Three weeks to go

Ciao Bella has been given a true Hollywood-style mooring, right in front of the main veranda at Royal Cape.  The mast was put up on Christmas eve, and boasts a new set of halyards so looking very slick at this point.  Christmas (much to Mum's disgust) took a backseat to a degree as the cleaning of bilges, and boat electrics took priority.  But, the engine prep is now pretty much complete and awaits the final service from the Yamaha guys.

Boat prep in Aus has been much more successful.  "African Express" was a mere 300g overweight, much to Michaela Mae's delight.  The racing begins today in Australia.  All very excited.  

As we look at the week ahead, the things that still need to be done include:

-  Final food and provisions shop

-  Replace the stantions that were damaged in transit

-  Navigational issues and setup

-  Connecting up water maker  

*  Mooring - Parking spot

*  Halyards - Ropes to pull sails up and down the mast

*  Bilges - Water drainage compartments under engine 

*  Stantions - Protective wiring down side of boat