We have to go. No, seriously. It’s getting cooler here in Brunswick, Georgia and soon it will be cold. Gotta go. So, WE HAVE SET A DATE! We are leaving on or before December 1st. Whatever work gets done by then, great. Whatever hasn’t gotten done will have to wait. It is commonly said that sailors who wait to leave until all the projects are done never do. That is NOT going to be us. We are going to work like crazy to get as much done as possible but then, we’re leaving regardless (assuming Meraviglia is seaworthy). To accomplish this, we need a list of what we have to do. We have been working from lists more or less stringently for the last 4 months, so this is not that different, but this is the “final final” list. Want to see what’s on the list? Okay, here we go:

  • Apply gel coat and non-skid to the repaired deck*
  • Mount anchor windlass*
  • Re-install anchor chain
  • Replace engine mounts*
  • Seal leaking foredeck hatch gasket
  • Wire mast anemometer
  • Wire VHF radio antenna*
  • Wire deck lights
  • Re-rig dinghy hoist
  • Rig whisker pole
  • Rig mainsail reefing lines
  • Rig jacklines
  • Rig boom preventer
  • Order charts and guidebooks for Bahamas
  • Create provisioning checklist and purchase provisions
  • Check engine heat exchanger for debris/corrosion
  • Change engine oil
  • Change gearbox oil
  • Build filter for water tanks
  • Assemble ditch kit
  • Purchase fire blanket
  • Inspect and tune rigging
  • Finish battery box
  • Install Starlink
  • Install refrigerator water pump
  • Replace engine gauge wiring harness
  • Test watermaker and plump second water tank
  • Repair galley sink foot pump
  • Sell remaining “land life” items and close out storage unit
  • Sell car

And there we go.

The view from the masthead while I was working. Notice the new solar panels!
That rusty thing is our turbocharger. It needs some love.
One of our engine mounts. Yeah, we’re replacing them.
The foredeck repair that needs gel coat and non-skid.
This is our new windlass in its eventual final position.

Yeah, it seems like a lot. But, we have 5 weeks. Considering where we were 5 weeks ago, I feel confident we can get it done. The big jobs are the deck repair, windlass install, and engine mount replacement. With those, Meraviglia will be seaworthy for sure. The rest are either “nice to haves” or items that can be done quickly or while under way.

So, we’re leaving. Barring unexpected problems, which have been many over the last few months. But…fingers crossed.

This weekend, we’ll be getting our first impartial assessment of our boat life. Our son, Nick, is coming to stay for a couple of days. He will be our first overnight guest. Nick also really likes creature comforts, so if we can get a “thumbs up” from him, it’s a good sign. If the weather holds, we plan to go sailing and perhaps anchor overnight somewhere. We’ll road test the showers for the first time and also use the heads for more than just “middle of the night” needs. Again, fingers crossed.