Dream On in Dania, April 2003

Dream On in Summerfield boat Works, July 2003

The haul out

Anti fouling bottom paint

New anchor rollers

Ready to go

April/May 2003 - We purchase Dream On. The boat had recently returned from a circumnavigation under the ownership of Ed Alcott. Ed was still living on board at the time. He showed us over and described the boat in great detail so that when we returned we would understand all the boat’s systems. The purchase was subject to survey which was carried out after our return to Saudi Arabia.

Once the purchase was complete Ed and our broker Pepper Rodda moved the boat from its mooring at Dania to Summerfield Boat Works on the New River in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for storage, in the water.

July 2003 – We enjoyed two weeks vacation in Fort Lauderdale, living aboard Dream On, taking inventory of equipment and spares and familiarising ourselves with the boat’s equipment and systems. We were able to communicate with Ed, the previous owner on a regular basis by email for any explanations we required. We installed solar powered vents in the hatches in the heads to that there would always be some ventilation.

April 2004 – We made a short 10 day trip to make sure Dream On was in good shape and to remove a few more jobs from the list.

Summer 2004 - Hurricanes Charlie, Frances, Ivan and Jean all hit Florida during the summer of 2004. We were very fortunate that none caused serious damage in Fort Lauderdale and Dream On was undamaged. Hundreds of boat owners further north were not so fortunate.

October 2004 - We return to Florida to prepare Dream On for cruising. We move on board while still based at Summerfield Boat Works. There are preparations before haul out and many jobs to complete before our maiden voyage;  maintenance items, new equipment and modifications.

While still in Fort Lauderdale we complete the transfer of registration of Dream On to the new hailing port of Road Harbour, British Virgin Islands.

1^st November 2004 – We haul Dream On out of the water. After a few days we make the decision to repaint the hull above the waterline in addition to the planned antifouling below the waterline. Under the expert tuition of Lydia Lee, a very determined French lady, who is a professional boat finisher and a perfectionist, we hand painted the hull. Preparation, painting, sanding, preparation, painting, sanding. Four coats later, we achieve a far better result than we or anyone else expected. Very hard work, in between rain showers.

While the boat is out of the water for 24 days, we continue to live on board. This involves a long and precarious ladder journey for shopping and water.

24th November 2004 - Back in the water, looking like new.

As soon as the boat is back in the water we start on the installation of a 300 gallon per day watermaker, a new chartplotter, a new GPS and a new DSC VHF radio. We also design and help to make a new anchor plate and anchor rollers to take heavier than standard anchors. We now have a 55lb Delta, a 44lb Delta and a 33lb Bruce. In order to make the installation of the rollers, we have to release tension on the backstays and remove the forestay, which resulted in a temporary rig for around 2 weeks.

Before departing Fort Lauderdale we buy "His" and "Hers" Kayaks. These are each 9 foot long and would not fit in our car. We thank Jean-Marc, our friend on Solvei, (and Pepé) for his assistance with his artistically adorned VW Camper.

We will always be grateful for the valuable and humorous advice and support given to us by Lyall Dodson, dockmaster at Summerfield Boat Works.  Lyall can park any boat, anywhere, in any weather. A true magician.

Ken, who was our neighbour at Summerfield aboard his boat soon to be renamed Helena added a great sense of humour to the yard along with his valuable advice to us rookies. Just across the yard, Tony and Christina, busy repairing the hurricane damage to their boat.

We thank Lee and Pat Harrell, ex SV Toucan, for their ideas, advice and hospitality.

And then there is "Crazy" Jim aboard Champagne. We'll catch up with you somewhere Jim.