Here we are in the 1st quarter of 2021. Jacqui and I are STILL in different countries, coming up to a year now. I had been hanging in Nelson for 10 months and now back to the lower mainland to start keeping busy and earn a couple of dollars while here. At least it has enabled me to get shoulder surgery done in October and hopefully, in time, get back to the squash court. In the meantime we need to update everyone on what has transpired and what lies ahead. As you know based on the last post from Jacqui, MAD has been sold and Jacs is hanging around doing landlubber stuff in Oz.
While the boat had been up for sale and even before that, the search was on for another one that would enable us to get back together and carry on what we were doing before…. sailing! With Australia’s very tight travel restrictions, there was no way that I could get back to Oz anytime soon. So we decided that the purchase of another boat in some other country that we could both travel to, was the way to go. We Internet shopped in a lot of different areas for that boat and there were certain must haves. Finally found the one that will work in Greece. Kinda crazy to want to get a boat in Greece but it allows us to travel more extensively rather than just around Australia and surrounding countries.
The boat is a 2003 Beneteau 473. Needs a little work and we are more than prepared to put the effort in to make it another MAD boat. Right now it is on hard stand on the island of Leros. Had the survey and there are a few things that need to be done before it goes back in the water. The rest we can tackle in the water as we wouldn’t want to lift it again.
We may not be able to get there till August, based on what is happening with the current restrictions and COVID vaccine rollouts here and in Australia, but as soon as the vaccine happens for both of us then off we go!
One thing that we have found with the boat, is the name. Not quite to our liking. Any suggestions? Anything?? Put them in the comments or in that social media thing, Instagram.
As you can see from the photo it is very similar to MAD, at least on the outside. The inside has a different layout but not that much different. I guess we will find out when we get there how different it is … or same.
In the meantime I will be hanging in North Van, hiking some of the north shore trails and getting my shoulder into working order so I can maybe … maybe … get back on the squash court. Have to do something to work off this winter/covid weight!
I read Jacqui’s comments and yours Noel, now I get it! So many changes, losses and gains and uncertainty. Quite an adventure ahead, new plans, new dreams, reunions & new beginnings.
Looking forward to reading all about it.
Take-care,
Valérie