team hot pursuit

It’s been just over two months since we returned from Worlds in Buenos Aires. And nearly six months since we got holed racing in Berkeley. Funny how both of those experiences seem like they happened a year ago, yet we have vivid memories of both highlights of last year.

With 2011 Worlds behind us and insurance claims settled, it’s time to move forward and prepare for the upcoming year. The 2012 race season starts in April, and this year we have a “few” more projects to do on Hot Pursuit during the off-season than is typical. 

Although the boat was only sunk/submerged at Berkeley Marina for 12 hours (see August post on the incident), it is incredible the damage salt water can do in that short period of time. The electrical systems – switches, lights and knot meter – all had to be rewired, and the battery terminals which normally clamp onto the posts were gone, leaving the battery cables just hanging above the shorted battery.

On the flip side is the entire inside of the hull was washed clean, but the teak floor, cabinet doors and shelves were all dull from being in the salt water.

And the hole – we were fortunate to have warm Northern California weather when we towed the boat home – actually stopping in 95 degree Sacramento for a couple days and really dried the boat out before towing her back to Seattle. Once the surveyors and insurance folks did their inspections, we hauled Hot Pursuit home (before we left for Worlds), buttoned up the hole with plastic and bubble insulation, and put her under a tarp with a heater inside to keep out the moisture. The mast, boom, rudder and all of the rigging was removed to “the sailboat room(s)” in our basement where they could be inspected and cleaned over the winter.  (Other than covering the hole, this is a routine off-season regimine for HP.)

In between holiday festivities, Mike worked on the boat, rewiring all of the electrical systems, replacing the battery and switches, and restoring all of the wood. Winches were torn down, blocks, traveler and cleats checked, cleaned and lubed. Other than the hole, we’re ready to go racing.

The plan was to get the boat into the shop in the new year.  Unfortunately the snow and ice delayed the plan slightly, but we delivered the boat to our friends at CSR Marine this week. Stay tuned for updates on the repair.