Atlantic Adventure News

28/7/2002

Final preparations are now complete and the boat is in very good shape. Everything has been tested including the cruising chute and most importantly the satellite phone, the e-mail system and the stereo system. Most of the crew for all the legs have managed some time on the boat for familiarisation and the anticipation is building, only one week now to the start of the trip.

29/6/2002

The sea trials have been successful with very few problems. The engine has been thoroughly serviced and the Bimini has been ordered, so we are really getting ready for the sun!! We are now stocking up with spares and into final preparation tasks.

14/6/2002

After an extensive refit Pinball Wizard has been launched. Some final preparation and sea trials will begin this weekend. This will be followed by practise weekend sails for the crews to get used to the new equipment.

The refit includes a comprehensive service of all fittings, repairs to bulkheads, new headlining and carpets in the saloon and a variety of new equipment. These include a new Genoa, a cruising chute, a storm sail, which fits on a new inner forestay, a fancy dinghy bag, an auto-pilot, wind instrument, satellite phone, new taps, a second manual water pump for the heads, a stereo system and speakers, a bimini (still to be provided), new life jackets and a host of smaller items. Now we just need to see if they work and how to use them.