March 26, 2025: A Wild Ride to Curaçao – Engine-Only, No Electronics!
The Dramatic Departure
Docked bow-first into howling winds, tangled lines wrapped around unforgiving poles—not exactly the smooth exit I’d imagined. Thanks to a kind dockworker’s help, I freed the bowline just in time. The moment it loosened, Bowalie swung violently with the wind. A quick flick of the stern line and a burst of reverse throttle, and suddenly… we were free.
8 Hours of Pure Seamanship
With dead electronics and a rebellious autopilot, this became a manual-steering marathon. I ran the engine solo to avoid distractions as:
🌊 Waves built into liquid mountains offshore
🌀 Chaotic cross-swells near Curaçao’s East Point tossed us like a toy
⏳ The final stretch to Willemstad’s harbor entrance felt endless
Small victory: That trusty engine didn’t sputter once—a miracle given from God its pre-trip resurrection!
Landfall… and Hard Truths
After docking (and breathing for the first time in hours), the real work began:
🔍 Haul-out inspection revealed dreaded osmosis blisters—now drying under the Caribbean sun
⚓ Upgraded ground tackle with a Rocna anchor & 200’ chain (because sleeping soundly > saving money)
🔨 Interior demolition mode activated—rotten headliners, defunct windlass, and a growing to-do list
Current Mood:
✅ Thrilled to be in Curaçao
💸 Painfully aware of marina costs adding up
📈 Daily discovery of new “while-I’m-at-it” projects
Coming Next:
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Osmosis treatment: gritty details & progress
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The windlass replacement battle
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Why boat work always takes 3x longer than planned and costs more than ever imagined
Don’t miss the chaos!
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Cheers
Paul