The Shakedown Cruise

Second Wind has undergone extensive repair and many upgrades over the last five months.  Work has included, in part: installing new batteries, new solar panels, replacing the refrigerator's compressor, repairing her auto-helm,  rebuilding her sea water pumps, installing a new VHF radio with AIS, replacing the engine mixing elbows, replacing her macerator, repairing the Bimini, installing new davits, installing a wash down pump, replacing hoses, and servicing a host of boat systems.  Working through these repairs has served as a great education and prepared Second Wind and her crew for her cruise. The work was accomplished behind the guidance, help, and engineering of Christer Broman, a good friend who served as "boat mentor", Yoda, and handyman in completing the work.  His time spent squeezed in the engine room with wrench in hand was indispensable to the boat's preparation.  His direction and advise were invaluable. 

Before setting off on the main cruise, a shakedown cruise was planned to test the boat's readiness.  On Monday September 14, one month before our planned departure, we set off on a three day voyage.  We set out mid afternoon for the Chesapeake's eastern shore with 10 knots of westerly wind. We motor-sailed, sailed, and powered our way through three days of mostly tranquil boating behind a high pressure weather system that settled in the area.  We performed testing of every piece of equipment or system onboard. A final punch list of equipment and repairs has been the final product of this effort.  Second Wind is almost ready.

Our night anchorages included Swan Creek outside Rock Hall and Queenstown Creek.  In Queenstown, there was a feeling of intense well being as we sat in the middle of a silent creek as wide as five football fields.  We shared the creek with one other sailboat.  The evening sunset was spectacular.  And, our morning was disturbed only by the repeated splash of fish jumping or the spritz of small "bait fish" below the water's surface as their frenetic movement rippled the water surface.  Our sense of well being was further enhanced as we watched four bald eagles roosting in trees along the water's edge.  The eagles sat quietly watching us drink our morning coffee, quiet observers to a tranquil landscape.  A working crab boat slowly drifted across our morning canvass,  with the low hum of it's diesel engine providing "color" to the picture unfolding.  When we finally heard the crabber onboard his boat talking into his cell phone, Cece observed that being a waterman is not a job for an extrovert.  Moments later, one of the eagles soared into the air and swooping along the waters surface pulled a small fish from the water.  Cece questioned how a great bird like this could ever land while clutching a fish in its talons.  I had no answers to her question and also pondered the problem as I again sipped my coffee.  Its moments like this that I remember why I love the water and yachting.

Our return to home port came all too soon.  We pulled anchor and tested the new wash-down pump as we washed mud from anchor and chain.  All systems working .......

With less than a month before our departure, we are in the final stretch and preparations almost complete.  Still, work remains.