Summer Update - 2 Hurricanes!

Saturday, September 17, 2016.  I left our home in NH to drive to Brunswick, GA, to check on Rhiannon after the passing of Hurricane Hermine on Friday, September 2 and Saturday, September 3. I stopped at Defender Industries (), to pick up bottom paint (which was on sale at a very good price).  It is the last of the bottom paint with the biological agent Irgarol available.  BASF, who makes Irgarol for all the paint companies has shipping it to the US – no one seems to know why. I stopped for the night at our friends Jim and Judy Foster and then continued on the Brunswick the next morning (Sunday, September 18).

Because the storm came in off the Gulf of Mexico and the center passed west of the Georgia Coast, the winds came in from the south at 60+ mph.  There was a storm surge also.  The marinas in and around Brunswick are open to the south and one in particular (Frederica Yacht Club on St. Simons Island) had extensive damage, 9 boats were sunk and first floor condos were flooded.  Morningstar Marina (just north of Frederica) received damage to its outer docks. Brunswick Landing Marina (where Rhiannon is summering) had damage to docks one and two, which are the most south, as well as damage to some boats there, but none of the boat damage was serious. Rhiannon is on dock 9, nestled in behind the “Yacht Club” building and had no damage.  In fact the sun shade material we covered her with was still all intact when I arrived.

Sunshade still in place after Hermine

Monday, September 19, 2016.  I met with the marina folks to discuss hauling Rhiannon for an insurance survey on Thursday and went over the list of maintenance items we need for the yard to do while she is hauled out.  The rigger (Mike Bowie, Dunbar Yachts) showed up to do an inspection of Rhiannon’s rig (mast, spars, running rigging (ropes) and standing rigging (stainless steel shrouds (cables that support the rig).  He found no issues and declared her in very good shape.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016.  At 9:00am, the diver showed up and removed the black plastic bag from the prop.  This is placed there when she is “laid-up” in order to keep the marine growth from forming (doesn’t grow in the dark). I spent most of the day moving stuff around inside the boat so the surveyor would be able to access the engine, generator, bilge, etc. 

Wednesday, September 21, 2016. Today, preparations were made to actually haul Rhiannon, and after lunch, I motored her down to the travel lift.  She was hauled at 2pm, blocked (put on jack stands) and her bottom washed.  Her bottom paint and the bottom in general, are in very good shape.

Thursday, September 22, 2016.  Tom Eve, the surveyor, showed up at 10:00am and spent until 4:00pm going over Rhiannon with a fine-toothed comb.  He has been doing this for years and not only knows what he is doing, but had many helpful hints for the owner in the process.  A most productive day all around.  No issues found and Rhiannon declared in great shape and her valuation confirmed!

Sunset in Brunswick

Friday, September 23, 2016.  After going over the maintenance items with the yard people at Brunswick Landing, I left for the drive north.  I stopped in Fayetteville, NC for the night.

Saturday, September 24, 2016.  I arrived at the Foster’s at about 2:00pm. On Monday of this week, Jim had his right hip replaced.  He was released from the hospital yesterday.  I was surprised to see him up and about.  He is walking with a walker out to the mailbox, going up and down stairs, getting up and down out of chairs.  Wow!

Sunday, September 25, 2016.  I hung around with Jim today, helping as I could.  Judy had places to go and things to do, so I was happy to keep Jim company in her absence.  We watched football and went for short walks.

Monday, September 26, 2016.  I drove home from Jim’s to NH.  The traffic around NYC was terrible as usual.  Home at 6:00pm.

Hurricane Matthew update.  On Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9, Hurricane Matthew skirted by coastal Georgia after causing havoc in eastern Florida.  It was far enough out to sea so the damage was minimal inland, and there was little damage to Brunswick Landing Marina.  Rhiannon was still out of the water having maintenance work done.  She is facing east and that was the primary direction of the wind.  It was low tide when the brunt of the storm passed, which was a good thing.  There was lots of rain, but minimal flooding here. 2 hurricanes in one season is enough!

Autumn in New England

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It is fall in New Hampshire and the leaves are turning.  Time to think about this fall's boat trip.