Equipping and Preparing Zosca for the Grand Journey
Ahoy, fellow mariners and adventure seekers! Welcome back to our saga of turning a sailing dream into reality. With the deal closed and Zosca officially ours, it was time to roll up our sleeves and get her ready for the epic voyage from the US Virgin Islands to California. The excitement was palpable, and so were the challenges. Here’s how we tackled the daunting task of equipping Zosca for offshore sailing.
Confirming the Crew
First things first, we needed a reliable crew. Luckily, our network of sailing friends came through. We assembled a team of four enthusiastic sailors, each with their own set of skills and an eagerness for adventure. With our crew confirmed, we were ready to dive into the preparations.
Equipping Zosca for the Voyage
While Zosca was a solid boat, she wasn’t fully outfitted for the rigors of offshore sailing. Here’s a breakdown of the critical upgrades and equipment we needed:
Starlink for Communications
In today’s digital age, staying connected is essential. We invested in a Starlink system for reliable communications. Due to time constraints, we couldn’t permanently install the antenna. Instead, we found that the performance antenna worked perfectly under the sprayhood. We just had to bring it inside whenever it wasn’t in use—a minor inconvenience for the luxury of constant connectivity.
Solar Panels for Electricity
Electricity is the lifeblood of modern sailing. We installed flexible solar panels on the bimini. These panels were semi-permanent but worked like a charm, providing us with a steady supply of power without compromising the boat’s aesthetics or functionality.
Safety First
Safety was a top priority. We equipped Zosca with an 8-person liferaft, jacklines, EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon), and safety knives placed strategically around the boat. Our goal was to be prepared for any emergency, ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
Galley Upgrades
Good food is essential for maintaining morale on long voyages. We equipped the galley with proper cookware and utensils, ensuring we could prepare hearty meals no matter where we were. After all, a well-fed crew is a happy crew!
Tools and Spare Parts
As a relatively new boat, Zosca required a comprehensive set of tools. We bought everything we could think of—from electrical repair kits to mechanical tools and hull patching supplies. Our motto was, “Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.” This long list of tools would cover any situation we might encounter.
Logistics and Amazon Woes
We quickly learned that Amazon didn’t deliver everything to the US Virgin Islands. This realization led to some creative problem-solving. We ended up flying in with all the gear as our luggage. It was a lot of stuff, but fortunately, we were heading to the tropics, so we didn’t need much clothing!
Final Preparations and Enjoying the USVI
A week before our departure, we flew to the US Virgin Islands with our crew. The days were filled with final installations and safety checks, but we also took time to enjoy the beauty of the USVI. It was the perfect blend of hard work and tropical relaxation.
The Journey Ahead
With Zosca equipped and our crew ready, we stood at the threshold of an incredible journey. The next phase was to set sail and tackle the high seas, but that’s a story for another day.
Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll recount our first sailing attempt, the challenges we faced, and the decisions we had to make. As always, fair winds and following seas to all our fellow adventurers!
Stay tuned for the next chapter as we embark on our maiden voyage with Zosca. More tales of trials, triumphs, and tips for aspiring sailors await. Until then, may your sails be full and your compass true!