Preparations

We are almost at end of a refit in preparation for this which includes the following:

Completed Items

  1. Serviced all the sea cocks including replacing one which was not working properly.
  2. Replaced the cutlass bearing, dripless lipseal and through hull fitting for the prop shaft.
  3. Serviced the propeller.
  4. Replaced the manual bilge pump.
  5. Laundered and fully repaired the genoa. This included repairing some UV damage at the head and new sacrificial UV cover all round.
  6. The running rigging has been checked and laundered every winter, including this one, and wherever it has been necessary, replaced.
  7. The main engine, outboard and generator diesel have been serviced at least annually.
  8. In preparation for the trip we have acquired 6 TeamO back-tow lifejackets aboard with sprayhoods and MOB1 AIS beacons which are mandatory for the ARC Portugal rally.  For this reason all crew members will need to use them while on the rally.
  9. We have a StarLink system for internet connection while in harbour wherever we are.  All you will need is to log in to our router.
  10. Replacing the standing rigging which is in excess of 15 years old. This included upgrading the guardrails (or lifelines) with higher spec cable.
  11. Changing the mast and mainsail so that we can have an in mast furling sail which will make reefing and sail control much easier and reduce the need for having to go to the mast in anything but the best weather for downwind sailing. Implied in this is a brand new main sail.
  12. Fitting a holding tank in the forward heads. There is already one in the after heads.
  13. Replacing the pretty but not very practical teak grab handles on the coach roof with sturdy stainless steel bars.
  14. Creating sleeping pods for long distance sailing in the two after cabins, which can be dismantled when not needed.
  15. Replacing the VHF radio which has finally given up after about 15 years.

Still to be completed

  1. Fitting a solar panel charging kit.
  2. Fitting a 12v watermaker system and removing the old mains version which has never worked in all the time I have had Hadedah.
  3. Setting up the safety jackstays so that it will be safer on the foredeck when we have to go up there.