo (seriously busting) and torn between staying helping me or going to the much needed loo. I sent him off to the loo and I quietly sat assessing my injuries. I am grateful the finger had a beautiful clean fender and sides. Unlike many that are encrusted with algae growth and rough, sharp crustaceans that would have seen me heading to the docs for antibiotics.

My toes hurt and I am a little bruised. My ego is miffed. I still think of myself as in my mid-twenties, still capable of everything I could do then. It is funny how our self-image dances with our reality. I have always believed I am tall. I grew up the shortest in a tall family which lead me to believe (and still do) I am 6ft 7. Just ask me. And with that, able to do incredible feats. I’m continually amazed when I can’t, when I’m limited by my height. I am good at climbing and stretching, and finding ways to reach things. It is part of the challenge.

Yesterday morning’s adventure was an easy leap for Zac, a wee step for Marty and a small splash for me. Hopefully a good laugh for you.

And after a nights sleep and still not able to put weight on my foot I was thinking a visit to the Doc for an xray might be on the cards. However, I strapped my two toes together and I can walk again. Albeit carefully.

It parallels the challenges of our adventure. Some of it is easy for Marty, and a challenge for me. Some of it is easy for me and a challenge for Marty. We find ways to do things. Above all else, we are determined to accomplish our adventure while we still can.

And Zac, he just takes it all in his stride as long as we don’t splash him.

#sailingsaboteur #whatareyouwaitingfor #Liveyourlife #getoutdoors

Note: the arrow in the photo is the berth we were on.

Originally published on Facebook February 23, 2022

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Departing Sanctuary Cove Marina, take 2…

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Departing Sanctuary Cove Marina… The last time we departed Sanctuary Cove Marina, some of you held your breath as it was the first time I had taken the helm to depart from a dock.

They say practice makes perfect. Are you ready, friend Jordo?

We had decided to spend a couple more nights at Sanctuary Cove again. We were heading out to dinner with friends and there were a few storms coming, so it was just going to be easier all round to stay for a couple of nights. There is something comforting about heading into a marina that we have been into before. Familiarity provides a little more confidence. We have a sense of how wide the berths are, and how much room we have to turn etc. And so, heading in, we were very relaxed. We have fallen into the habit of setting up Saboteur so that we can dock on either side, just in case. This means we have fenders and lines on both sides of the boat ready for plan A and plan B.

With Marty at the helm, we phoned in and were told we could have the same berth as last time – sweet. Too easy. The light breeze was going to gently blow us on to the finger. This is the easiest way to dock. We came in on low tide. Marty gently turned and lined the bow up perfectly. I sat on the edge of the boat, feet dangling over the side, the stern line in my hand and about to step off. It was an easy step. We are gliding in. I tend to count down the reducing distance in metres 3, 2, I… in the readiness to step off.

There was a slight jolt.

We had stopped, just shy of the finger. I shouted out ‘keep going’. Marty shouted back ‘we have hit bottom…’ This marina is meant to be deeper than this. Bugger. Captain Marty upped the erbs (slang for horse power) and we gradually pushed Saboteur’s 20 tonnes through the soft mud bottom the remaining distance into our berth. I stepped off what was the slowest docking ever.

Our time swiftly passed at the marina. We had a couple of social events, I was able to write and Marty installed the stand-up paddle board brackets on the stanchions and we were both very happy with our efforts.

We kept meaning to tell the Marina Manager that we had touched bottom. This marina and this berth are designed for much bigger boats that require more water underneath them than we do. We really should not have touched bottom. We kept forgetting to tell him and finally told him when we handed our keys back before leaving.

Once again it was time for me to take Saboteur off the finger. Practice, practice, practice…  I was feeling mildly confident and slightly nervous. It was about an hour after low tide. We had 10cm of water underneath us. More than what we had when we came in. I asked Marty, ‘Should we wait a little longer, perhaps have another 10 cm underneath us?’  We discussed this, however with the extra water comes increased current.

We decided to leave now.

I took the helm. Started the engine, tested the instruments and made sure that the bow thruster was working. Marty took the bow line off as I nudged Saboteur into reverse. We were slowing moving backwards. Marty stepped on board with the stern line and we were free from the finger. We edged back until we were midships and I started to turn Saboteur with the bow thruster. It was a wide berth and we had plenty of room.  We were now about 45 degrees to the finger and… we hit bottom. I mean seriously hit bottom.  

Not going forward, not going back.

