Technical talk from Mike

I have now added 2 more 120 Amp Hr deep cycle batteries to the house bank to give us 360 Amp Hour plus the standard start battery. The batteries are correctly connected in Parallel (there are 3 different ways in case you were wondering!) to get the best results. I constructed a bus bar arrangement to allow me to connect the wind generator, alternator and external 12 Volt power socket to and still allow space for further additions as required.

As previously mentioned by Jan the davits are on. The design has been very well thought out and executed. They incorporate a removable extension for the wind generator as well as 2 cross braces between the lifting arms for future solar panels if needed. The wind generator works like a dream. In 15-20 Kts of wind I see 5-6 amps and 18 Amps in 24 Kts of wind on the ammeter.

Sirocco has just been on the hard stand for her yearly antifouling. During this time I replaced the hull and sail drive anodes as well as changing engine oil & filters as well as both fuel filters. Bavaria had a recall on the rudders fitted to some yachts and ours was one, so this was replaced free of charge during this time.

I have replaced the inverter with a 3000 Watt unit now that we have a decent set of house batteries, this will allow Jan her toast in the mornings when we are over at Rotto !

We were thinking of having the dining table in the saloon cut to give us another drop leaf, this would have cost quite a lot to do, so instead we have moved it over to Starboard 3 ½ inches, not a great distance but it does make a difference walking thru to the front cabin, no more sore & bruised legs now.

Mike.