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| Rainbow over Ao Chalong, Phuket, courtesy Alishan from GoogImages. That almost looks like Xena there on the right!... |
Dear Peter and Jing,
Happy to report your lovely "Xena" is safe at anchor with 4m of water at half tide under the keel in Ao Chalong, Phuket.
Apart from a couple of minor issues she is no worse for wear.
Last couple days and nights have been high winds, big seas and rain and local rain storms.
There is a leak getting into the ceiling above the navigation/chart table. Obviously we need to find and repair as too close to "Xena" electronics.
Have instructed Noel to remove the cieling lining so we can find leak.
Suspect.......grab rail outside on cabin top, or jib track or window surround fixings?
After removing lining tip buckets of water over area,leak should show itself.
Other issue as you know is auto pilot. Intend removing drive and taking to Mick (who is Agent) in Boat Lagoon to diagnose problem. If we wait for him to come to "Xena" may wait forever like last time.
We cleaned "Xena" before coming ashore and now letting her dry out.
Have just finished clearing in Immigration, port authorities and Customs.
Now heading back to "Xena" to do a rig check , then remove auto pilot.
After that will start looking for storage here in Ao Chalong for "Xena's" non racing gear.
Thanks Grant, and terrific work you and the boyz have done. Congrats on another successful delivery!
ReplyDeleteRe weather: sounds pretty much like the forecast, which sent to you by sms, trust you got it. (predicted to 25knts if I recall, but easing up now) From now to Friday should be max 10-ish, though some more wind on Friday for a bit. Anyway, you’re presumably on top of the forecasts now you’re in port.
Yes, re the Autohelm, need to do whatever it takes to get it back in working shape once and for all...
So, you’re staying in Ao Chalong for now?
Cheers,
Peter
PS: if you have a picture you can send by email, would be great (if not, no worries).
From Grant, 17:49, 23/11:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words Peter.
You will be pleased to also know I have found source of the leak. Some bright spark had put 2 bolts that hold the jib track to the deck of only half the size they should have been. (and all the others are). Result those 2 bolts never reached the recessed nuts. Would have only been held in place with the sika flex and of course not doing anything to hold the jib track down.
With the couple days rough weather coming in here, have worked and let water in.
The bolts are a bit specialized, so Boat lagoon and other local ship shops didn't have but hope to get from Rolly Taskers tomorrow.
Have removed Auto pilot and given to Mick, so now await his analysis of the problem and suggestions what is needed to fix for good.
Been up rig and done a check.......all OK.
Have also managed to rent secure room for storage, close to the beach here in Ao Chalong.
Noel and Mike already started to unload "Xena's" non-racing gear.
Have been over with Noel list of things to do,including list I printed from you Peter and some of my own suggestions. As you asked have instructed him to go thru his "Black Book" and the lists online also.
After work today I will revert to tourist mode. Do some motor bike touring.
Have given Noel my Thai number (see Iris already given to you Peter) and told him he is welcome to call anytime for advise and also I am happy to come back to "Xena" at anytime should they require help.
Also have introduced them to my Thai friend Tia (Local charter skipper) who looks after yachts in Ao Chalong and will help them if they need.
All going according to plan I intend being back on "Xena" day before registration to take her down and anchor at Kata.
Also double check all is as it should be and "Xena' race ready.
...
Cheers Grant