Our beloved SY Amandla has been hauled out, pressure cleaned and painted with a few new coats of anti-foul. She is back in the water now and ready to enjoy some motion in the ocean during the upcoming cruising season.
Only a few more weeks until we depart for Fiji! Our very dear friend Steve arrives on May 7th to help us sail her there.
For The Daily Post Weekly Photo Challenge: Motion
restlessjo April 28, 2015
So happy for you 🙂 Bon voyage and safe sailing!
Lisa Dorenfest April 28, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for the well wishes Jo! I hope to have some lovely walks to share with you after we arrive at the islands ⛵️
Janice April 28, 2015
I’m even more looking forward to the eventual “talks” we can share when you are back in New York. I miss you!
Lisa Dorenfest April 29, 2015 — Post Author
Likewise Janice! And you are always welcome to visit
whichwaynow101 April 28, 2015
Whoohoo to you! Bon voyage. Sounds exciting. Where are you sailing from? NYC? West coast?
Lisa Dorenfest April 29, 2015 — Post Author
Whoohoo back at you! You certainly have been leading an adventurous life. I don’t think that you are crazy at all…but then maybe we both are :-). I have sailed from The Netherlands to New Zealand thus far and will be continuing from NZ to Fiji and beyond. Nice to meet you here!
phb2003 April 28, 2015
great capture Lisa – I like the motion and the wand in the hand of this well covered worker – and of course the boat section – but for some reason the wheels stood out to me 0- how large they are and just gives us a feel for the scale of this large vessel (and fiji here you come…)
Lisa Dorenfest April 29, 2015 — Post Author
I’m going to say it again Yvette, because I really mean it. I adore your ever observant eye. It is wonderful how you take in the whole picture, often seeing aspects that I miss. I view my own photos completely differently after I’ve seen them from your perspective. And Fiji here I come 🙂 ⛵️
phb2003 April 29, 2015
Lisa – that is so sweet to read (and funny how the little things like this that can make a person’s day) – anyhow, your comment also reminds me as to why folks like you and I even bother to blog – of course there are many reasons that differ among folks – but I think with us it is about seeing more cultures and being stretched – and your presence in my blog world has been a treat this year. In fact, I met you and Lia the very same week – and it was right when I posted about NYC – and so I am always kind of partial to that post for that reason – and I love NYC – anyhow, have a great day and thx again
Lisa Dorenfest April 30, 2015 — Post Author
I remember your New York City post well. Made me homesick. It’s been a delight getting to know you in the blogosphere Yvette! Looking forward to seeing what else you have up your sleeve :-).
phb2003 April 30, 2015
🙂 ditto
phb2003 May 1, 2015
🙂
Artistami.Eva April 28, 2015
Have a beautiful, wonderful, full of adventure, safe trip. I await for some great pics, Lisa. God Bless You.
Lisa Dorenfest April 29, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for the well wishes Eva! I can’t wait to see your latest creations when I arrive in Fiji…or maybe you will have some to share before I leave
Marjorie Moeling April 28, 2015
I won a trip to Fiji many years ago (in the ’80s). We stayed on Treasure Island, and I have three distinct memories. One, the majestic ship that took us from Vanua Levu to Treasure Island — it was called the Tui Tai. Two, the giant cane toads that were on Vanua Levu (more on them in a second). And three, that the kava they served at the meke that tasted like wet dirt (which I think it was). It was a great vacation of lovely people, fantastic sights and exotic tastes and colors. Eating the reef fish every night was pure heaven. As for the toads, I always thought someone should write the anti-tourism book talking about the gross stuff not covered on the tourism web sites. For example, you see all of these beautiful photos of the beach in Fiji — and the beach was gorgeous. What they don’t tell you is that cane toads are EVERYWHERE (or at least they were when I was there). You’d be in the pool and “plop” — a toad or two would be swimming with you. So gross. So Fiji is amazing, and I’m so glad I went, but beware of the toads!
Lisa Dorenfest April 29, 2015 — Post Author
Oh my Marjorie! It sounds absolutely heavenly except for the toads. Eek! That said, I used to love playing with toads when I was a kid, but ‘raining toads’ might be a bit much. Still, from everything else you’ve said, except for the Kava, I am excited to visit. Haven’t managed to acquire a taste for Kava yet.
brittabottle April 28, 2015
Great image, Lisa. Also, I’ve never stopped to consider the maintenance a boat might need before…but, I guess like all man-made objects, they need to be kept up. I love how this image shows that maintenance in motion. Super cool!
Lisa Dorenfest April 29, 2015 — Post Author
Well thank you Britta! I am so glad that you liked the image. Maintenance is definitely a huge part of sailing. But lucky me, The Captain is very handy and has managed to repair every bit of SY Amandla at least once. I think she craves his attention. I’d be jealous, but then she is very good to me (comfortable, solid, safe, and seaworthy) ⛵️
brittabottle April 30, 2015
That is very lucky of you. I’m glad the Amandla is staying in tip top shape, then!
