Category Archives: Ocean Blue
Two Feet
Two Feet. That’s all (in theory) that’s different between Sole sUrchin and Ocean Blue. Two Feet. But with boats life is seldom simple or obvious. Of course I’m comparing two very different yachts, with two very different design briefs – … Continue reading
Posted in Ocean Blue, Sailing
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Galley slave
Slow progress is being made in returning the boat to her former self after the recent unauthorised PNYC clean-out. The main challenge, I’m finding, is missing critical tools to perform simple jobs on board. The stove and base were manufactured … Continue reading
Posted in Ocean Blue, Sailboat Maintenance
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Self steering
If one considers all the truly great and useful inventions and innovations in the history of the world, self-steering for your sailboat has to be right up there with the best of them. There’s nothing much worse than being invisibly … Continue reading
Posted in Ocean Blue, Sailboat Cruising, Self Steering
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Finally.
I have finally received my Certificate of Listing. December 2012 the boat was bought and the application made. End July 2013 it arrived in the post. That’s good going, no? Anyhow, the good ship “Tubby” is now officially listed … Continue reading
Posted in Certificates, Ocean Blue
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Why?
Sitting here onboard, I hear nothing. Nothing except an owl going “Hoo…..Hooo” that is. Why would I want to be in the Jhb traffic and stress with this on offer I ask ?
Posted in Ocean Blue, Sailing
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Winter anchorage
Bunnybrook at 8am on a chilly June morning. Magic ! With a steady 10kt easterly providing the motive power, we have a magic sail off the anchor all the way to the Confluence. Around 12pm the wind dies away to … Continue reading
Posted in Ocean Blue, Sailboat Cruising
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The next job onboard ……. it never ends !
The closest I can get to my yacht is a …. tractor ! Ok. Ok. 15W40 is 15W40 right. But I ended up with this one because [no, no, not because of the tractor] my YSB12 manual recommended … Continue reading
Posted in Ocean Blue, Oil Change, Sailboat Maintenance
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Cutting Corners
There’s a continual temptation in life to cut corners, to do as little as possible, to take the path, that in the short term, seems easier. Take my new backing plates for the cleats intended for the genoa sheets…… … Continue reading
Posted in Ocean Blue, Sailboat Maintenance
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South Westerlies
The first real chill of winter has followed this front up to the Vaal. The NW’lies preceding the front gave way to the expected, icy SW’ly at about 10h30 this morning and the mooring field turned a little bumpy as … Continue reading
Today is “Home-Improvement” Day
All the bits and pieces are cut and glued and today is the day they will be installed. Pity about the forecast though. It looks to be bumpy on the mooring. I hope it all goes in straight! –ooOOoo– It … Continue reading
Posted in Ocean Blue, Sailboat Maintenance
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