OCTOBER 2013 Getting ready in Falmouth
Since Elsi Arrub arrived in Falmouth on 9th October there have been quite a few changes onboard to make her ready for the big trip.
Engine being lifted out of Elsi
The engine has come out and a permanent magnet alternator to charge the batteries has been fitted on the propshaft in its place; the crane that took the engine out, sitting on the docks opposite, was a bit OTT – 150 tonne crane for a 150kg engine.
150 tonne crane for a 150kg engine!
The electrics have been re-wired to allow for all the battery charging to come from renewable sources; sun, wind and water.
The cabin steps have come away and a large box has been fitted in place to give more stowage for food.
A packed box locker
The left and centre sections of the box locker are fully packed with tinned and packaged food – the right section has onions, banana shallots.
Alyson drove the 740 miles down from Shetland with a car full of essential supplies and arrived in Falmouth the same day Elsi did.
She has been busy sorting stores and arranging the stowage below to maximise the room available.
One way to keep cheese fresh longer is to wax it as Alyson is doing here.
dipping cheese in wax
There is a comprehensive stock of medical supplies onboard as well.
Checking medical supplies
Alyson also took down a new crew member to join Elsi. Tirval o’ da School has been given permission to take a year off from the Hamnavoe Primary School to join Elsi for her big trip. Alyson said he was very good company on the way down and I think he may make a good navigator as he kept looking at the Road Atlas to check she was on the right road.
Tirvil o’da school navigating and keeping Alyson company
We are in good company here at Port Pendennis marina. Initially we were tied behind the beautiful Windrose of Amsterdam. She is a modern superyacht with the classic lines of a 1930′s schooner. The world’s largest private sailing yacht, Mirabella 5, is in Falmouth near the end of a two year re-fit. She has been re-named M5 and her mast towers over everything else here. At nearly 300’ high it is over seven times higher than Elsi’s mast.
One of the key players involved in the rescue of Andrew in the Southern Ocean in 2006 was Falmouth Coastguard (CG). They are the UK’s International CG and deal with incidents all over the world on a daily basis, on average up to 10 incidents a day. We went up along the station to say thanks to them for their help and support when Andrews appendix burst. They worked in co-ordination with Shetland CG and the Australian CG’s and were all extremely efficient, professional and supportive. It was a real bonus when they printed us off a full transcript of the rescue. We spoke to Ken and Mike, a couple of the people who were on duty the night it all started, it was really good to meet up with them and they were also pleased to receive our feedback of their service, which they said is quite rare.
While we’ve been here at the Port Pendennis marina we have been looked after very well by the manager Mark and his staff. We’ve imposed on them almost every day but nothing is too much trouble for them and they are all very friendly and helpful. Since we have been here we have met several of the other boat owners in the Marina and particularly Philip and Bob have been very helpful. In fact there have been many folk who have been very interested in Elsi Arrub and her planned trip offering assistance and help. We’ve really enjoyed our time here and could certainly recommend it for a visit.
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