Bring on the wind

It’s been an eventful few days here on Crimson Kathryn. Mark has worked very hard figuring out the best way to install our new wind generator. It was quite the process because the wind generator needed to be about 3 ft above the top of the mizzen mast. There were lots of things to consider with this installation; how tall did the aluminum pole have to be to make it steady enough so the generator doesn’t vibrate and that it misses the triatic stay when it spins; How to get the wind generator to the top of the mizzen mast and be able to remove any ropes. Also he looked at things like what type of cable connectors are needed, where to put the readout panel, how to connect it to the batteries – and I know there were more things that went into the planning.

The installation went very smoothly and took place over about 4 or 5 days. Mark was hoisted up that mizzen many times – thanks Steve for your help with this – and each time he worked on drilling holes, installing cables etc. Today (Friday) was the final installation day. With a fancy wooden brake attached to the wind generator, Mark, Steve and I hoisted Mark up first and then the generator second. There were a few minor hiccups but for the most part all went as planned. This was a big job and one of the last major things that needed to be completed before we leave Vero Beach. Now we wait for a nice windy day to see how much energy the wind generator will produce!!

Other things we did this week were to finish our provisioning- always a fun job! We had already been to Costco a few weeks ago so this phase of shopping was at local grocery stores and of course the ABC (LCBO knockoff). We now have a very happy boat full of food and drink!!

I spent a bit of time crocheting 2 hanging baskets for a couple of air plants that will eventually end up in Toronto with Evelyn and Caroline. But first they will travel to the Bahamas! It was very relaxing to crochet again – it’s been a few months and these baskets are super easy and fast (my kind of project)!!

So we are now making plans for our departure from Loggerhead Marina. We looked at storing our car here in Vero Beach but it’s very expensive so we’ve decided to drive our car back to Reynolds and leave it there for the 3 months we are in the Bahamas. We’ve rented a car for Jan. 25th so that’s the last day we’ll have wheels. We are looking at a marina departure date of Jan. 27th and are planning to cross to the Bahamas when there is a good weather window. We’ve started the process of getting our health visas and cruising license. Jane ordered rapid antigen tests that you can do from the boat (just need wifi) so we can upload our negative (🤞) test results as part of our health visas. It’s all starting to come together now!!