After a short break, we are finally updating the blog, and take this opportunity to wish everyone our best wishes and a happy new year 2016! This will be a fresh start for us!
Given the circumstances (...) we also had to update the 'Crew' page!
Since the last post, no sailing with Libertaire, but quite a bit of work including two theses and an additional crew member born a few days ago. Nina now has a little sister, Diane!
Libertaire has been dry-docked for a year, so we rented a small house in the Lorient area where we are working until Libertaire is launched. We will reoccupy our cabins to get the children used to their new space before the planned departure in October.
Regarding Libertaire, a complete refit in preparation for the next departure. We removed the keel last summer, sanded the keel and the bilge (what a nightmare, sanding in a confined space with sand bouncing everywhere!). This also allowed for a thorough cleaning of the 1200l diesel tank inside the keel...
Another major modification was the installation of a central heating system with hot water circulation, via a new Refleks 61MKS stove. This will heat the front of the boat and the girls' cabin! We are also selling our Refleks 60MS if anyone is interested...
Brand new stove with homemade protective grill Stainless steel buffer tank Radiator in the forward cabin Radiator in the bathroom with new stainless steel support for the LAVAC toilet Also quite a bit of welding work... All the deck fittings in the forward section were removed and reinstalled 'welded', for example the mast balconies. In the end, more than 20 holes were filled. Each time, this required removing all the paneling and insulation to avoid starting a fire! The goal is to have a 100% watertight boat with no potential water ingress. The bonus is becoming a decent welder after using a certain number of rods...
We also welded a structure above the bilge to hold 4 rope reels for 4x110 meters of 20 mm polypropylene for mooring in Patagonia and the Antarctic Peninsula. This has the advantage of protecting the bilge and making it easier to move towards the mast foot when things get rough...
And many other things: in no particular order, changing the diesel filter of the engine for a RACOR turbine, changing the water filter, changing the turbo intercooler and its harness due to corrosion. Conversion of the engine electrical circuit to bipolar (changing the sensors, installing a ground relay for starting), installation of a water alarm in the forward and aft bilge, new laminated anchor bucket, moved back 60 cm for weight balance, changing the steering cables and new bearings for the wheel steering... and still a significant number of things to do before the planned launch in May, especially since with diapers and feedings, progress is slower than before!
In short, 10 months before departure, which promises to be very busy!
