Sailing Vessel Delos Ep. 514: Hectic Splash Day and Family Reunion

The Challenging Splash Day

• ⚓️ The splash day for Sailing Vessel Delos was nerve-wracking, despite previous experience, with significant challenges encountered.
• 💧 A major leak occurred immediately after launch, leading to the boat technically sinking slowly until the issue was resolved.
• ⚡️ The bow thruster activation caused a complete power shutdown, resulting in the loss of all instruments and making docking difficult.
• 🛠️ The team worked diligently for ten days, including painting the bottom with anti-fouling paint, requiring lifting the boat to reach all spots.

Transition and Personal Reflections

• 🇦🇺 While in Australia, Kaza prepared to leave the build site, reflecting on the emotional experience of transitioning from a grounded routine to new adventures.
• 🤝 Gratitude was expressed for the Strat Brock team and Dan for their skills and collaboration during the build.
• ✈️ The move back to French Polynesia, including homeschooling Sierra, was acknowledged as exciting but also overwhelming.
• 💬 The importance of therapy, particularly through BetterHelp, was highlighted for navigating life transitions and making sense of feelings.

Boat Systems and Repairs

• 🚽 A significant challenge involved a clogged toilet hose, described as containing prehistoric, fossilized material, requiring extensive cleaning.
• 💨 Two out of three air conditioning units were confirmed working, providing essential comfort.
• 💧 The water maker was successfully brought back online after being pickled for 10 months, producing good quality water.

Family Reunion and Cruising Joy

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The reunion with Kaza and Sierra after their longest separation was a highlight, with Sierra flying in from school.
• 🏝️ Upon returning to Delos, the family explored the boat and settled back in, noting the familiar boat smell.
• 🐠 Sierra's first snorkeling experience was a joyous moment, spotting a stingray and a baby shark, embodying the joy of cruising life.
• ✨ Despite the recent difficulties with the boat and weather, these family moments reaffirmed the purpose and reward of their cruising lifestyle.