Heading South

Its been a very frustrating week but we believe we are now ready to start the journey south for real. 
We put the boat back in the water on Monday afternoon as planned.  It was all very uneventful.  The keel has been repaired and the bottom painted with two coats of antifouling so we should be set for at least another 12 months in the water barring any mishaps.  Luckily ???? Claire got a picture of the damage to the keel so in the interests of full disclosure I have included it below.  Was not really too bad but glad we came out and got it fixed just the same.

Damage to keel

The week has been spent trying to get the last (for now) bits and pieces fixed, provisions and stores loaded and laundry done.  Scott has been onboard most of the time while Nic has done all the running around trying to buy everything that we need.  The work onboard is not major but the frustrating aspect is trying to get parts.  Once the bit has been identified (which can be half the battle) you go to a supplier but generally it will not be available immediately so it has to be ordered.  Luckily, this being the states, most shipments can be made overnight so that helps.  Then if it is a technical issue you have to wait until the service tech is available.  All this just extends the time we have to spend in the marina.  Still hope this will be the last boatyard stop for a while.  Its just as frustrating for Nic doing the shopping as she has to troll around various stores trying to find the various bits and peices of gear that we need.  And all this time we are trying to forge ahead with the schooling.

Weather has definately turned and we are all glad to be heading south.  Today its raining and lately its been real Scottish type weather albeit slightly warmer.  Plan now is to relocate to an anchorage today for the night and then tomorrow we head off to transit Long Island Sound aiming to reach the East River next weekend and be moored in a marina just across from Manhattan on Sunday where we will stay for a week to catch up with Lars (Scott's brother) and his family. 
Should just mention that we have all thoroughly enjoyed Newport and our dealings with all the people we have met especially Heather and her family.  It is a fabulous destination and the services available are first rate.