On May 24, after 41 days on the hard, MACH 5 and her people splashed back into the water! It was wonderful. Nothing leaked immediately (or in the days since). Mark’s diligent work to properly install new seacocks and the prop shaft packing paid off. The yard team worked on the rudder reinstallation, again no leaks! It’s been just over a week and the six points on the boat that could–but should not–allow water in are holding tight.
On May 31, after a week docked at Napa Valley Marina to wrap a few things, do absolutely nothing for a day or so, and visit with our Ranch Life friends from Paso, Rachel & Jason, we set off to motor downriver to Vallejo Yacht Club. This marks the very beginning of cruising life.
What do I mean by cruising life? Well, we have no plans to return to our slip at Stockton Sailing Club (SSC). We haven’t relinquished it yet…just in case (we project managers like to have a backup plan). We miss the friends we made at SSC and enjoy seeing their escapades on Facebook. But now, we are living the life of no particular land-place called home.
My Dad always said home is where we are together and that my Mom always knew how to make any trailer, house, apt, or motel room a home. I pride myself on having learned that skill as well. The boat is our home. The land-place she and we happen to be today is Vallejo YC. In a week, we might still be here, or we might be anchored somewhere in the Bay. In a month, we could be back in Napa for a solar arch install (fingers crossed) or we could head out of the Golden Gate Bridge and turn left, never to look back at the Bay Area.
The summer holds a few upgrades, sailing practice, skill-building, and route planning. Autumn will bring arrival in San Diego in October and departure for Mexico after November 1. Why November 1 or later? Hurricane season runs through Nov 1 and our insurance requires us to stay north of the border. On the first, a flotilla called The Baja-Ha-Ha departs San Diego for the trip down to Cabo. We are told that the hundreds of people participating drive up costs, make for crowded anchorages, and deplete small Mexican town supplies. If you don’t join them, wait at least two weeks to allow the towns to restock and rest.
So cruising life began yesterday with studying conditions in the Bay Area, making reservations at reciprocal PICYA yacht clubs, and seeking spots to anchor or moor when we need a break from projects.
Below are two videos that show how Napa Valley Marina hauls boats using a tractor system (some yards use a giant crane-like machine with straps that lift the boat out).