I could have stepped off at the end of the finger (just – it would have been a big step). We looked at each other and laughed. There was nothing to do but wait until we had more water underneath us. The challenge, if we lifted off without realising it, was that the wind could have pushed us into the boat beside us. We had to keep a close eye on the water level and on our position. Being still and waiting… watching… waiting… watching. We phoned the Marina manager and explained we were stuck again. He said, yes, he could see that. We laughed. He offered to grab a line. No need, I was staying on the helm. He said he would organise to get that area surveyed and re-dredged.

And so about 15 minutes later…

we had enough water and power to continue backwards and then I could put Saboteur into neutral and then into forward gear.  We were drifting. I had no power. We both looked at each other. Marty said, ‘Don’t tell me the propeller shaft has disconnected again from the gear box’. I hit the bow thruster to steer us away from the slowly approaching boats we were drifting towards. It was all slow motion. This is the advantage of going on slack water (low or high tide when the current turns).

I brought her back to neutral and then got into gear again. Bingo. I hadn’t put the gear stick fully into forward. We both laughed and sighed almost at the same time as the propeller moved us forward and out of the channel.

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Scoot scoot

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What a day! Scoot scoot.

Life on a boat will soon mean life without a car, and motorbikes. While we are travelling for the next two weeks our vehicles are at my sisters place. On our return to Brisbane we will be saying good bye to them before heading off.

So now it is scoot scoot. And it is a blast.

Today was what I anticipate will be known as a typical kind of ‘scoot scoot’ day. The day consisted of a visit to the vet for Moo’s arthritis shot, then back to the boat to do some work. This was followed by a trip to two Chandlers, Best Friend (the pet store), a little more work, dinner and writing.

I was keen to get away early and I did not want to be late for the Vet. Also, I had not been there before and was worried at how long it would take to get there. Martin reassured me we will get there in 15 minutes. We travel at very different speeds. Leaving the boat took almost as much time as getting there. First, we forgot the dogs leads. Then we forgot our masks. Eventually we left the marina.

I was a little wobbly. It had a been about 4 weeks since I was on my scooter.

Martin on the other hand has been using his a lot. He has 250 kms on the clock, while I have about 70. And some of those Martin put on for me.

I was also cautious. It was the first longish trip we had done with the dogs in their carry pouches. At first they were a little unsettled. And yet, they did not complain. They are the perfect dogs.

What I discovered between all our scoot scooting around Mooloolaba was that everywhere we went, there were designated bike paths. It was brilliant. It made me more relaxed and I could start to appreciate the beauty around me. The river and canals. The distinctive pandanus trees that always remind me that I am on the coast. My chill out zone.

On our second trip out this afternoon (sans dogs), I was relaxed and back into my groove. I was able to appreciate the fun of being in a new place and discovering new things. On the way back from the Chandlers, we stopped in at two dive shops. I am on the hunt for some snorkelling gear. I am keen to get back in the water. During the happy deviations, I discovered a snorkelling trip, ‘Swim with the whales’. The only one on offer in Australia, according to their marketing. I am curious.

Scoot, scoot, swim, swim…

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A giggle to end your day on…

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Grab your favorite drink and enjoy the story of a flying Moo Moo and a giggle to end your day on.

I woke up feeling refreshed after two nights in a row of great sleep. Eleven hours on Tuesday, and ten hours last night. It had nothing to do with Martin being away. It is more to do with catching up on sleep and shaking off a head cold kind of feeling, nothing I can really put my finger on. Maybe it is just sinus.

Just after 6am, I took all three animals up for their morning comfort stop. This can be challenging when I am on my own. Challenging for a number of reasons. Zac the cat is on a 5-meter retractable lead, and I need to keep one eye on him in case any passing dogs are overly interested. Generally, he has their measure. Nowadays the bigger dogs don’t bother him, he simply ignores their barking and attention. I believe most give up because they don’t get the reaction they are seeking.

Zac disappears into the garden bed, digs a hole and does his business and then covers it up. Meanwhile, Moo and Nitro head in different directions and each do their business on the open grass. I make a mental note where each one stopped so that I can collect their calling cards. Checking for big dogs I tie Zac’s lead to a tree. He is happy eating grass. I pick up Moo’s poo and hunt for Nitro’s – cannot see it. Keep looking…

I feel my shoe slide in something soft.

You guessed it – found it. All of it is stuck to my shoe. I wipe it off on a brick and bag it up and bin it.

