V8 FEVER HITZ THE YOT!!!

 G'day All,
                 The Puter is still running! Just!
So with the V8's hitting the track  in a few short hours I'd get an update in B4 the computer finally crashes like a Holden around Townsville! Wishful thunking!
With the V8 weekend upon us I've set up the still and begun to refill my stocks of Fellixer which are currently running on vapours.
I chose a simple job for Friday just replace the damaged front of the inside couch. (damaged during last years run back from Cairns)
 Nice easy job, just remove the damaged ply and replace with a new piece of nemaboard.
Soundz simple! doesn't it!
5 hours later the entire front cabin is empty, the yot is being supported by accrow props, while large quantities of fibreglass and epoxy adhesives are allowed to cure!
The belly of the Yot had sagged around 8mm in the center and after much detective work we found the culprit was the weight of the batteries in the forward cabin.
We had rectified this problem earlier on the starboard side of the Yot but now it was the Port side's turn to go out in sympathy.
So between painting 2 timber boats on the slip Kenny and Myself strengthened the Yot with braces and Epoxy glue.
It was Friday so around lunch thyme I produced 2 large tray's of Cottage pie for the "workers" while King Richard was kidnapped by the local hardware Guy's for an impromptu trip to the V8 corporate boxes.
My list of tasks is once again becoming unmanageable but I'm determined to stay on top of the repairs and upgrades with a trip to the reef planned for the near future.
The V8's have now come and gone with a fantastic weekend of motor racing, V8's, Formula 1 and Nascar! any revheads' dream. My kind of weekend.
The work and upgrades are underweigh despite the racing during the weekend, with the new extension to the fishing bench now complete and ready for a final coat of paint.
My blackboard has 19 jobs requiring my attention but already 7 of them have begun and will shortly be crossed off. Probably to be replaced by a few more but that is the way of the Yot.
The yard work has begun to increase with 3 yachts arriving for complete re-sprays during the next 2 weex. Which is gr8 for the yard but limits the amount of free thyme I'll have.
The new autopilot is all but installed with just the rudder sensor still 2B fitted. Which hopefully will be completed tomorrow.
Then it'll be thyme for a sea trial. and a possible quick trip to salamander reef during the night.
We are all keen to spend another nite on Salamander as our last trip was such a gr8 suxcess.
I feel a feed of fresh fish 'n' chips in my near future. If Garth Tander can score a Spanish Mack out behind the island then I'm sure we can get something equally special.
Speaking of Special, Miss mermaid has been in touch with emails flying across the void of the world. She's in good health and concentrating on her career back in England.
Also
It is with much sadness that I must pass on the news that our gr8 friend and fellow yachty Noah will not be returning to Australia anythyme soon and has finally put his Yacht up for sale.
We've emptied his boat and cleared the mould and mildew from Noah's worldly possessions.
We did find his beloved Canadian Flag which will now be added to Galleycats' Flag repertoire.
We all had a remember Noah conversation at lunch with many laughs.
I'll miss you buddy!
CaptainFelix

THE RACE IZ ON !!!

THY TASK B COMPLETE!

 G'day All,
                 I'm back where I belong,
 aboard\"The Cat"!
My tasks in Western Australia have been completed and I've jetted my weigh across the Island bak to my life aboard Galleycat!
B4 I left, many trials and issues were presented and overcome with the help of family and friends.(plus Victor)
What I did realise Was how much I miss having a Dog! Sonny (Dad's Mut) became a surrogate friend while I was back West and rekindled my desire to have that special companionship again!
I'm still involved in an internal battle of my own but I've decided if I make it through this period I will once again find a companion to share my travels.
When Cassie my last friend was put to sleep after 12 gr8 years I swore I would never leave myself open to the incredible pain of separation again.
 However Ken and Sonny have opened my eyes to the possibility of once again sharing my exsistence with a four legged friend.
So I'll keep my eyes open, and if the universe decides to send another dog my way I'll revisit the possibility.
The ring opposite was created while I was back in WA from a special stone (the name escapes me) cut by "Bluey" in the yard and given to Mum.
With a few extra shiny rox and a bit of gold it now graces the finger of one of the most amazing people a guy could ever hope to have as a parent.
My mate Ken is about to head out bush for anutha prospecting trip so who know's Mum might soon end up with a complete set of Knuckle dusters!
Be Afraid Kids Be Very Afraid!
My return to Townsville was greeted with much joy within the yard by nearly everyone as they now have their "chef" back. Fonzie especially!
Itz nice 2 know your wanted!
What haz become immediately apparent is just how much the Yot needs constant maintainence! With many of the vital and not so vital systems not taking the 2 month break as well as myself.
The TV on screen is just one example which works just fine as long as I don't want sound or to change channels as itz locked on external imputs only so is now a computer and video monitor (big lizard) only.
The new camera has been fitted to the mast which is one of many, many tasks on my list of importance.
I've begun to repair or upgrade nearly all items on my list of jobs from last seasonz cruising along with just a few unexpected extra's.
Water pumps, bilge pumps, anchor switches, lighting and plumbing systems have all crapped themselves while I waz away tiling.
Still with a few weex work I'll have a functioning "lifestyle vessel" again.
As I mentioned Ken is about a fortnight away from buggering off on his yearly quest for Gold and Gemstones so I'll step up and take over his tasks while he's away.
Then itz thyme for a couple of qwik trips out to The Reef in search of phish and relaxation (wkoa).
These will B final shakedownz B4 Galleycat getz her final paintjob.
May she be covered in much blood!
I've also begun to fit the new "otto" pilot which was my reward for tiling Mum and Dad's house, this is such an imperative part of cruising and to finally have a reliable "otto" will be a god send.
The TMQ unit was found in South Australia on Ebay and purchased for less than half of itz true value but is still a priceless addition to the Yot.
The title reference referz to the Formula 1 race boats here this week and the V8 supercars which have begun to arrive for next weekends Townsville 500!
I'm hoping this update goes through! as unfortunately big Ash as given me a virus to deal with which is slowly but surely shutting down all computer systems on the Yot.
I'm sending the Puter in for a D&C this week so hopefully no permanate damage has occurred so after doing a complete system back-up I'm going to leave you here and if you ever see the term "Delta Homes" on a download, run as far as you can because this 1derful program will slowly but surely hijack your computer!
So with baited hooks and baited breath I'll leave you and hope to continue this entry at the end of the week with a nicely scrubbed hard drive!
More 2 follow
Captain Felix (the infected)