Splashed!

The day finally arrived, After 10 months and a major refit, it was time to go back in the water. Our stay at Kenmont Marine has been great. Although the services are basic, power, non-potable water, and a port-a-let, the staff have been friendly and we have had the space to do all of our work. And we are only moving down the seaway a few miles.

First, let me introduce you to our new crew member. Her name is Coconut. She has traveled from Australia with my parents and is now excited about her new adventure aboard Voila! She is hoping to share her adventures with our younger readers and loves to receive email and pictures. She has found a comfy spot in the cockpit to supervise today’s activities.

The first step in getting Voila in the water was to pick up all the garbage we had left by the container. A digger arrived and we dumped all the trash in the bucket so it could be deposited in the dumpster. The same vehicle cam back, but this time it had a forklift on the front. Time for the container to go.

Now, we were ready for the travelift to arrive. Given our experience from the fall we had detached the backstay. Unfortunately we also had to lower the wind generator.

Everything went without a hitch.

Thru- hulls checked and we are not sinking! Great. Engine started, Great. Propeller moves us in forward and reverse. Great. After a brief lunch with Christina it was time for a trial run. Depth sounder working. Great. Oh, oh the lock is open. We know from experience that the next opening in the direction we want to go could be a long wait. The trial run becomes a dash for the lock. New engine and prop push the boat up to 7.4 knots. Great. No vibration so everything is adjusted and sized correctly. Chartplotter working. Great. We raft up to a 29 ft sailboat headed for Quebec City. Behind us was a mammoth houseboat.

As we descend in the lock, we take a deep breath and realize it is a gorgeous day and we are out on our boat, The destination was back to St. Lambert Yacht Club where we spent some time last year. We cruised past a group of dinghies out sailing. A sailing school in Candiac – we made those sails.

The boat is now tied up about a mile from Christina’s house where we are staying. We hope to take about a week to get organized and provision. The new adventure is beginning.