My beautiful munchkins

Time to go back to the boat, feed the cherubs and then decide on a croissant for me. A quick text to a neighbour to see if she wanted one as well. A lovely brief walk in the morning sun to pick up two gorgeous croissants from Christian Jacques French Patrisse (to die for). Proud of myself, I ordered in French. Big grin…

Back to Jazzy’s boat for a tea / coffee and croissants and homemade jam, and a lovely catch up before the day started.

Then back to my boat. A productive morning with the CD blasting and noise cancelling headphones to block out the construction noise across the river. This is my strategy to not let the construction noise beast drive me insane.

Productive work done. 🙂 Time for a cuppa, put the kettle on (gas stove – and a gorgeous whistle kettle) take the dogs up for comfort stop number two. Decide to take the bin with me.

Get through the gate and shut it. Damn, my keys are on the boat. The kettle is on. Everyone is at work. This return to work has real disadvantages for me. Call the Marina Manager… no answer, text the marina manager, no response.

No marina staff in sight. Surely the kettle is boiling by now. Heck…

Walking up and down the marina to see anyone l know who can open the gate for me. Finally, found someone about to use the amenities, I don’t know them. I introduce myself and politely explain the situation. He asked a few questions, and finally walked down to my gate to let me and the dogs back in.

He opens the gate and steps back, so does Nitro and Moo who are standing behind him. I am sure they were expecting him to walk through the gate, not turn and walk away. Moo goes flying through the air downwards. Looking up at me as he was falling he didn’t bark once. Luckily, it was low tide. He landed on the rocks… My rescuer then jumps over the retaining wall to rescue one flying Moo Moo.

After a million thank you’s, I get back on the boat and turn the kettle off. I have earnt this cup of tea. It was only 10.30am.

Hope you had a great day everyone…

#SailingSaboteur #marinalife #petsonboats

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Kamikazi Prawns

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It is full moon and the Kamikazi Prawns are running. Under the brightness of the moon the waters around our boat and the marina we are in are very active. We tend to sleep through the nocturnal activity.

First light is usually when we see evidence of the night’s events. Initially it was a mystery. As I walked the dogs along the marina finger they were stopping to hoover up prawn shells that were acting like mini mirrors, throwing the dawn light randomly around.

They were in their element hoovering away. Initially I thought one of the other marina live aboards had done some night fishing and left the tell-tale evidence behind. Further along the finger there are more prawn shells and more doggy hoovering to be had. After a slow walk up the finger the dogs take their much needed comfort stop.

Other occasions I see prawns that are severed into several pieces, the flesh still firm and fresh. In time I learn from our neighbour that the prawns (and fish) jump out of the water as they are being chased by other fish. This makes sense. And so, I learnt the mystery behind the Kamanzi prawns. 

There were more mysteries to unpack.

I realised that the early birds had been eating the Kamikazi Prawns. In particular, the shag appears to deshell it. When taking the dogs for their morning comfort stop our noise disturbs the shag, the dogs are lucky, the bird takes off leaving the prawn for the dogs. And our neighbour Lynn learnt why there were never any prawns on the finger for them to use as bait.

This morning I was taking all three animals (the two dogs and the cat) up for their comfort stop. It was a full moon and there were several prawn shells on the finger, and then a fully peeled prawn on the gangway. Now that is way too high for a prawn to jump.  Above the gate, on guard, full wings spread was a shag making a racket. An interesting bird that swims under water, has the most amazing long neck that can swivel and rotate its head any which way.

I was wondering if it was safe to open the gate to take all three animals up to the grass. Oblivious to what was going on with the bird the dogs proceeded to inhale the prawn. Meanwhile, I realised the shag was trying to protect the prawn from a crow that was making a nuisance of itself.

I was not sure how the shag would react to the missing prawn and if it was safe to proceed. Fortunately, I think they are cautious of humans. It decided to take a piss all over the gate and fly off.

The expression comes to mind, the early bird catches the worm. In this case the earliest human, dog or bird rising catches the Kamikazi prawn.

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The boat life writing retreat comedy of errors continues.

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Following on from last week’s post introducing you to the not so glamorous aspects of boat life, I thought you would enjoy the on-going comedy of errors of my ‘meant to be perfect’ boat life writing retreat.

I called this post, ‘OK Dave James. You asked for chapter two,’ based on the comments Dave made about the first post…

Well here it is.

—-

Queue music, Bobby McFerrin singing “Don’t worry, Be happy”

When I posted my “be careful what you ask for post” I was foolishly thinking tomorrow would be a better day. And it was more or less. I still had to get to tomorrow.

