Rafiki Launch Weekend (and The Skippers Birthday!!)

So...

Our first post!

This weekend marked a number of big occasions;

We launced the tender (dinghy, who shall be named "The Sea Word").
Rafiki had her refurbished and new sails fitted.
Adam officially became a full kit wanker by buying some Musto wellies...
Rafiki finally went in the water for the first time since Pete bought her.
Skipper Pete turned 32!

Friday 4th April, 2014 was launch day - we had all been looking forward to this day for such a long time and couldn't believe how quickly it came round. This day was seen as the start of it all...

Friday morning was spent completing the final few checks to ensure that both Rafiki and The Sea Word were ready to go in the water. When the moment came to move Rafiki from her dry store to her first wet berth everyone felt the nerves and excitement set in. The tractor pulled her down to the slip way and the crane (pictured) slowly lowered her in to the water (thankfully she floated and didn't leak!). Friday night we celebrated with a few beers and ate and slept on board in the water for the first time!

Saturday morning, before running Rafikis engine for the first time, Wayne (our newly appointed marine mechanic) took us through the necesary engine service and gave us a detailed lesson in maintaining the engine to keep it in good order. Jim Bob (Cofone) and Matty Tobin turned up just in time to assist (in the rain) fitting the sails, rigging the jib sheets and furler lines (ropes!), tidying, cleaning and topping up our tab in the Marina bar.

Sunday morning saw the arrival of Clodagh (slightly hungover) and our visiting crew of Russey D, Lucy and David Cromer. David (Experienced sailor, instructor and jolly nice chap) had volunteered to come down and assist with the maiden voyage as he knew the River Hamble and Solent better than most. The launch went well and we set off for the fuelling dock and then off to the opening of the Hamble. After a few tacks we turned home and once in calm waters Clodagh cracked out the picnic foods and Champagne. The skipper popped the cork and the bottle was emptied in no time. David brought Rafiki back in to her berth (at speed) for the first time like a true pro. We headed straight to the Marina bar to toast the occassion and Petes Birthday. After not too many drinks, Lucy and Russey D were somehow persuaded to stay for the evening to help us get smashed and celebrate the big weekend. The pics tell the rest of the story really...