Red October's new decals

A special thanks to Stamford Signs for designing this for our yacht! Tentatively, this will be installed on our transom on June 3rd.  Another great excuse to have a party at the docks! 

Lesson #2 of 3: The Zig Zag

Another part of the lessons is the zig zag maneuver--moving sideways without a bow thruster.  Our yacht does not have a bow thruster which is always nice to have, but not needed.  In this video, Capt Tom attempted to move sideways to land at an open dock.  The practice was done at a semi-empty marina on the other side from us. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWRUR6PExD8

Driving lessons #2 of 3: Controlled Radius Turn

Last Mon, Capt Tom learned to steer RO using a constant radius turn and did very well.  Excerpt from Capt Don Fleming's docking maneuvers: "The constant radius and controlled radius turns represent in controlling the boat in close quarters.  The boat can be held in position during the turn so that the natural slide outward due to the turning inertia, as well as any wind force blowing the boat off the intended line can be eliminated." 

Each practice, he gained more confidence in handling the yacht.  If he can land a jet, then he certainly can land RO anywhere. 

New slip for the summer!

Hard to believe that spring has been here for a couple of months--I think that Puxsutawney Phil's predication of an early spring this year was erroneous.  Although he gave us what we wanted to hear at the end of a brutal winter in the northeast, we were in complete denial until it was time to renew our dock lease for the summer.  A probability of moving into an open slip further down on B dock also prompted a major event for us to bid. This would give us a better view and more privacy since there will be many increased activities around the marina soon.  We had already reserved a new slip, which was open, at the time of the lease.  Shortly after, we found out that another slip we REALLY wanted may be open and made our bid for it.  We were granted a first refusal on it when the time comes.  Yea! 

When I returned from NJ last Sun, Tom asked if he could meet me at the marina parking lot and help me carry some things back to the boat.  Awww, what a sweet husband!  In all of the years with him, I still can't tell if he has a surprise in store for me or was just being a gentleman.  Looking out from the boardwalk, my first glance at RO was not right...something happened.  It was not at our usual slip anymore!  RO was proudly residing in the one we wanted!!!  Tired from running a marathon a few short hours ago, I found enough energy to rush down there and jumped for joy! 

left our old spot to the new....

....slip, a great view from RO

Red October's first cruise in 2011

Today was Earth Day, but not for RO--we burned a few gallons of diesel fuel cruising up and down the channel and through "battleship" rows.  It was the first of 3 driving lessons for Tom with our new instructor, Capt Don.  He came in highly recommended for training and was exceptional!  Most people would just rather learn as they go--but for us, we like to play it safe and get ROI as much as we can.  I read that most people buy boats, and never leave the docks because they are not comfortable driving them.   With that kind of attitude, it can't be fun.

As I was approaching down to the cabin, where the lower helm was, the transmisson controls moved in sync with Tom's maneuvering from the flybridge.  I thought it was quite funny--a short video was made before I got called again to give distance direction from the sundeck.   I was his "eyes" at the stern. 

All in all, the morning lesson was very successful and I'm super proud of him! 

Spring is.....not here yet

We've had several days of "spring" weather, but they didn't last long--what a tease.  Not quite time to commission the engine, remove the enclosures, and turn on the direct water line from the dock.  It is safer to wait until the danger of freeze is over for good before we could do anything.  Right now, it feels like January.  So sad.  I think at this point, it's harder to wait for the warmer weather once spring gets here.  In two weeks, we will be busy getting the yacht ready for the next six months--the moment we've been waiting for.  We look forward to welcoming the warm breeze from the sound and drinking our cocktails from the sundeck...

Thinking Ahead for Summer

There's always something on Red October that needs to be attended to whether it is a simple maintenance or a big repair.  Recently, we replaced the old A/C unit with the new.  So, why did we bother with that kind of repair in the middle of the winter?  Everyone is looking for work, especially an AC guy at this time of the year in New England.  Cheap labor and discounted unit.  Yea, love it (thumbs up).  :) 

While we're on the subject of thinking ahead and finding ways to keep the hot sun out in the summer, we contemplated and finally decided not to buy a windshield cover for the large windows outside of the cabin. We have enjoyed the views and do not want anything to obscure them.  We found an alternative way to allow the new unit do its job efficiently.  Window tinting!  After researching the idea, we found that Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines wanted to impact fuel efficiency with an environmentally friendly, energy saving film product that would tolerate salt water environment and preserve the views in all common areas of the vessel.  With the installation of the Huper Optik window film material, it literally turn them into "super windows".  They reportedly were able to reduce fuel cost and save the interiors from sun damage.

Armed with lots of new information and knowledge , I searched the internet for a local company who carries the same or similar quality of window films for yachts.  The consultation went well and we were given 3 samples with various degrees of privacy as well as sun blockage.  We settled with the one-way mirror effect that offers maximum privacy without altering our view (see second photo with 3 samples, the one on left).  It also blocks 84% of the sun's heat and 99% of the sun's damaging U/V rays.  And it was also....the most expensive.  Sigh...but he did throw in one of the windows for free after I haggled on the quote price.   Good job, Pammy (another thumbs up).