Rounding Fraser Island

We had a great sail yesterday and last night. Nice SW breeze. Spoilt only by a very cool breeze and overcast sky.

We're now past Fraser Island but have yet to round Breaksea Spit - the shoals north of Fraser Island. We've been pushing against a lot of current/tide for the last 6 hours - doing six knot through the water but three over the ground. Slow progress!

Looking forward to turning the corner and getting out of the adverse current!

Back at Mooloolaba Marina

This morning we departed Lawrie's Boat Services yard and motored down the canal to Mooloolaba Marina.  Three weeks of hard work completed.

The mast was stepped on Thursday.  Very straight-forward operation when done by experts with a crane!

Mast approaching

The mast was stepped after warping the boat into the travel-lift bay since the engine was still in bits.

Mast up (note unpainted spreaders)

The engine was restored to operation on Friday.  Thanks to Mick from Ashby Boat Builders.  We decided to spend the weekend at Lawrie's so that on Monday Jason from Ashby's could finish work on sealing the head compartment bilge.

Alongside the work jetty at Lawrie's

So we're now at Mooloolaba Marina and will spend two night here.  On Thursday we intend to head towards Pancake Creek (~30nm south of Gladstone).  While Lawrie's was close to the big shopping mall, the marina is close to the beach and the town centre.  The latter has many cafes and we intend to sample one or two before leaving.

On B jetty at Mooloolaba Yacht Club Marina

While our stay at Lawrie's was fun, it's great to be away from the noise and dirt of a boat yard.  'Twill be even better to set sail...

Mooloolaba Work Nearly Complete?

Zen Again is still alongside the work jetty at Lawrie's Boat Services.  We're booked to have the mast stepped at 1330 tomorrow.  Wish us luck!  If all goes well we'll be in the yacht club marina tomorrow evening.

Fabrication of our mast repairs has been carried out by Aqua-Tec, based on advice from rigger Greg Gilliam and project managed by Adam Ashby.  Here are some photos...

New mounting plates, deck light and polished lower spreaders

Reinforced upper spreader trailing edge

And here's a photo of the masthead featuring a new VHF antenna and no wind instrument...

New masthead fittings

On the engine front, we now have a new exhaust system and the engine is being fully serviced by Adam Ashby's mechanics.  The water pump bearings and seal are being replaced, and we've replaced the high-pressure oil pipes as well as the usual oil, filters etc.  Replacing the exhaust was an adventure since the old wetbox/waterlock was hidden in a compartment behind the engine.  Yours truly was the only person skinny enough to get at it...

Old waterlocks (metal unit in foreground and blue plastic in background)

Old waterlock removed from "coffin-like" compartment

New Vetus waterlock (grey plastic) installed

While the local experts have been at work we've got a number of jobs done ourselves.  Installed two new water bladders in the forepeak, doubling our fresh water capacity.  Installed an electric bilge pump controller which provides central control over bilge pumps in the head, main cabin and engine sump.  Removed and lubricated the Aries vane gear.  Fabricated a new floor to fit in the lazarette to support the life raft.  Polished the deck gelcoat and stainless fittings.

In short, if we get any more jobs done the to-do list will be looking positively short, which can't be a good thing.  Nearly time to go sailing again!