DELAYS HAPPEN FOR A REASON..…

Ted and I have been cruising the coasts of Nova Scotia for over twenty years…on the same boat. Xcelsior handles very well; she’s forgiving and loves the open waters. Three years ago, we were to have headed south…but Mother Nature turned against us. Hurricane Juan, hit Nova Scotia and damaged the marina system at Dartmouth Yacht Club. The morning of Sept 29,2003 Ted and I ventured the quiet streets of Dartmouth, power lines down everywhere. We didn’t speak to much, as we both feared the worst. One had to question, if it were safe driving these roads? I can not describe the eerie quiet…not a bird or a cricket made a sound…I don’t believe anyone, of the few people down the marina, were even breathing. As we tried to shine as much light, as our flashlights would put out, on those like Ted brave enough to try and find their pride and joys, as they climb over the rubble of boats. All I could feel is the loss of our life long dreams vanish before us. Not having any control on the situation. There were a few sinking boats and broken marina in the water, sat amongst the floating debris. While others up on shore, sitting if not on their sides or keels…on top of each other in a giant heap. It was like a chain reaction, once one of the heavier powerboats gave way, it all gave away. There was only one trunk that held up and that was the trunk that Xcelsior was tied to. She sat where we left her the night before. However, one of the other trunks got caught up underneath her. We weren’t sure if it damaged the shaft or not. The cleat on the finger in the middle of the starboard side (right), rubbed almost through the under water hull. This was caused by the boat oscillating back and forth during the storm surge and wind.

It didn’t take long for every available member to chip in and help clear the mess up. Those boats that could be were towed out to safer waters and rafted up to a couple of others. The trunks that could be savaged, were trucked out to property in the industrial park area (owned by one of the members of the club). Then boats that could be safely taken off the shore line and the break water (rock) were then towed to the mooring field for mooring or travel lift camber to be hauled out, which ever was the best solution.

Before long boats were ashore and safely placed in their cradles, to survey the damage and to expedite repairs. Through the fall and into late summer various companies hauled boats away, for repairs. Xcelsior was amongst them, she was trucked out in May and returned mid August. Therefore, another year delayed our departure. Delays happen for a reason, November 4th Ted had a heart attack and in February had a stent repair his artery. Giving us more time to prepare the boat and research our trip. The following year we planned to depart April 5th…the new engine we installed vibrated so bad…thought the vibration might stop once it hit 100 hours of running…break in time. April 5th came and the engine was lifted out of the boat. One year later and we are still living here in Dartmouth. Last week of March first week of April 2006 which ever gives us the best 10 day window will be our departure date…we are now ready.