Sorry my dear, four readers (yes, we’re up to four), I’ve been burning the proverbial candle at both ends as well as using a blow torch on the middle. Our time at the mega-mansion is rapidly coming to a close and I am working around the clock trying to get the boat put back together. It’ll be a close race, but I think we’re in good shape.

Among other projects, I have finished construction of the new dinghy chaps. Long time readers may recall that our dinghy was stolen over the summer, but we recovered it several days later, tattered and torn with its old chaps ripped into five pieces.

After a lot of poking and prodding, we were able to get the leaks patched and then build the new chaps. This is the 40th set of chaps I’ve built, but the first of the new generation 4 design. Gen 4 features a new, tougher material designed to handle abrasion better, but it’s a little harder to work with and the geometry of the design needs to be much closer to true then when working with Sunbrella. This design also uses nothing but Velcro to attach it to the dinghy.

So far I’ve had a lot of positive comments about the design and I’ve already had two people ask for sets 41 and 42, but I’ve kind of placed them on hold until we can field test ours and make sure it will hold up over time. More info to follow on this one.

In other news, I’ve finally gotten around to reinstalling the 30 horse Yamaha on the big skiff and I am happy to report it is running very well. Yay team!

On the weather front, we are scheduled to get the first cold front of the season Monday night and Tuesday day, which kind of sucks, but on the good side, if we’re getting cold front off the U.S. coast, then the hurricane season is probably over for us, so that’s something.

There are currently only 7 cruising boats in the harbour and I’ve heard a couple of reports from up the island chain and so far, there aren’t any cruising boats yet sighted. Given the long range weather forecast, I’m guessing the boats are going to be a little late arriving this season based on the fact that the cold fronts are setting in way earlier then anticipated.

The AmyUnit just returned from a brief trip stateside to see the eye doctor and to do a little shopping for supplies and this weekend I hope to finish re-assembling the boat while Amy wraps up this years house sitting adventure.

The next update should be from back onboard Dream Catcher and then I’ll start updating more regularly. Remember, be safe, it’s stupid out there…..