The beginning

Every story needs a beginning. This is it. The idea for this adventure was formed one spring on Salt Spring Island when after some interesting soul searching, both Jane and I decided that long range cruising would be a "good idea".
Simply put this lifestyle satifies enough of our desires to keep us both interested. Not to bore the reader with all the analysis but we are not homebodies, require change often and both love boats. So be it.
We decided to sell our Nordic 32 (Bluebird) and look for either a Nordic 37 or a Nordic 42. The 37 suited Jane's budget more but the 42 suited our space requirements. We looked at a couple of used 37's and a couple of used 42's. Space wise no contest, budget wise – not a lot of difference. If you cannot afford one then you cannot afford the other. I am now over 60 and have decided that money is not that useful on the other side of the turf. Jane is somewhat more conservative.
None of these vessels seemed to meet the somewhat odd requirements list that we had developed. We wanted a true all climate cruising vessel. That means Air for the hot parts, Heat for the cold parts, a Generator to run the Air, a Dinghy and Davit as well as ground tackle to hold the Queen Mary. Electronics to include AIS and Sirius weather and two independent computer navigation systems . A liferaft for big water use (just in case, no use having insurance if you are not around to make a claim) and enough water filtration to keep us healthy.
This list when analyzed is better satisfied by taking what Nordic calls an “all climate” model and “making it so”. Having air and an appropriately sized generator makes a better start to add hydronic heat to than the other way round. The downside of finding a little used dock to dock boat is that it has no dinghy and davit and just enough ground tackle to hold it in the marina on a calm day. The upside is that you get to choose the dinghy, davit and ground tackle. It's only money after all.
The surveys discovered some items of poor dealer installation and minimal maintenance. The sad truth is that you are either using your boat a lot and looking after stuff as it comes up, or you are deferring the evil that starts to lurk. Needless to say we knew we would be into the deferred category. Of course it just turned out to be bigger than planned.
The purchase was negotiated and the work commenced, and about six months later (don't ask!!) we were ready to shake it all down. So while it all took too long (did I point out that this took way too long) and cost more than planned, we did meet some fine folk, learn a lot of things that I don't really think I wanted and became a mite too stressed out. Fortunately we took a short cruise to Petaluma that relieved some of the stress. See – Petaluma 08.
Now for the Oscars...
We extend our thanks to the San Francisco Bay Nordic Tugs Owners Association (SFBANTA), of which we are proud roving members, for all their help and encouragement. Thanks folks.
Also we extend our thanks to Frank, Dave and everyone at Ballena Bay Yacht Brokers, Trinity and Sara at Ballena Isle Marina, Paul Klaer, Herman and Clay of Marine Maintenance Systems, Chris and the guys at Svendsens metalworks, the guys at Svendsens yard, Matt Carver of Carver Marine Services, Marilee at Waypoint, Sal at Sal's Inflateables.
Wayne and Linda Ferris deserve some sort of medal for mental health work as they kept us sane towards the end. (Note My definition of sanity).
This whole project could not have been done without the support of the Ballena Bay Cafe and Deli who make the very best BLT's and Burgers that I know of. No kidding.
Carmen now being ready to cruise, it was our job to hire an experienced crew and so Captain John Curry of Alameda was engaged, and to prepare for the voyage to Ensenada Mexico. See - Out the gate and turn left!