So the story continues…

Martin joined me for dinner. He had just read my post and still with tears (from laughter) in his eyes asked me what I had planned for dinner and what was he actually going to get for dinner.

Dinner was fine. He got home made fish cakes (Thai style), with stir fried vegetables in ginger and rice noodles. The feat in that was I was using a single gas top burner. I somehow timed it all well for dinner to be on the table.

So far so good.

We took the dogs for their evening bedtime wee only to learn Nitro had diarrhoea … Not a good start to the evening. This was at 9pm.

My beautiful munchkins during bedtime.

Martin left to go home.

Nitro woke me at midnight and three am to take him to the toilet. He forgot about waking me somewhere between 3 and 6am when he managed to throw up on the bed. I did not realise this until I made the bed when I got up this morning.

OK more fool me for letting him on the bed when he was sick. The point is not lost on me.

My escape to boat life writing was intended to avoid such tasks as laundry. I am also at a marina that has a laundry that Martin pointed out to me. I knew this but it also uses coins. So, who carries coins now days. Not me.

I proceeded to wash the linen in what new feels like the smallest sink in the universe and the largest double bed spread with good old morning fresh. First wash I can still see the stain. Did I mention the quilt cover was brand new? Never been used before.

Fade music Bobby McFerrin

Queue music Richard O’Brian singing “The Time Warp”.

Second wash, I think I can see it (the stain that is). I was so determined to get all stains out. Third wash I am pretty sure it is gone. During this process of seriously scrubbing and rubbing I started reflecting back on my grandmother and washing in the coppers and wash boards. Seriously the women in those days had to have some strength. All I was washing was a quilt cover. Anyway, the next challenge is it looks like it is going to rain. Lucky me. I have no coin for a dryer.

After seriously wringing out the linen I grab a couple towels and roll the linen and towels together as tightly as I possible could with the hope the towels will draw more moisture out from the linen.

By some miracle the sun comes out. I quickly run to hang out the washing on the clothesline then get back on the boat and realise how wet my trousers are. I change and hang them over the helm. Don’t think we are meant to do this. Bite me! I am beyond caring.

Finally, I feed the dogs. Dry biscuits only… just in case.

Our miniscule galley

Now it’s time to feed me.

It put my oats in the saucepan, some sultana’s and dice up half an apple and toss it in. I grab the almond milk from the fridge and it is frozen… yes, frozen.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

I don’t like oats with water. Now I am sounding precious I know. Mitch arrives. Welcome distraction. Light installed. Yippee!!! Mitch leaves.

The almond milk has started to defrost enough for me to have enough for my breakfast. Finally, I sit down to breakfast. While keeping a close eye on possible rain.

Fade music Richard O’Brian

Queue music, Alana Morrisette singing “Isn’t it ironic”
Our old boat Phoenix 7

The fridge freezing delayed my breakfast, but also made my salad that I had made yesterday a soggy mess… Another meal that ended up not as planned.

I tried registering for Coles to do home delivery but gave up in frustration when they would not recognise a Marina as an address. I then could not find out how to switch to pick up.

Why, Coles delivery you ask?
Two reasons. To try and maximise time for boat life writing and I have two dogs that I don’t want to leave on the boat unattended at this stage.

So, there was nothing left to do but an emergency dash to Beefy’s pies drive through for their signature steak (gluten free) with the best gluten free pastry I have ever had.

And I pick up poo bags on the way…

And that got me to 1pm…

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Zac and his new friends at Dockside Marina.

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Zac (the cat) has been settling in with his new friends and winning hearts at our new marina. My biggest concern about moving on to the boat was how well Zac would handle moving into a home on the water.

Fair to say it was an immense relief for me to see him settle so quickly at Gold Coast City Marina. He very quickly got use to the fact that the boat sways and rocks. Dockside is now Zac’s third marina and he appears to have the following routine.

The first couple of days,

…you see him listening to everything. He occasionally would venture up the companionway (stairs), sit on the top tread and watch the world through the fly screen. Finally, he starts to paw at the screen as if to say, Mum I am ready to go out. He walks on his 5-meter retractable lead and tentatively steps out. His first walk is always late at night. Why? Most people and their pets have gone to bed. It is usually a very slow walk with every smell and sound needing to be investigated. He is flighty and on full alert. With each walk comes increased familiarity, he appears to gain confidence.

Zac on one of his late night walks.
Zac on one of his late night walks.