Dee Clark April 28, 2015
She must be a huge vessel by the size of that rudder (ok, although I am around vessels more in My NZ life but I’m still not sure that is the right word). My husband is a skipper and often tells me that one day I might go to sleep in our harbour and wake up in Fiji. I’m terrified of the open water. I’m sure your adventure will be extraordinary! Have fun! Love the image.
Lisa Dorenfest April 29, 2015 — Post Author
You were very close! It is the keel. Amandla is a good size (47ft) but still small enough (and sufficiently automated) to the point where my partner was able to single hand her for years.
I can appreciate your fear of the open water…while I am comfortable sailing for days in the open ocean, I am horribly uncomfortable flying in airplanes.
But it would be awesome for us if your husband would kidnap you and sail you to Fiji! Or maybe he could sail the boat and you could fly and meet him in Fiji. We’d love to see you there
littledogslaughed April 28, 2015
bon voyage Lisa! We will be thinking of you and look forward to hearing about your next adventure-be well-stay safe!
Lisa Dorenfest April 29, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for the well wishes Meg! Can’t wait to see more stories and adventure from your family when you return to blogging in June 🙂
Faraday's Candle April 30, 2015
You are such an adventurer. Can’t wait to see more of your amazing photos and read more of your exciting plans.
Lisa Dorenfest May 1, 2015 — Post Author
I am really a fraidy cat who simply got captivated by the sea and thus had to go sailing in spite of my fears and better sense :-). I am glad that the sea captured my heart because it has taken me on such an adventure. I am thrilled to have you along with me for the ride and to educate and entertain me with all of the great knowledge you share.
Faraday's Candle May 1, 2015
Thank you for sharing the adventure. It is wonderful that you overcame your fears for such a wonderful experience.
dunelight May 1, 2015
I remember reading that health was keeping you in port. I hate when life plans get side tracked by such things but it looks as though you are maximizing your time creatively, street art and photography, and wisely by doing all the endless tasks that go into maintenance of a vessel.
The first race of our club’s season is next Wednesday. That will be strictly for our crazy Melges fleet. The week after that..the rest of us join in…I have new racing shoes for slippery decks. 🙂 May you soon be at sea again in great health!
And I did like the photo here too.
Lisa Dorenfest May 1, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much for your compliments and well wishes. I am feeling really good and very much looking forward to getting underway (although I will miss the streets of New Zealand). The Captain’s recovery has been a bit of a roller coaster ride but directionally good. Readying for our next port definitely keeps his spirits up and aids in his recovery. Thank goodness our friend Steve will join us for the trip.
Great to know that racing season is upon you. What type of boat do you race on and what is your position? I used to race J24s in New York harbor as bow girl and pit. Was a real blast. I sailed in Lake Michigan as well, but only on Lasers and 16ft Hobbie Cats and never as a racer.
Michelle Hill May 1, 2015
That’s great. I look forward to following your travels. I may be heading to Fiji myself in September with my sailing friends as their boat is still there. Will you still be there then?
Lisa Dorenfest May 1, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Michelle. How wonderful to hear that you are going to sail with your friends again! We will likely be in New Caledonia by September so will sadly miss you, but hope to see you in Australia in Q4!
Michelle Hill May 2, 2015
I’ll be in Fiji from 11 to 16 September for the Regatta and then there’s a possibility that I’ll be sailing with them onto New Caledonia so we may still cross paths. If not, will see you once you reach Australia.
Lisa Dorenfest May 2, 2015 — Post Author
How awesome would it be to meet up sailing in New Caledonia. Our current plan (written in the sand at rising tide) will have us in New Caledonia until early October so maybe we will meet up. If not, then in Australia ⛵️
Hacky May 1, 2015
Safe travels Lisa!
Lisa Dorenfest May 2, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Joe 😉
luciledegodoy May 3, 2015
Yay! Thats great news and I’m very happy for you! Gorgeous photo!
Lisa Dorenfest May 3, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for your support and compliment Lucile. You always manage to put a smile on my face
thomasherter May 3, 2015
Dear Lisa, dear Fabio,
good to know that you are ready to sail again. Have a good trip together with Steve to Fiji. Do you sail to Vuda Point Marina? We recommend…
We are back in Noumea again and waiting for friends arriving from Germany on Tuesday. We plan to sail to Vanuatu next Saturday.
All the best for you both,
cheers + love + hugs
Thomas + Annette
Lisa Dorenfest May 4, 2015 — Post Author
Wonderful to hear from you! Just had a peek at your blog and am thrilled to hear that you arrived safely in New Caledonia. Thank goodness your pre-passage challenges are now a distant memory and you have so many exciting destinations in front of you in the next 15 months. Wish we were there by your side but we are sailing with you in spirit.
Lisa (and The Captain)
David and Charnee May 10, 2015
Have a safe and wonderful trip. Can’t wait for the new photos. All the best from all of us!
Lisa Dorenfest May 10, 2015 — Post Author
Ahoy there David and Charnee! Thank you for the lovely ‘bon voyage’ :-). A treat to hear from you. Hope the family is continuing to do well. Miss you all!