S/V Indian Summer 1

The Dream:  When Ian was 11 years old, he read Robin Knox-Johnston’s book “A World of My Own” and decided that he  would also like to sail around the world.  We still have that original (now signed) book on board!

The Plan:  So a 5 year plan was set in motion.   The main obstacles were money, time and of course the boat.  A catamaran seemed the best option for space and comfort and 40ft was a good size.  So we set about looking on the internet for boats in our price range. We eventually saw what looked like a good deal in the Seychelles and flew over in June 2011 to see Indian Summer 1, fell in love with her and bought her that night.  It took another 8 months before we could go back and bring her back to Perth.   Some friends sailed her back as we were both working and couldn’t take time off.  It was with very mixed emotions we flew out of Victoria leaving her behind.  We wouldn’t see her for another 3 months but we had a tracker on board so we knew where she was all the time.  She visited Chagos and Cocos Island and we imported her into Carnarvon.  Ian flew up to Geraldton – about 400 km north of Perth, and sailed her back to Mandurah where I was waiting to welcome her to her new home.   All we had to do now was work out how we could possibly leave within 5 years!

The Preparation:  We set a estimated date of mid 2016.  We sold our family home of 25 years at the end of 2014, moved in with our daughter, and Ian started working full time on preparing her for a circumnavigation.  This was the big challenge!  Below is a list of the modifications and additions:

• A new fibreglass hardtop, together with hatches, rain catchers and bimini.  This was built in our daughters garage and took up every spare inch…
• New Watermaker – Stella watermaker, enables us to be completely off the beaten track.
• New seating in saloon
• New Rigging
• All windows removed and resealed
• All staunctions removed, reglassed and replaced
• New Lifelines
• Replacement of all acrylic in hatches
• All hatches resealed
• Sinks and fridge resealed
• New battery bank
• New solar panels
• New mattress in master suite
• Shelving unit portside amidships
• New holding tank
• New cockpit cushions
• New Boom bag
• New wind generator
• New folding propellers
• New pulpit seats
• 2 x 12v outlets + one double 240v socket extra
• New washing machine

We took a few weeks off last year to have a ‘pre-run’ and went up the West Australian coast into The Kimberley.  We only got as far as Kuri Bay and will explore the Eastern Kimberley this year.  The Kimberley must rate as one of natures marvels.   The sheer beauty of the rock formations and the rich colours make it one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

Finalising everything now in preparation for the Big Trip.