In the water!

She floats! (Which is kind of a requirement you know given the fact that it’s a boat). So the appropriate statement would probably be: “she floats with no leaks!” Jangles was given wings just after 2pm on Thursday as she was lifted off her earthly perches to be placed back home once again. My heart raced as she was hoisted into the water.

As she was lowered . . .she came alive once again. She bobbed happily as we tested her out . . .engines running smoothly with no leaks . . .equipment all working . . .everything in check. We decided to take her for a test run . . .and she decided to remind us that she was a boat . . . never ever quite right.

Two sailormen joined us on this voyage - Lee and Robert – and as we motored away from Peaks, we were greeted with some unexpected vibrations. The whole boat vibrated as the motors moved us along.  . . only to figure out that the propellers were imbalanced. Thanks Jangles . . . clearly we aren’t supposed to leave Trinidad yet. We motored on though, eventually hoisting the sails. The genoa unfurled graciously, spreading her wings as the wind lifted her up.

Smiles were ever in abundance aboard Jangles. The question was then asked, “Where are the beers?” I thought back to the days when we just started sailing . . .”you may have one beer with dinner, captains orders” . . .man did that rule die quickly!  Beers were dished out whilst we all basked in the glory of Jangles coming alive! We slowly made our way back to land, back to reality. We moored at Coral Cove and headed for a celebration dinner at the Wheelhouse Pub! After a few more beers (rum and vodka for some), we nestled into the heart of Jangles for a great night’s sleep.

We all slept like babies on our first night aboard Jangles. As the day went on three friendly faces came knocking on our back door. Our South African flag drew some new friends aboard. A beer and stories were shared amongst us all. Once our new friends departed, the cooking started. Jangles awakening party would be starting in a few hours.

We had great company, meat on the braai and a cooler filled with beer, wine ,champagne, you name it! Jangles was happy to be back, as were her crew! Even the vegetarian on board (Robert) got some form of food, whilst the rest of us meat eaters had ample supply!

Ashton had Rebecca and I at the front of the boat playing horsie! He climbed all over us as we crawled around on all fours! He burns up all of our energy quickly, yet he has a never-ending supply. “Like sonic,” he says.

Over the next few days, quick crash courses in sailing will be taking place just so we are prepared for our next voyage AWAY from Trinidad. That’s all from the Jangles crew for now, happy Easter to everyone! xxx