Another virgin trial here - the lowering of our masts. With the ITCZ active, it was raining buckets the morning we were preparing for this event. With our rain gears on, it felt like we were at sea again and taking advantage of the rain to clean the deck. For me, at least. Kjartan was busy taking off all the cotter pins, getting all the ropes ready and climbing the mast. Up and down he went. I am scared of heights, so I don't really look up all the time. Just once in awhile to make sure he is okay. When we were ready, I went over to the crane operator to translate Kjartan's instructions in Visayan.
After lunch, we started the operation. There were lots of onlookers watching in awe. I should have placed a hat to collect coins for the show. Anyway, the whole operation went smoothly. I was very impressed with the crane operator. He was excellent and his assistant, who stayed on deck with us, knew what to do. He helped with the turnbuckles without much instruction from us. Seeing Kjartan struggle with a broken spreader, he was even eager to climb the mast to help. The spreaders are all worn out - this we knew. I am just glad that we didn't break it during a passage.
With masts down, Wiskun was pulled into the shed. We are not sure yet what improvements and maintenance work we have to do, but for sure it will not be this year.
