We arrived in Port Ginesta about 3 weeks ago to start the next phase of the project. Since then we have been working through what appears to be an endless list [or better lists] of jobs to do, quotes to get and equipment to install.
The work we commissioned during the 2 months of February and March while we were back in Australia and Switzerland was, in true Spanish style 'almost' finished. The port double guest double cabin has been modified and is now a flexible triple cabin. It can be still be used as before for a double accommodation or now as either a bunk bed for two singles or a triple for couple with child. The starboard bow berth has been turned into our workshop and storage area.We have a new stainless steel targa joining the two hulls at the stern. So far it is loaded with 5 solar panels and a wind generator. It will also house the various antennas and may be the hammock .... later on. We also installed new hand rails around the top of the saloon and around the back of the cockpit. We have mounted the brackets for a new inner fore stay to be able to use a second genoa and if necessary a storm sail. We have also installed a second stainless diesel tank which brings our capacity to about 550 litres of diesel.
Underneath the deck in the engine rooms and between them we have an impressive array of regulators, sensors, an extra new battery bank and charger and an inverter. The many meters of new wires converge onto 'schmick' new switch panels. Responsible for the design of this expansion in electronic equipment is August Madlener.
Looking at the wiring diagrams still makes me positively dizzy. But I guess it takes time to get used to, much like seasickness. May be I should take some tablets before looking at the plans. August, you have done a tremendous job - thank you !!! This installation should ultimately most effectively manage the supply and storage of most of the power we require for our day-to-day living, without having to run the engines; and if we still have to do that, we are installing two new alternators with double as much output as before to cut engine time.
What remains will be a complete overhaul of the navigation and communication system and then taking the boat out of the water to do some preventative engine and sail drive maintenance. We have to put in a water intake valve for the [also still to be installed] watermaker and we will apply new anti fouling on the under body and give her a good polish to make her all shiny and new. For this we have to move the boat to one of the marinas in Barcelona called Port Forum, where the travel lift is wide enough for a catamaran.
The list goes on, but in between we try to enjoy the sites of Barcelona like ...
