Post-Christmas chain plate installation

Today, we scraped off the old paint and caulking from the chain plates and washers. Then we installed the starboard side chain plates. It turns out that the highest bolts were a little challenging to reach inside and tighten. We appreciate having Ellery's brother, Murray helping us out today!

Arctic Loon cabin pics

Here are some long awaiting pictures of the cabin of our beautiful boat! 

Sailboat Puzzle

We have busy with Christmas festivities but since our last post, the structure is up. This is great because it has been raining heaps on the BC coast and now we can work on Arctic Loon under cover. It is like a puzzle putting everything together but Ellery is happy with the accomplishments so far. The skylight and hatch are in, as well as a few of the thru-hulls. 

Shelter building

Building Arctic Loon supports and a structure

Our first weekend with our new boat involved a lot of work by Ellery and his father, Bob. They built three wooden supports to hold up the boat and then started on the structure that will eventually cover the boat. The structure will enable work to be done on the boat at all hours of the day or night and throughout the winter, with lights and heaters.

Here is what it looks like so far:

In transit...

Introducing... Arctic Loon

Today we had the pleasure of bringing home a Westsail 32. Her name is Arctic Loon and according to the crane operator she weighs 17,200 lbs. She had been living in a backyard for the last 27 years, during which she was rebuilt to very high standard. Arctic Loon had to be craned out of the backyard, over the garage roof and onto the driveway, while we patiently waited for the trailer that would haul her to Cowichan Bay. It was a successful day overall, although not without a few tense moments such as when she was only being held up by one point on each side. We were grateful to have skilled professionals doing the tricky parts, many hands to help, delicious lunch, and great company. Thank you to everyone who was there today, you know who you are! Arctic Loon is now resting comfortably in another driveway over looking Cowichan Bay, where she will remain until she is ready to launch.

Picking up the pieces

Today we picked up all the pieces for the Westsail 32 that we are buying! The boat is named Arctic Loon and we will be moving her next Saturday with a crane and then a trailer. She is beautiful and we are so excited!