Friday, September 28, 2012

Land Shark!

Kluane gets a bottom job!

Cliff (The Buccaneer)

Hit the local watering hole (and there are many in Port Salerno) and the topic of conversation will soon turn to bottoms.  Being a G-rated blog, we'll stick to the subject of boat bottoms.  As you can see, Kluane has a substantial bottom - with a lead keel.  If you think you're sporting a robust bottom, take solice knowing Kluane's bottom and keel weighs in at a hefty 4500 lbs!

What you're seeing above is Kluane being hauled from water into a boat yard.  This may be the least favorite part of the cruising life.  Boat yards are hot, often dirty, and always expensive.  The past five days we replaced a cutlass bearing (an opening not unlike our own lower forty opening), trued the shaft, straighted the prop, replaced a thru-hull (a hole in the boat designed to leak only when we say), raised the waterline (Jennifer's doing with all the great food stores aboard), and applied a fresh coat of bottom paint.  All in all, a long, hot, dirty and expensive five days.

The good news: Kluane is ready to go and will be back in the water, Saturday, Sept 29, 10 am EST.  Tune in for the splash.

Thinking of Every One of You,
Cliff (a happier Buccaneer)

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Supper Time

Jennifer (The Pearl)

Food. Over the last year with my studies I have been very intimate with the subject of food.  I am confident my sailing experience will stretch and grow me in this area.  First things first, below is a photo of the salon.  Cliff used his great sense of style and has truly embraced the Florida palette with the color choices!  Under each of the benches, or sette's are our stores (provisions, food).  The small lips on the sides of the table are called fiddles- yes, so your meal does not end up in your lap!  My first impressions of cooking on a boat are fantastic, and very different than home cooking.  Absent are the television, the phone, the multi tasking (who doesn't throw in a load of laundry when they are preparing dinner?), the oven, counter space and more.  My attention is 100% on cooking and serving. Another benefit- we are eating our dinner seated.  Sounds kind of old fashion, however busy days and lifestyle made eating at the kitchen counter quite the norm.  Mindful eating and great conversation!  I am really enjoying the simplicity of dining on the boat.  There is also a oil lamp that once the sun sets, creates a great calming (romantic) atmosphere.  Bon appetit!





Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Better Late Than Never...


(The Pearl, Buccaneer & Kluane - not necessarily in this order)

Jennifer (The Pearl) 
Our adventure began with our arrival in West Palm Beach, Florida, excited to get to the boat (Stuart, Florida) and take her to a nearby marina.  We took a day to get settled and then let go of the lines to make our move to the marina.  The lines were off, Cliff was at the helm, put her into gear and then we heard a large jackhammer noise.  We quickly tied her back up (with the help of the sail maker who happened to drop in).  The next days were filled with diagnosing and plans to have Kluane fixed.  Our days have been filled with preparation for the trip and projects... and trips to the beach!  Kluane was pulled today and she is on her way!  In future posts, I'll show you more of our Kluane!

Cliff (Humbled Buccaneer) 
It's hard to pillage and plunder when your ship (okay, small boat) is stuck in 5 feet of water (hence "humbled") For those of you who know boats, our humble beginning comes as no surprise. Boats are nothing if not a ton of work! I admit I have been longing for the simplicity of a bike. Single speed. Coaster brake. Ah, the joy of simple pleasures.

Jennifer & Cliff (The Pearl & Buccaneer) 
Simply put, we miss each and every one of you. WRW, our family and friends - we wish we could stow each of you on board and share this incredible adventure.  None of this would be possible without the support and positive vibes given so freely - by you, each of you! Thank you from the bottom of our keel (tipping the scales at just over 5000 lbs presently!). We love you, miss you and wish you the very best.  Please tune into our blog to chart our progress, monitor our less than true course, and cash in on the lottery of how many days Cliff will be on the boat before Jennifer launches him overboard.  If you bet day 21, you're close to winning the big pot!

Sincerely,
The Pearl & Buccaneer