Two Days to Launch

We are making final preparations to launch SUNRAY, her new name, repairing all of those things that assure a safe trouble free (well almost) cruise. We had planned to drag the dingy behind the boat but instead, placed it on the bow where it seems to fit just right. We also swapped out the 15 HP outboard for a 4 HP which will be much more manageable. (see photo)

Tomorrow, my friend Jim and I will depart Greenville for Savannah, load her with provisions and launch out for Marathon in the Keys on Sunday morning, Jan 1. What a great way to start the new year!

Getting Ready

The Mainship Trawler is undergoing complete preparation for the January departure for the Keys. Her bottom scraped and painted, her hull buffed, the bow thruster motor being repaired at the manufacture, the inverter being repaired and a new name.

Yes, MACH V is now known as SUNRAY after our horse farm. Do not believe I can change the title of this blog but she will now be known as SUNRAY of Savannah, GA.

My friends Bill and Laura have already left for Marathon and are allowing me to track their progress. This will be so helpful as I develop the float plan for our cruise. My friend Jim from Greenville will join me for the Jan 1 departure and crew for me to Miami. I will be joined with a new crew in Miami for the balance of the trip.

This is so exciting as this will be my first long range cruise. I am READY TO GO.

Preparing for the wintering in the Keys

Doing some much needed maintenance on her hull in preparation for a winter trip to Marathon for three months. More on this trip to follow.

Bringing Her Home

On April 22, 2011, we purchased the Mainship 390 in Tampa and with prior experience of operating only a 22 foot fishing craft, we headed to Savannah, GA. The task seemed overwhelming but with the guidance of my son and grandson, we cruised down the gulf coast to Ft. Meyers, through the locks into Lake Okeechobee, across and out the St. Lucie to Stuart and up the East coast to Savannah. My granddaughter joined me for the last day arriving on May 2, a 10 day excursion.

What a fantastic experience we had living together, learning the craft and taking in all of the beauty of nature. She handled without a problem and by the time we were at home port, I was sure this was the right boat for me.

 



The only alligator we saw and  my
 grandson's favorate picture.

 



Safe from the storm.



Sunrise on Richardson Creek

                                                             An Awesome Sunrise

And sure enough, it did get better with a wonderful sunrise the next morning. I think I will be able to adapt to this life on the water.

Sunset on Richardson Creek

Can it get any better?

In April, 2001, I purchased my dream boat, A MAINSHIP 390 TRAWLER in Tampa and with the help of my son and grandson, brought her the the Gulf,  through Lake Okeechobee, up the East Coast to Savannah, GA, her new home port.

I will give a brief overview of this tour on a future blog, then focus on my planned cruise in January 2012 from Savannah to Marathon Key for the winter. The purpose of this blog is to keep family and friends up to date on the planning and the actual journey.