One night on a walk with Martin, Zac met Shadow, a Pomski
(Pomeranian – Husky cross)

…who appeared to be ‘interested’ in chasing Zac, but for her owners keeping her at bay.

Shadow has lived at this marina for years, so Zac is well and truly in her territory. Martin returned saying that the Shadow and Zac encounter needed human supervision.

And so fast forward a couple of weeks with Zac and Shadow checking each other out, the following encounter happened.

I was sitting downstairs in the cockpit. Zac was on his retractable lead, initially on the deck and he had jumped on to the finger. He loves flashing his blue eyes to the staff on The Yot Club (our neighbours). They adore him along with the dogs. Zac loves watching them work as well as watch all the boats go past.

I heard Shadow bark and I bolted upstairs.

The Yot Club staff were watching Shadow and Zac and I stood on the deck to watch the encounter. Anthony, from The Yot Club told me Zac went up to Shadow and Shadow barked it him. He then took a few steps back. Zac again went up to him and Shadow barked again. It was at this point I arrived on the deck, in time to see Zac sit down. He looked at Shadow who was not so sure about Zac approaching him. Zac then decided to roll over and scratch his back on the finger and settled into a comfortable position spread eagle on his back. He clearly was not worried at all about Shadow at all.

With that encounter I felt the last of my concerns about Zac settling in melt away.

Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me when I ran up stairs. Since then Shadow has been on board a few times including sitting beside the bed singing to Zac. As evidence below looking for him through the bedroom porthole.

Shadow looking at Zac through the bedroom porthole.
Shadow looking at Zac through the bedroom porthole.

Looking forward to Zac and his new friends adventures.

To learn more about Zac and some of his rituals follow this link: Morning-rituals, walking the *cat* (Zac) & me… – What Are You Waiting For

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4, 3, 2, 1 Catching up on the past few months

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Our_neighbour_YOT_Club

Catching up:
4 months since I posted a blog post
3 weeks out of the water
2 marinas
One major goal achieved

Thank you to all of you for checking as to why I have not been posting. I am finally catching up on the last few months.

Our pursuit of a live aboard lifestyle has not changed.

In fact, our conviction has only grown stronger. Obtaining this lifestyle is a journey that requires discipline and dedication, serious dedication too.

We definitely want to work less and embrace what our surrounds offer us more.Martin demonstrated his dedication to this lifestyle change by resigning from his job of 11 years to go consulting. Ironically, (I am hearing strands of Alanis Morissette in the back ground) he has 3 clients and could easily work equally as hard if he is not careful. Now he needs to focus on the discipline of not working too much. This is coming from the voice of experience.

As I write Martin (and another friend Rob) are crewing on TimandJo Hayter and Jo’s boat, making their way to beautiful Harvey Bay and home of my bestie from Manly.

Martin just texted me to tell me he is seasick, very, very seasick.
My poor baby.

Meanwhile I stayed behind as someone has to look after the animals. Truth be told I was catching up on a few work commitments and had also been unwell for a few days. My day was split between client work in the morning and my stuff in the afternoon. A nice walk around Kangaroo point to mark the end of the workday. We are now at Dockside Marina, Kangaroo Point. Why? Simple because it has halved our travel from Newport Marina to our clients. Yes, we moved to Newport to enjoy being closer to open water. From Newport…

… we took the boat out of the water for three weeks to have a bow thruster installed, and I desperately wanted our shower working.

I could write a book on the dramas in getting the shower water cascading and draining. Yes draining would be nice. 9 months without a working shower…. And it has finally happened. Happy dance.

Dockside Marina is in the heart of the Brisbane CBD. At night we are bathed in the light of the story bridge and the city surrounds. It is beautiful. As I write, sitting in the cockpit I have been watching the party boat (trimaran) next door to us, the ‘Yot Club’, which lots more like a three-story apartment block than a boat, get ready to go and pick up their guests.

Their beautiful staff are busy readying the boat for the nights adventures. This included showing each other various parts of their bodies which I can only assume are new tattoos. It also included 3 drag queens arriving in full makeup and the best heels I have seen in a while, and practicing their dance moves.

Speaking of heels, I moved back on the boat with only three pairs of shoes. I still have most of my clothes and shoes at my girlfriend’s place. More downsizing to be done.

Our view of the Story Bridge from our cockpit.
Our view of the Story Bridge from our cockpit.

