Milly is almost in the water!

Our first visit to the factory in the new year was an exciting one today!  Walking into the factory we could see that Milly’s name now adorns her stern and bows.  The psychological impact of seeing that was extraordinary!  Milly is named! 

Our view as we walked into the factory.

The trampolines were installed as we watched. 

A view from underneath the trampoline where we will soon be swimming

The anchor chain was being marked about every 5 m.

So we know how much rode (chain) goes into the water, a key to safe anchoring

The oven was being mounted.

The gap on the right (starboard) side near the door is for the oven.  It was installed before we left.  Corian counters are in place.  Very nice galley!

Everything was almost - so close - to being complete. Hooks were hung in the heads, blinds were in place at the portlights.  The fridge and freezer have been tested.  The inside lockers are lined.  The watermaker installed.  The propellers on - and looking polished and shiny.

The propellers are shining brass.  They look quite beautiful.

The lines for hauling the dinghy up are in place.

The lines to haul the dinghy are on the very important arch.  They are all ready to haul!  The KVH dome is going to make communication with family and friends easy :)

The lines are installed in the boom.

The nav station dashboard is in the works. 

A work in progress

We are down to the details now!

Each time we go, we are further impressed with how complicated the whole process is.  Being able to see inside the walls and under the floors when the boat is under construction is something that every owner should appreciate and we are grateful that we are able to do this at the Antares factory.  Care and quality are paramount to the builders.  As an example, the stanchion plates were not quite right and were sent back for a second time today.  It makes us feel confident that a shoddy piece of equipment will not be on the boat if it can be helped.  Although it might delay the process at various points, we greatly appreciate the care that is taken; even more so when sailing in the deep, blue sea.

Our boat has been moved to the exit door ready for loading onto the truck on January 13th where she will wait for high tide and a southeast wind during working hours!  It is true; the moon and mother nature must be on our side.  The water must be as high as possible.  A southeast wind to build on the tide means water comes into the river from the sea.  A northwest wind apparently empties the river and makes the water too low even during high tide.  If the water is too low, the truck is forced to back further down the ramp into the gooey mud and, just like your boot in a swamp, it will get stuck.  

So we are on call.  If the tide is high and the right wind comes up we might have two hours notice to get to the factory to watch the all-important splash.  We will be attached to our phone next week.

Commissioning follows - two weeks.  Items are fixed/replaced if need be - as long as one week.  Then Milly is ours!