We left last week describing some of the boat jobs we have been doing, hope it wasn't too boring as it's much the same this week!
We have decided that we can better make use of our schengen and Turkey visa days next year if we make a short trip back to the UK, I'm writing this on the way to the airport. We will be away for 8 weeks visiting family and friends. It's not great timing to head back mid winter but it will be great to see everyone. It's still 18 deg here and the UK temperatures will be a bit of a shock!
When the boat was surveyed prior to purchase we identified some corrosion where the stainless steel rigging screw was bolted through the aluminium mast step on the keel. We managed to negotiate a price reduction for this as its a 'mast out' job to fix it. The surveyor said it was OK for coastal cruising but not for ocean sailing. The rigger we spoke to in Marmaris said the same, but the meaning behind that statement is that you are close to rescue when coastal sailing. We decided that as the facilities were on our doorstep that now was the time to get it done, so we have spent a couple of days with the rigger getting the old screw out and generally prepping the mast to be lifted the day after we return to Turkey. We can also address the halyard chafing while the mastvis down. We have left the boat with the boom strapped to the deck, radar off, halyard and lines strapped to the mast and all mast electric wires lead back inside for the lift.
Getting the radar off the backstay
There's one awkward connection to do when we return (0.7mm allen key anyone?) and I hope we can pick up the tool needed in the UK. The mast lift out and replacement is done in a few hours the same day with the boat in the water. The following day we are getting lifted out to change the anodes and grease the prop. At the same time I will give the hull a polish and that should be us set for next season.
Rigger up the mast checking what's needed to sort the halyard chafing.
Marmaris has a large bazaar where one can find fake branded watches, clothes, bags etc. The atmosphere is polar opposite to the shops outside the bazzar area and the shopkeepers enthusiasm reminded us of Tunisia. "What are you looking for pretty lady" being heard frequently. The prices and quality are pretty good, but the shopkeepers (and marina trades) really push to be paid in cash, Euros preferably, as a result of the 50% inflation rate in Turkey and to avoid vat. Given that the cash points charge between 8 and 10% for cash withdrawals in any currency, there is some cost to using a card and a 20% cash discount (no vat) is soon eaten up in charges and exchange rates.
Our thoughts are starting to turn to cruising plans for 2025, more on that later but for sure we will not be travelling at breakneck speed across the Med again.
We are flying back straight into storm Bert at Gatwick tonight so expecting a bumpy landing!
