Three Years of Preparation & Projects

History - Three years ago, Cathy suggested that we purchase another sailboat, to reduce my hours at work. What a great suggestion. I have enjoyed the time and work, with my list gradually growing shorter.

Projects - My project list was extensive from the start. I sought out a vessel that was sound, but needed work to become a modern sailing yacht. Literally, no function of the boat remained untouched.

From new wiring, engine, sails, composting head, V-berth, cushions, bimini, dodger...

Propulsion

Sails

Self Tailing Main Sheet Winches

New Main halyard Winch

Mast Mate Climbing system & new Bosun’s Chair

Engine

Fuel Filter & treatment system

Electrical

2^nd Battery Bank

Wind Generator

New Wiring

HVAC

2 new 30A X 110V & Panels

Cooking

Refrig

Alcohol to propane stove conversion

Plumbing

Composting head

New Sea Water Faucet/pump

New Fresh Water Faucet/Pump

Maintenance

New Bottom paint

New Thru hulls

New Spreaders

New Dink & 15 HP Yamaha engine & engine storage

Navigation

New GPS

Auto pilot

Comfort

New Cushions

Queen V-berth conversion

Fitted flannel sheets

Flat screen TV w/180 degree rotating mount (inside or cockpit viewing)

Dodger & Bimini

Fishing rod holders

Name/logo

Anchoring & Ground Tackle

All chain rode (5/16" X 200’)

200’ ¾’ Nylon rode

25# Danforth Anchor

25# Claw Anchor

35# CQR Anchor

25# Delta Anchor

5# Folding Dinghy Anchor

Anchor rollers

All of these things combine to make DHA a safe and functional long distance cruiser.

Follow our adventures.

Preparing to Go -

Mark Twain - "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

This quote has haunted me since I read it in 1970 as a junior in high school.

Now the day of literal interpretation is fast approaching.

Much work & luck, and some planning has allowed the adventure.

Dark Haired Angel is a 35' Pearson Alberg Sailboat, constructed in ~ 1962. With two new sails, a rebuilt engine and a full complement of ground tackle, together Cathy, Angel and I hope to explore ourselves and the Bahamas during November & December 2009.

Please come and join our adventure.

Jim & Cathy