Life Changes

Mike and I have made some huge decisions recently.
Sell the house, sell the boat, fly off, buy new boat, sail home. Nutshell version.
A lot of people can’t believe we would ever sell the magnificent Sirocco, but it is a means to an end and trust me, the adventures that lay ahead for us more than compensate for losing our baby.
Meanwhile, I would like to introduce Maria and John, Sirocco’s half-share owners, who will love her as much as we do and hopefully keep up this blog for Sirocco fans everywhere!
I’d also like to introduce the good ship “Fully Involved” a 2000 Island Packet 420. We will be meeting her in person for the first time in early November, you will be able to read all about her here.
On a personal note, I’d like to thank all our followers for putting up with my drivel over the past three years 
Fair Winds, and may your splices never unravel.

News!

To all those who contact us on a regular basis,

please note our new email address, current as of 03/08/2010

mdandjadrury@gmail.com

It doesn't get any better and floating objects

This photo was taken around 1am, about 50 miles offshore in between Port Denison and the Pelsaert Group. If you have never experienced sailing by moonlight I can tell you it is one of the most incredible things to do, gliding gently through the water under a full set of sails, a soft rushing noise of water to the side, phosphorous glowing behind, it is quite simply magical. A hot cup of coffee in one hand, rugged up in warm clothes, the love of your life, who is confident enough in your abilities to be able to drift off to sleep after a 3 hour watch below decks, you realise that you have never felt more content or happy. To quote a trendy phrase "....now THAT'S what I'm talkin' 'bout!"

This photo shows our rescued lump of wood, which we came across (luckily before hitting it) just floating in the middle of nowhere. Responsible sailors that we are, we performed a man overboard exercise and retrieved it. And took it all the way back to HYC, where we transferred it to the jetty to dry, thinking we could keep it as a rather unusual trophy....except that pretty soon it began to absolutely stink, and so it was committed to the bin.....just thought I'd share ....... hey it's my blog, I can write what I want :-D

What an adventure!

Sirocco, Mike and Jan have been to The Abrolhos Islands (well, one of them, anyway), Geraldton, Port Denison, Green Head and Jurien - all of which, for the benefit of our loyal overseas reader(s) are substantially NORTH of Perth!
We were away from our home port for almost three weeks, during which time we experienced several firsts - first time up North in Sirocco, first time overnight passage in Sirocco, first time provisioning, first time being on our own out of sight of land etc....we had a fabulous time even though we were beset by awful weather sometimes, but we learned from it and neither of us wanted to come home or get off Sirocco.
Also, another first for us was using our newly fitted auto-pilot, 'Otto' - have to say he did a wonderful job of steering for us and we can't believe how much easier things are with him! Although it must be said, Mike did a sterling job of getting us into strange harbours at night time (aided by me at the bow with a torch). A total of 574 nautical miles was recorded in our log books, with our best distance being 158nm in one 24 hour period.We both have the itchiest feet now and cannot wait until the end of this year for our next, even bigger adventure.....but more of that at a later date....meanwhile - a few photos....enjoy!

Mike at Port Denison

Sirocco at Port Denison

A lovely sunset

A lovely sunrise

Replica of Capt. Pelseart's longboat, Geraldton

Mikes Tech update.

Sirocco has just been out for her yearly antifouling and engine service. The new rudder we had fitted last year under warranty looked like the 'Great Barrier Reef' as there was that much growth on it! It looked very much like the primer did not take prior to top coating, so that was taken care of under warranty as were the 3 small blisters noted on the starboard side of the keel. Jan and I decided we would try our hand at the art of antifouling, it was an interesting experience and not too messy, for the money we saved it was well worth all the effort. While on the hard stand we got all the standing rigging checked over, to see the guy climb the rigging was a sight to behold, he shot up the mast, a true professional!

Once Sirocco was back in the water we took her for a sail only to notice the head sail had a 1 foot rip in the leach, after a closer inspection we decided to furl it back in and return to the pen. We took the sail to the local sail loft who easily diagnosed the problem; there was no UV protection strip and all was coming apart! After consultation with the agent a repair and addition of said strip was carried out under warranty.

Our wind turbine decided to stop producing power while we were down in Rockingham and had to be sent off for repair in Melbourne, the regulator board had a short and has to be changed, hopefully it will soon be back on Sirocco working as specified.

Sailing with the family

Last week we took out some of Mikes family - his Sister, Barbara, her husband, Bob and their daughter, Anita. I think they all enjoyed the morning, I know I did !

Three Mermaids.........!

Anita takes the helm

Captain Bob looking very serious!

At Last

We seem to be using Sirocco as she should be used: during the last 4 weeks we have spent time both at Rottnest and at Rockingham, plus spent more time aboard than at home!

We both feel a lot more relaxed now and enjoy getting 'into the groove' of life aboard.

Also, rather excitingly, we have signed up for a 20 day cruise in company with FSC to The Abrolhos Islands in May next year!

Meanwhile - here are a couple of photos of our beautiful girl.