Dry Storage 2022

December 7, 2021 We had Neverland hauled and dismasted for the winter project of refitting her for 'old people' sailing. We also need to repair and refresh all the hard knocks she's endured over the last 15 years. In 15 years she had a trip to Maine and back and shipping to France, trips to Malta, Croatia, Greece, Crete, Spain, Morocco, Canaries, Caribbean, Aruba, Bahamas, Florida, and finally back home again in the Chesapeake Bay. I must say she has been a faithful vessel through all kinds of weather, circumstances, and owner decisions. 
We are thrilled to be at Davis Wharf where we have enjoyed a quiet marina amid the watermen of the Chesapeake Bay. To be among folks who work hard for a living to bring fresh seafood to the tables of many Eastern Shore residents is a gift. The staff at the wharf are friendly and willing to assist us in all of our needs. 
The view while in our slip is stunning as we watch the sun set. 
But now to tell you our exciting plans for dry storage in winter. It is not a time to be idle. 
We will be replacing the rigging. It is over fifteen years old and has 10,000 miles of wear and tear. We chose to use the Rigging Company in Annapolis. They were the most helpful with our wild ideas of what we wanted to do with the boom and the roller furling. 
We will be working to bring all of our reefing lines and the main halyard to the cockpit. No more getting up on deck in 30 knot winds to reef to the third reefing line. Woohoo. 
We have new gauges too. A real-life wind gauge. No more holding a tube in the air going, "Gee, I think it's 20 knots what do you think?" Also, a new depth meter and speedometer. We're also upgrading our electrical panel and getting it away from behind the steps and over to the nav station. We're getting new cushions for the V-berth. There are several upgrades that are minor but take time and we are glad that Neverland is home in Virginia where we can work through the winter without having to go further than 20 minutes to be with her. 
We really appreciate all of your interest in our travels. This summer will be focused on the Chesapeake Bay. The key this summer is to get Monica docking and driving Neverland more than ever. Once she's in the water we'll share the mishaps and adventures.  Until then we'll keep you posted with all of our winter dry storage work.