Current Position: 12 25.753’S 130 48.795’E; Local Timezone: UTC+9.5 SOG: At Anchor. COG: N/A; TWS: 14 kt; TWD: 158; Distance to Waypoint (Darwin, Fannie Bay): At Anchor; Total Miles Sailed: 9570 nm; Engine Hours: 223; Estimate Fuel: 48+6+50;
Comments: Along with the correct high-pressure LPG lines I purchased yesterday, with the correct 1/4” NPT treads (one as a backup), I purchased a very expensive (RIDGED) gas detector. I felt I had to have something given the history of gas leaks and the fact my remote sensors have failed. I installed the new line and checked … no evidence of leaking. I am adding a check to my routine. I am pretty sure I have enough LPG to last the rest of my voyage. I got up early, measured for anti-chafing for the reefing line, took the dinghy into shore at dawn, got a shower, went to the chandelier (for a chart of Ashmore Reef, sail sewing needles, and anti-chafing material), went to the local “Woolies” (Woolworths) to provision. Six large shopping bags were dropped off at the Darwin Sailing Club to be put in their cold room while I returned the rental car. I moved the provisions to the boat, unpackaged everything to discard the unnecessary materials, then returned to shore to have lunch and pick up my package with the TillerPilot and two solenoid units. In the meantime I have received an e-mail from the ABF. They had a cancellation and got me in on Monday at 9:00. I am required to leave Australian waters immediately after the clearance certificate is issued, so between now and then I have to get the boat ready and replenish the water and fuel tanks. I will need to haul anchor at daybreak on Monday, make my way to the fuel dock, and finish refueling in time to move the boat to the area of the Pontoon that the ABF will visit at 9:00. I am used to picking my weather window. This is very strange. However, I have studied the weather forecasts and I believe I can make it work. Tomorrow will be about sorting out the boat (reefing line, propane locker, asymm furler, moving water, transferring fuel, etc.). Sunday will be about getting me ready (sorting out personal items, cooking, preparing navigational routes, communicating with family, etc.). Psychological, I am more than ready to head to sea, and Ashmore Reef has been on my bucket list. I am looking forward to diving there.
Comments: Along with the correct high-pressure LPG lines I purchased yesterday, with the correct 1/4” NPT treads (one as a backup), I purchased a very expensive (RIDGED) gas detector. I felt I had to have something given the history of gas leaks and the fact my remote sensors have failed. I installed the new line and checked … no evidence of leaking. I am adding a check to my routine. I am pretty sure I have enough LPG to last the rest of my voyage. I got up early, measured for anti-chafing for the reefing line, took the dinghy into shore at dawn, got a shower, went to the chandelier (for a chart of Ashmore Reef, sail sewing needles, and anti-chafing material), went to the local “Woolies” (Woolworths) to provision. Six large shopping bags were dropped off at the Darwin Sailing Club to be put in their cold room while I returned the rental car. I moved the provisions to the boat, unpackaged everything to discard the unnecessary materials, then returned to shore to have lunch and pick up my package with the TillerPilot and two solenoid units. In the meantime I have received an e-mail from the ABF. They had a cancellation and got me in on Monday at 9:00. I am required to leave Australian waters immediately after the clearance certificate is issued, so between now and then I have to get the boat ready and replenish the water and fuel tanks. I will need to haul anchor at daybreak on Monday, make my way to the fuel dock, and finish refueling in time to move the boat to the area of the Pontoon that the ABF will visit at 9:00. I am used to picking my weather window. This is very strange. However, I have studied the weather forecasts and I believe I can make it work. Tomorrow will be about sorting out the boat (reefing line, propane locker, asymm furler, moving water, transferring fuel, etc.). Sunday will be about getting me ready (sorting out personal items, cooking, preparing navigational routes, communicating with family, etc.). Psychological, I am more than ready to head to sea, and Ashmore Reef has been on my bucket list. I am looking forward to diving there.