And now we are at Kangaroo Point. At dusk we are graced with energy of people embracing the outdoor life style. I honestly don’t think I have seen so many fit people getting outdoors than here. There are almost as many dogs taking their owners for a walk. There are BBQ and picnic spots and a small sandy beach for the dogs. We have also joined the masses and purchased our own scooters which are proving to be a lot of fun. Please no more broken bones baby.

My new book

And finally, the main reasons why I have not been posting is that I have written and published a book. My book is not about our downsizing journey. It is a business book. Drum roll please…While it is a business book, I am sure you will love it. It is called EXIT, how to professionally exit a dysfunctional workplace conversation. I am so passionate about sharing this technique with everyone that the eBook is free. I would love you to pass it on to anyone who you think may benefit from it. You can access the free eBook here. https://confidentconversations.guru/book-exit/

Finally, the good news is I am back to blogging again and it feels so good.

On that note I hear the funk tones of Jamiroquai, singing, ‘It feels good, oh so good… ‘

It was great catching up on the last four months, talk to you soon!

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Marina life part 2

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Marina life… Martin and I went to the Gold Coast City Marina on Saturday evening to visit friends on their Irwin 52 ketch. They are about 7 years ahead of us. They left corporate life and have been living on their yacht for 6 years now. We love their company and their positivity.

They have decided to base themselves on the Gold Coast for approximately a year while they do some work on their boat. Tim turns his hand to everything and does all the maintenance work on his boat as well. Jo has picked up a part time job.

Tom Jones was played a lot that night. After a brief commentary and various opinions about Tom Jones, his music became a half-forgotten background to the lively and engaged conversation of the gathered clan.

Sunrise at Gold Coast City Marina

We were joined by Michael, a Swede and John, who had bought Phoenix (our old boat) and ended up staying the night. Then we crashed on “Crash’s” boat (who was away) and in the morning as I was returning from the the facilities block, watching the sunrise and loving the reflection on the water, I saw our old boat Phoenix and my heart skipped a beat. Truly it did! I still love her and we are thrilled that John the new owner is a truly passionate sailor.

We really needed that visit and sleep over on the Marina. Why, you ask? Because we were both feeling a little flat. Or, perhaps a more than a bit. The delays on our boat and the challenge of selling our stuff. On the drive back to Brisbane Martin said, he felt better today than yesterday. All the delays were making our dream seem so far away. And, it was so nice to connect with our dream again.

I think this gave him a renewed vigour to get rid of more stuff under the house.

He has sold, his Ducati 1198 race bike, his beautiful superbike. It is worthy of a spec sheet so here it is. I had to tap into him for this… as all I remember is lots of horsepower of the back.

Ducati 1198 Race Engine, Titanium rods and valves, lightened everything, Microtec engine management, 198rwhp. Ohlins suspension, Flat link rear, 25mm offset triples, slipper clutch, much, much, more and stupid fast…

Ben Lowe showing us how its done
Ryan and Ben loving race days

Selling it was bitter-sweet. Sad that it is gone and happy that it went to one of our favourite riders to watch Ben Lowe, or the Lowe show. We love watching him race Ryan Yanko. The lead changes, the tasselling and the banter in the pits. I personally love watching Ben and Ryans’ kids play together and the moments we all share. It has been hard for Martin to step away form racing because of his accident. He is not a good spectator. He would rather be racing than watching. I was happy to hear him say, while we are still around, we might go and watch Ben on the bike. I would love that.

So endings and new beginnings.

A slightly amusing ending and beginning centres around the piano. Martin sold his piano and we agreed a day for delivery. So, it was kind of strange, to have it sitting there knowing it would be gone the next day. He opened it and played a few tunes. This time with a tinge of sadness that we all felt. Fast forward a couple of days, he grabs Bill a mate he was in a couple of bands with in his 20’s and a very talented musician. They disappeared for a while and came home with a keyboard, that feels and sounds like a piano, with a fewer keys. It is shorter than the piano and very narrow. It was great to see the smile on Martin’s face and to see and hear Martin and Bill have an impromptu jam session while I was cooking dinner.

We are learning that marina communities are punctuated with talented people, particularly musicians. And jam sessions are common. I loved our time on East Coast Marina, sitting on the deck in the cool of the evening listening to Charles play his saxophone. And I am looking forward to being back there for a month before heading to our berth at the Gold Coast. I love the communities we have been exposed to so far. You could own the smallest and cheapest boat to a huge and expensive yacht and we all sit around, having a whiskey and sharing a meal together.

I love Marina Life.

#Ilovesailing #Ilovemarinalife #whatareyouwaitingfor #liveyourlife

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