New Solar Panel Support

Base panel

We have added a new solar panel support that, while similar to the original, is double the size and is shaped to match the Bimini.  We used Signex, a plastic material that is easy shaped, strong and light. Signex comes in two forms, a UV protected and a non-UV protected version. As we have unwittingly purchased the non-UV type Signex we have UV protected it by applying  International epoxy paint to the exposed surface. This has produced a very acceptable result. We now have two 64 Watt solar panels that should double our amp input from these panels to between 8 and 10 amps.

Panel with solar panels

Anzac Day - Becher Point

Anzac Day and a quite motor up to Becher Point. We had the intention of sailing on to Rottnest, however, with "Zofia" nicely anchored in 3 metres of water with 20 metres of chain out why not just stay! Made Eva a Gin and Tonic, opened a beer and just enjoyed the surroundings. A little boat maintenance, ding identification, sleeping and reading, is that not what cruising is about? Tried out the new 4G modem and internet connection and it all worked just fine. Had a little problem with the fridge controller which appears to be due to a voltage drop across my newly installed relay, however, managed it OK and we will fix it over the coming week. All in all a nice motor back, so no sailing but a good run for the engine with all working well.

Our sailing partners - Update April 2015

We commenced our sailing adventure in company with two catamarans. Urchin and  Easy Tiger.    

After crossing the Bight our paths separated and in late March 2014. We chose to leave Streaky Bay and then Scales Bay a day ahead of the guys and that decision, combined with an approaching low pressure system was enough to separate the fleet. Two month later we caught up with the guys in Port Lincoln, however, as we decided to sail during winter we again separated in June 2014. From then on we have done our own thing while Urchin has remained in Port Lincoln and Easy Tiger has taken the freeway to the north. We briefly encountered Easy Tiger at Lakes Entrance. This was an exciting reunion with many details to catch up on.

We do not know what the future holds but we sincerly hope that we will meet up with these guys again as they are great fun and we always enjoy their company.

Fair winds dear friends and may all your dreams come true!!!!!

In the begining ...

Zofia started life as a basic Jeanneau Sun Odessey DS 42. She came with a dodger, bimini and cockpit cushions to begin with which sufficiently charmed the girl into thinking that this sailing lark might not be too bad after all. Over the past 5 years we've been steadily adding stuff.  We began by integrating a targa on the stern with a crane to hoist the dingy. The targa became the platform for a solar panel and a couple of downlights. We added a spinnaker, inner fore stay, stay sail, radar, AIS, iMux wireless navigation aid for iPad, PredictWind satellite communicator, BigPond wireless Wi-Fi network, Seagate satellite Wi-Fi entertainment hard drive, digital temperature control for refrigerator and freezer (Engles). More recently Brian manufactured a larger solar panel platform so we now have 2 and on the underside he embedded a strip of led lights for better night time illumination in the cockpit. Anyone for a party?Apart from the benefit of more amps we should get less sun at the helm station and hopefully less water in the moosh if we cop a greenie over the bow. The girl is not a fan of getting wet - on the water not in the water is how she prefers it.

Oh, did we mention safety equipment? EPIRB's, jacklines, danbuoys, parachute anchor, drogue, spare anchor and yet more chain, hand held VHF radio, a life raft and ever fancier lifejackets. Phew! Of course we have the mandatory flares, buckets, grab bags, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and first aide kit etc.. Truly Mum, we are taking this very seriously!

Zofia has already sailed over 2000Nm. We have sailed as far north as the top end of Shark Bay (2011), the Abroholos Islands (2010, 2011), Busselton/Quindalup on at least seven occasions and Rottnest Island multiple times.

We started with a 5 year plan. Time's up; ever so nearly ready to go! We hope you enjoy our ramblings and we look forward to your comments.