Trip Report # 1-2001: Back on the Boat

Filed from Malta

July 23, 2001

1 - We have applied a new epoxy barrier coat on the boat bottom, a major job involving  conscientious preparation of the surface of the bottom  and the application of 6 coats of epoxy before new antifouling bottom paint.  We started the preliminary work before we left the boat in Malta to return to the U.S. in November, 2000.  Tom went back to the boat 2 months before Peg, so that he could complete the work with a hired helper.  That job is done and won’t be needed for at least another 15 years.  And it looks great.

 
Photo:  Starboard Home in the yard at Manoel Island, Malta, with a new epoxy barrier coat on the bottom, before bottom paint

2        – Son, Rob, was married to Alexandra Freedman, a wonderful young woman, on June 16, 2001, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The wedding was beautiful, as was the rehearsal dinner and the brunch on the following Sunday morning.  The newlyweds honeymooned in Hawaii.

3        -  We had many pleasant family obligations, including a week with family at “camp” in Massachusetts.

After all of the fun we had with family, we left for Malta on July 10, arriving late on July 11.  Friends, Nick and Betty Borg, whom we list among the world’s nicest people, allowed us to stay in their 300 year old home in Malta, until we got the boat in the water.

We went to work right away, working from dawn to dusk in close to 100 degree weather, consuming gallons of water.  The Manoel Island Yacht Yard allowed us to stay on their dock after launching free of charge until we were ready to leave.  The boatyard staff were always helpful and courteous and we were always able to get what we needed to accomplish the work on the boat.  

The cost to stay in the yard on the hardstand was about $16.80 US per week. In addition, we were charged approximately $260 US to haul and splash and move the stands on the boat several times during the bottom job.  While we were out of the water, we had a survey done, which cost approximately $150 US.   All in all, we felt that it was a reasonable price for good service.

We are now on our way to Greece and Turkey.  Although we had thought we might go to the Adriatic Sea this year, we find ourselves short on time to do it and will save that for next year when we can devote more time to it.  Our first stop in Greece will be Corfu.

Caio, Malta

Love from Peg & Tom aboard s/v Starboard Home  

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