Return of ‘her’ faithful crew

After a marathon 25 hour journey on Tuesday (13th August) back to Portland, we found Follyfin looking desperate to get back in the water. Yesterday, Wednesday was spent prepping her for launch, i.e. reinstating all the things we spent so long putting away before we left her for the last 7 weeks on land! An extensive shopping trip to the nearby excellent Whole Foods Market was also necessary to re-provision the boat, and of course the all important US cell phone and iPad SIM had to be re-invigorated with yet more US dollars. One just can’t do without these things these days.

The process of launching the yacht is shown below in a series of pictures:

The transporter arrives

A delicate manoeuvre to position it under the hull

Poised before the launching dock

The travel lift approaches

Prepping the hoisting straps

Skipper anxiously looks on as lifting process begins

Taking the strain...

Lifting...

Almost there...

And she’s airborne!

Slow but steady progress towards the water

Almost there

And she’s launched!

Safely moored alongside the dock

Having spent the entire day preparing for launch and then, once launched, preparing for the ‘off’ tomorrow, Friday, it’s now time for some much needed shuteye as jet lag and fatigue combine into sheer exhaustion. We leave at 6 bells heading east-north-east, aiming to get to Camden for the Ocean Cruising Club Rally by Saturday evening. Fingers crossed!