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21/12/2023
PARAMITA is underway again, currently in Santa Rosalia on the East side of the Baja peninsula, at exactly 27.33N, 112.26 W.
We are docked on #14 at the Fonatur marina, which is full and where we luckily got a spot yesterday. Mostly long-termers here - boats that haven't moved in many years, and are looking the part. More and more people on fixed pensions are retiring on boats, and since inflation and disadvantageous exchange rates reduce disposable income, the effects are visible on their boats.
We have launched this website with the object of having an easily maintained record of the boat and - eventually - selling PARAMITA; as she is an unusual sailboat made of HSLA steel she likely will attract a knowledgable buyer who - instead of looking for that swanky, white-suede interior - is looking for a strong, well constructed boat they can take anywhere on this beautiful earth.
It's easy to replace or improve on some woodwork inside, but difficult, very costly, and often futile to replace sections of a steel hull.
Anyway, PARAMITA is ready to go with very little fuss.
24/02/2024
How quickly time passes! We are back at Marina Guaymas ( formerly Fonatur) at dock A6, in case you want to look us up. I am currently preparing the boat for Haul-out on the 28/02/2024, to put the boat on the hard for the summer. We will do some interior varnishing and painting, as well as pulling the prop shaft for maintenance. Sails and running rigging are removed, and sunshades put on to keep her cool. Lots of work. Currently the plan is to market PARAMITA while she is out of the water - go cruising the Baja and perhaps west coast of Mexico this coming fall and winter, then sail her home to BC leaving April 2025. Hawaii May until July, then leaving for southeast Alaska, or north coast BC, for mid August arrival.
Of course, as always, our plans are subject to change, and if the boat sells in Mexico, that is okay, too. Experiencing more sunrises, such as the one in the photo above taken in Caleta San Juanico, will be hard to give up...but will await the lucky new captain of PARAMITA.
Guaymas Haul OUT
Here we are again! The one thing that makes boat ownership much easier in BC - or in a temperate climate in any case - is that boats don't need to be hauled and launched every year. Hurricanes and even tropical storms generally make staying in the water somewhat of a gamble if the boat is to be left unattended. So, that means stripping all running rigging, sails, and canvas, flushing all plumbing and water lines, washing anchor chain and locker, oil and filter changes on the engine, polishing diesel and cleaning diesel tanks (once every 5-6 years),
throughly cleaning the bilges, and so on.
All ports and perspex hatch covers are being sealed with aluminum insulation to block sunlight and (some) heat transfer. Sunshades, which cover the entire deck, are put up and secured against high winds. Six months later, upon returning from home in BC back to PARAMITA and another sailing season, at least a week is required to re-rig the boat, get rid of all the desert dust that covers the decks and cockpit, clean the interior and - finally - get back into the water. This rigamarole we have been doing for the last 13 years, and all I can say at this point in my life, is that - if nothing else-, it keeps us fit and limber. Cobwebs have no chance!
This year, multiple layers of accumulated antofouling are being stripped down to the epoxy - a hot, dirty job we have hired a Mexican company for. They are doing an excellent job.
As we now are approaching our mid-seventies, things are becoming a tiny bit more difficult every year, I hate to admit it. Projecting this progression forward prompted us to start the process to sell PARAMITA. But this will be the last time we are hauling out for hurricane season in Mexico: next year this time, if the boat has not found a buyer, our daughter and I will sail PARAMITA back home to BC via Hawaii and possibly Alaska - a trip I am very much looking forward to. Nice, long passages are what this boat is built for.
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