Sunday, May 15, 2011

1128, Sun, 051511. The guys got Lioness on the delivery boat and on her way. It is quite a system. Jim said the crew was very organized; they would have to be with all those expensive boats around. The ship is a giant bath tub that sinks into the water up to the gunnels (top edge of the outside walls) letting the yachts enter the back end under their own power. They have lots of line handlers to help align the boats and divers under the boats. Once the lines are tight, they place the bracings under the boats. Once all the boats are in place the ship pumps out the water and the bracing is all welded in place for the duration of the delivery. Dave Wheeler, the captain in charge of Lioness, will pick the boat up in Vancouver area and deliver it to its final destination.
We hooked up with Jimbo and Bob at the marina about mid morning to pick up two big sacks of food, left over from their trip. We left the two of them to head into town for breakfast and a little internet to let people back home know that all was well. I later picked them up along the beach area just next to Neos and we headed on board for several rounds of 64. They each won a round and when it came to my turn to win they let me down, oh well. By that time it was time to head into the marina and hook up with Dave and head out for dinner. We went to a great place not more than a couple of blocks from the marina and enjoyed a great meal. The waiter was good with his English and was quite the prankster. He asked if Jim was done and when Jim answered yes the guy took his full beer instead of the empty plate. It was quite funny. After a lot of camaraderie we adjourned to let Dave and Bob head to their hotel room, early flight out in the morning, and Jim came with us to spend the week on Neos.
It was a big day, maybe a few too many beers at dinner, but we slept good. This morning the wind was against the tide so we were pushing forward against the anchor line and that had slid us close to our neighbors. Not close enough to hit but close enough to give you that uneasy feeling. It was time to leave anyhow so right after coffee we were off for another adventure……more later..

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