I know, I keep saying that. This time I mean it!
Two to three weeks before she goes in the water and I find out if and how she floats. And it’ll be the first time the engine has had any real stress put on her. Last time we ran it and found my coolant vacuum lines were collapsing. Who knows what next we’ll find.
This week the liferaft should arrive, along with my emergency radio beacon (EPIRB). These safety devices along with all my other preparations are easing the stress of me and loved ones a bit. I’m going to sea with much untested which makes for anxiety.
I also have two system I have rigged, building on either personal experience or expert advice. One is the automatic steering system which bases the tiller position on changes of foresail line tension. The other is a sea anchor (parachute) deployment device tied to my crew-overboard system. It is both electrically and mechanically triggered, releasing both the chute and a life preserver.
Once I get those set up, i go grocery shopping, take on fuel and water, and hope we don’t weigh too much.
Wish me luck.