launch drink

the launching of Ataraxia went in our usually chaotic way. We did invite our dragon lady from NSRI to give a speech and name her and some friends passed by. If you've missed this one, we intend to give a large party by the time we will move onto the boat. You will probably have to bring your own food and wine with, but that's concern for later.

Margi gave a brilliant speech, see below for the complete text.

After that she was towed to our mooring, where we will be finishing her off and make her suitable for living on. Hopefully in a few years, or sooner, we can install the engines and take off with her.

Text of the speech from Margi "the dragonlady" Benson:

"since being awarded this honor (note: she is head of the awards committee at the station, so used to giving awards), I have done much "trawling" through the internet.

In pagan days, the naming of the boat was accomplished by draping themselves in olive branches, much beating of breasts and human sacrifice. The Greeks and Phoenicians (becoming more civilized) modified this somewhat, having the vestal virgins cast wine upon the sea, sacrificing a ram or two and invoking the patron saints of sea and navigation.

However as I don't think the authorities will smile on us if we "slag a skaap" on the slipway, and there is no way I can pass for a vestal virgin... I have two gifts for Peter and Nicole (note: we got a packet of lamb chops for on the braai and a picture of a St. Brendans Cross to be placed on board)

The definition of Ataraxia is of Greek origin, meaning perfect peace of mind, tranquility and freedom from worry.... which apparently Peter and Nicole discovered in a bottle of wine! (note: always good to bring Ataraxia wine to us, especially the Chardonnay)

I name this boat Ataraxia, may god bless her and all who sail in her

Moving on up

Another episode is almost concluded and a new episode in the life of our boat is about to begin: tomorrow it will hit the water!

The last few weeks have been quite hectic. At my work we sold quite a large yacht, allowing us to finally pay some debtors and push the progress. Leading to the fact that she will go out of the boatyard tomorrow.

Peter towed her with the car to the exit of the boatyard, yes, our boat is trailerable and today they we're supposed to lift her on the truck. I say supposed to, the crane that arrived was too small to load our boat... Now they come tomorrow morning at 5h00 with a bigger crane. So Peter is about to scream and very tense at the moment. He's been having sleepless nights since two weeks, since all sort of things we wanted to do went wrong.

We ordered the windows last year; gave the templates, or better the cutouts to the windowman, who had to redo them a couple of times, due to delivering them with incorrect thicknesses etc. Two had to be redone due to our fault, since we didn't realise that you can't cut hardened glass, of course, when installing the windows last weekend, nothing fitted. Then you're very happy that we could adjust the boat to the windows.

Oh well, so there are more stories to tell about hiring people who then never show up, or get you to buy material for them and then quit. But tomorrow our baby will move to Hout Bay and then we will have another nerve wrecking session of getting her to the mooring.

Margi, our "mother" at Searescue will give a speech and throw a bottle of bubblies to the yacht. Then it will hopefully not so long any more before we can have a proper party and move back onto the boat!