They say when the time is right, you’ll know it.

Well, I’m there. It’s been almost exactly six years since I dry docked Nereus. Six years in the heat and humidity of central Alabama. I’d be dishonest if I didn’t say I am ashamed of myself and of what I’ve let happen to my beloved boat. It was my dream, my home, a reflection of some of the best moments of my life; and I left it to rot away. Circumstances prevailed: the economy, a divorce, pressures of life. All played a roll and provided ample distraction from what needed to happen here, but indecision coupled with an “out of sight, out of mind” mentality allowed me to make excuses, put things off, to delay, to wait for another day.

Another day is here. The past is in the past and we must move on. It is time to step up and rebuild the the vessel of the ever-present dream of chasing horizons and discovering new anchorages. When I visited three years ago in 2010, the goal was to get the boat truck ready. The idea was there, but the finances, the plan and the REALITY weren’t. Now, with First Mate, Binga off to Florida with her mother on a family visit, I found myself with the time and the resources to make something happen – anything. I booked a flight into Mobile, rented a car, and got to work. Last time I was here in the summer (and the time before that, too), it was terribly hot and humid. I had wanted to wait until fall to go, but with this limited window of opportunity, I decided to pull up my sailor britches and man up. I hired a hauler to transport us to California; instant motivation applied. I leased a slip – more pressure added. I arrived in Mobile early, stopped by West Marine for some bottom paint and headed north. I wasn’t sure what time the crane was going to arrive, so I was early, not wanting to miss any opportunity.

Nereus – Aug, 2013

I was apprehensive about what I might find and was shocked at what I saw. Three extra years and it was way worse. The hull paint was shot. The decks had mold growing on them. The wood had moss going out of it. The hatches and bowsprit are all dry rotted. There were multiple wasps nests inside. Ugh. This is my punishment. I deserve this. I checked in with Demopolis Yacht Basin and informed them of my intentions to haul out of there. I gave them the hauler info. Then, I got to work on preparing the mast for removal.

Mast Stowed on Deck

The crane showed up at the end of the day, as promised. I was ready, or so I thought. I had some issues getting the pin out of the tabernacle. There was no one around and the crane operator didn’t have any tools. There was no turning back at this point, so it struck me the only solution was to simply remove the tabernacle from the deck and get that damn mast down. It ended up being the smart solution. The next morning, I applied my bottom paint. I had two gallons, as I remembered it was one coat per gallon. What I didn’t remember was it was one coat per gallon per side. I only got one coat of extra paint, but there is still some there from my last bottom job, so I’ve maybe added a year before needing a complete redo. It will have to suffice for now.

All set to go.

With the mast stored, the bottom painted, I installed a new starting battery on the engine, added coolant and am hopeful it will run. I spent the night on Saturday, satisfied I’ve done what needed doing to get everything moved. Up early and I was out of there. The boat itself is a disaster, as I said. However, when I went to mark the bulkhead locations on the hull with tape (so the yard knows where to put the straps), I noticed the morning dew moistened enough of the grime that it came off. Perhaps this won’t be so bad after all. I’ve been email Bud at WorldCruiser Yacht Company about making me a new bowsprit out of stainless steel. It’d be great to have it ready to install when the boat arrives. We’re working on it. Now it’s just the waiting game on the hauler. Have to wait and see what that schedule is. I’m ready!