July 4th, 2025
Back in the Marina—The Never-Ending Boat Repair Saga Continues!
Just when I thought I’d be slicing through turquoise Caribbean waves, fate had other plans. After my backstay snapped like a overcooked spaghetti strand (yep, that happened), I’m back at the marina—bruised ego and all. But here’s the thing about boats: they keep you humble. One day you’re living the dream, the next you’re elbow-deep in grease, questioning all your life choices.
⚓ Battle Report: The Boat vs. Me (Spoiler: The Boat’s Winning… For Now)
1️⃣ Backstay Blues – Fixed… Sort Of
I won’t lie—seeing that backstay let go was a heart-stopping moment. But after some creative rigging, a few questionable knots, and a lot of muttering under my breath, it’s holding… for now. Is it a permanent fix? Absolutely not. Is it enough to get me to the next anchorage? Let’s hope so.
2️⃣ Winch Surgery – Learning the Hard Way
Ever taken apart a winch just to see how it works? Me neither—until today. With YouTube tutorials as my only guide, I dismantled an old winch like a kid cracking open a stolen Christmas present. Grease everywhere, springs flying—it was chaos. But guess what? I think I can put it back together. Maybe.
3️⃣ Building a Cockpit Table – Because Why Not?
While waiting for replacement parts (shipping time in the Caribbean: somewhere between “soon” and “maybe never”), I decided to build a cockpit table. Sawdust in my hair, splinters in my fingers—pure boat carpentry bliss. It’s not perfect, but if it holds a cold drink without collapsing, I’m calling it a win.
4️⃣ Caribbean Bureaucracy – The Unwritten Rules
Ah, the joys of island logistics. Need a part? It’ll arrive… eventually. Clearing customs? Prepare for paperwork in triplicate and a side of “Come back tomorrow, mon.” But hey, it’s all part of the adventure.
⛵ The Bigger Picture: Why We Do This
Sure, I could’ve stayed home, paid rent, and lived a normal life. But where’s the fun in that? Every snapped cable, every greasy winch rebuild, every absurd island regulation—it’s all part of the story. And soon, when I’m anchored off some deserted beach with a rum in hand, I’ll laugh about it.
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Cheers
Paul – SY ANIMA