After the launch of Okisollo late last week, we spent a hurried weekend running our last minute errands and checking our systems -- especially the ones that we could only check in the water. And YES! The newly installed AC System works terrific! Note of course, that due to our power budget we can only run it sparingly when the sun has our batteries topped off. We also spent quite a few hours figuring out how to re-run our spinnaker halyard because the chase-line we had installed in the spring had degraded in the sun and broke. 4 trips up the mast and at least 6 different attempts -- we found success.
While the definition of shakedown is technically "a test of a new product or model, especially a vehicle or ship." We considered, that while not new...we did a lot of work on Okisollo, so we weren't entirely sure what would fail along the way. There were plenty of things we touched or that were mothballed for the summer that we really needed to re-certify to ensure that all systems are "go" for extended cruising.
Because of the physical location of Puerto Penasco, out of the marina it is minimum 100 miles to the next safe anchorage so we knew we'd have an overnight run to put her through her paces. We chose a destination about 330 miles away that looked good for the wind conditions and that would give us a chance to assess and fix anything discovered, there were short stops along the way if we wanted to take a break. AND perhaps most importantly would be near one of our favorite beach-side restaurants.
We left the dock at 6:30 am on Monday. We departed knowing that our solar panels were not working and that our water tanks were empty. Not optimal, but it was the situation. We could not use our watermaker in the dirty inner harbor of Puerto Penasco. So, as a measure of protection, we brought aboard 100 liters of bottled water, which we poured into our tanks and then filled up those 100 liters with non-potable water that we could use for showers, washing, toilets, etc. if needed--just in case the watermaker didn't work as planned.
Leaving the harbor we were met with terrific sailing. We had 10-15 knots of wind on the aft quarter (about 120 degrees to starboard) and we were able to maintain that for a good 12 or so hours. Eventually the winds abated and we ran the engine for awhile overnight. The watermaker was working perfectly and we filled our 300 gallon tanks with freshwater. We had a short bit where things got very rolly and very hot. In one particular rolly moment we launched the clean dishes onto the galley floor, launched the tea kettle and broke the soda stream. King Neptune was reminding us who is boss out on the sea! It was the first time I've felt sea sick in years, but it passed as soon as we picked up speed and the air was flowing through the portlights once again.
During the night we noticed that our VHF wasn't working. It was receiving but we were unable to control the volume, change the channel or do anything. Super weird--and annoying. Solar panels were still not working. We stopped briefly at two rolly anchorages to see if they would be calm enough for us to work on the solar panels. But both ended up being uncomfortable so we got as much sleep as we could and carried on. We knew we'd find calm water Playa Santispac, where we'd best be able to work on fixing things that weren't working and stow things a bit more securely.
On Thursday, the 4th morning since leaving Puerto Penasco we pulled into beautiful Bahai de Concepcion. First, we figured out that the VHF was easily fixed when the correct mic was attached. We had accidentally switched the SSB & VHF mics and apparently they aren't interchangeable. Silly mistake. Second, over the course of the day Dan was able to fix the solar panels. He learned how to bypass bluetooth by basically hotwiring the control panel. I don't know how he did it but it was definately a McGyver move. We are now putting out 600 watts of solar which is keeping up with all our needs and the icemaker -- bonus! We are checking this shakedown off as complete!
Today we took out all our scuba gear and did a short beach dive, then dove under the boat to look at the anchor. The water is 84 degrees and its barely refreshing to the 94 degrees in the shade. Its been a minute (yeah, ok 20 years) since I've done any scuba diving in open water and we have lots of new gear to test. We saw a turtle before we got in but he was nowhere to be found. The boat is feeling like home again. We are settling in for the season ahead.
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