It's official Giulietta is going oceanic next year.

[Giulietta]

yep..

It's true...this summer, me and the wife had such a blast cruising, with the kids, and now that Luis is bigger and does not require so much attention form us, and especiaslly from giulietta, as he lost the urge to jump overboard to see the fish, we are more confortable with him on the boat...besides Fred really really helps like an experienced grown man..(also we enrolled Luis in swiming lessons in October as I want him to learn to swim..he almost does with my teaching this summer)..

So my wife said she would like to cruise to Madeira, and spend a month there cruising like we do in the summer in the South..just hoping around the island...

So next year, in end of may or early June, we will do an Oceanic passage with my boat, and return in August. Not much, it's only 600 miles, but should be fun..I figure 3 days sailing or less...

We have not decided yet if I, her and kids will just go, or I ferry the boat and she joins me there by plane..option 1 is the most wanted by both..depends...

Having said that, this winter (while I work) the boat is going back to the yard where she was built, for the 2 year inspection and repair (as per the contract, 2 years after delivery she was supposed to return to "tighten" things up)...keel will be removed, checked, inspected and re-done, so will the mast and a few under guarantee things done..also a few things that weren't finished then will be finished now...and we will do some modifications and improvemnets..as a boat like that is never finished...you know...

We are preparing her for a long passage, then we go...I already have long range diesel tanks from day one..I can carry over 110 Gallons, plus extra in jerry cans.

If I am to take her on my own, I already invited Val to come with me, lead head will for sure want to come..but so far it's uncertain how she will get there..

Now I thought this might be interesting...if not for you, at least is making me all excited...

[sailhog]

So Alex... In your previous life... did you die while rescuing children from a buring school bus?

[SVCarolena]

C'mon Alex, don't go getting us all tied up in your dream - we have a hard enough time staying sane (and focusing on work) while looking at your most recent vacation pictures!

And 600 miles in three days I think you are about the only person on this forum who can boast like that, then actually pull it off.

[Omatako]

Originally Posted by SVCarolena

And 600 miles in three days I think you are about the only person on this forum who can boast like that, then actually pull it off.

Alex, I guess you've done the weather interrogation and know that you're not going to be beating all the way there?

Or is 600 miles in 3 days while you're beating?? Omigosh.

Andre

[camaraderie]

That's only 8 knots....he should be able to do that even without turning the motor on like usual!
Alex...depths in the marina are 8 ft. ....you're gonna have to anchor out!
HAHAHAHAHA! Get the keel swapped out and make a real cruising boat out of her at the 2 year re-fit!

[hellosailor]

Alex-
"keel will be removed...and re-done,"
Ah, just have them bed it in 3M's 5200. Once that sets up, you don't need keel bolts anymore, it will be attached "forever".

[T34C]

G- That sounds like a lot of work just so that you can justify that dodger!

[sailaway21]

It's about time you got out of the skinny water anyway.

[teshannon]

Hey Alex, want to borrow my boat for the trip.

[Giulietta]

next time I won't say anything...

If that's how you guys want to take it...good....suits me..

don't expect more serious posts from me....