A Failure to Launch

So the long awaited launch day for Dulcinea came around last week but things did not go quite according to plan.

The work in the yard had been progressing well but the emphasis had definately come off with about two weeks to go.  It looked like a classic case of the 90/10 rule.  Most of the work had been completed but it was a matter of getting the last 10% finished and that seemed to be taking an inordinate amount of time.  We just did not seem to be able to get anyone pinned down long enough to get the punchlist items finished but were continually assurred it would get done.  Scott managed to have a bust up with the yard owner over the rubber schedule with about a week to go which did not help things.  Eventually we were ready but items were still being completed just prior to launching.

Dulcinea ready for launch

We were schedule to splash on Wednesday 31st of October.  Scott wanted to go in a day early and then sit on a mooring in the bay for a night to ensure all the systems were run up prior to moving around to the marina where the final works to the decks were to be carried out.  However the weather was atrocious on the Wednesday so we delayed a day.  On Thursday things dawned much brighter.  The boat looked a million dollars and just after lunch the travel lift gathered up Dulcinea in its slings and trundled towards the launchway.  The final touch up to the anti foul was carried out and then Dulcinea was lowered into the water.  That was as far as we got.  A quick check of the hull integrity showed water coming in around the propellor shaft.  For some reason the seal between the shaft and the hull had started leaking and the only fix is a new seal which means that we have to stay out of the water until this is done.  So within a couple of hours we were back in our slot on the hard standing.  Very disappointing. 

Luckily the deck guys will work in the yard starting Monday but it kind of throws our schedule for the final cleanup and packing of the boat.

Over the last three weeks we have had a few visitors.  First Dave and Jenny came for a few days following a trip they had to the States.  Then immediately afterwards Sue and Mike (Nic's brother and sister) arrived for a stay of just over two weeks.   It was great to catch up with everyone given how long we have been away and Nic especially was thrilled to be able to spend some time with her brother and sister.  We both really appreciate people making the effort to come and see us especially as its such a long way from Western Australia.

Dave and Jenny with us at one of the Seven Sisters

The other big event was Calley’s birthday.  She has been eagerly anticipating this day for about the last 6 months.  She had a pool party at the house and invited most of her friends from school.  Everything went according to plan and she had a ball.

Calley's Birthday

So we are now waiting for the new shaft seal to arrive from Miami - latest news is that it is being Fedex’d and should be here in about a week.  That would put us back in the water around next weekend.  We have to be out of our house by the 15th so will probably need a few days in some short stay accommodation to allow us to get the boat packed up properly.  Will see how all this pans out.