The last days of February and the prospect of a week spent on board Stratagem to do some essential maintenance. Things did not start off well!
The Thomas Cook flight to Antalya was a bit of a nightmare. The flight was due to leave at 0720 from Gatwick (no flights from my usual Stansted) but was given a 1 hour delay as the incoming aircraft developed a fault and needed essential repairs.....Ummmm........After a couple of hours they admitted a delay until 1300. So at 1215 we were boarded only then to be told the crew had run out of hours and we still had no pilot - but not to worry as he would arrive in 10 minutes. What a lie!! By 1500 they admitted he wasn't coming and so a pilot from another Thomas Cook flight was to do the flight. By now a couple of passengers had caused such a rumpus they were removed and taken away by police, but unfortunately their luggage had to be taken off as well - so more delays. To end a long story, arrival in Antalya was in torrential rain - didn't bode well for my short visit to the boat.
Thankfully things turned out well and I had an enjoyable if hardworking
week. The stern tube seal worked out well and I was successful in removing the horrible scratched area on the starboard side of the hull caused by someone storing a dinghy between us and the adjacent boat. Of course I now have to do the whole hull when I return in mid April, but the attached photo shows the difference.
The other success was fitting an AIS receiver, a Vesper Watchmate 750. At the same time I removed the Furuno gps to take back to the UK for repair - if possible, although I am not hopeful. I am also left with re-locating the navtex on my next visit. Ignoring the hole which shouldn't be there, the photo shows the new unit in place.
When I return again in April, I have a lot of work to do to get Stratagem ready for re-launching and getting her ready for sea. With only 2 weeks before Sandra arrives I will have to be going some!! Until then it is back home and a very busy few weeks of family and friends including a visit to the Lake District to see some very old friends - something we are very much looking forward to................................
