We returned to the IOW - 2nd/3rd Sept 2024

 We left the boat on the Island over the weekend and returned on Monday the 2nd September, we went in to Cowes on Tuesday 3rd and to our surprise the Spanish El Galeon Andalusia was moored on the Trinity moorings in the centre of town, it was a real spectacle having never been on a genuine Galleon which was afloat.

El Galeon Andalusia on Trinity Landing

Spanish Crew member

What a sight

Fantastic Site

Such a view

Canons

More Canons

Spanish helmet and swords

Captains Cabin

Captains Table

The ship has sailed around the world

Ships Bell

The rigging

Zena onboard

The boat continually moves 

Spanish Flag

Spanish Artifacts

Off to Gravesend next

Zee enjoying the tour

Bizarre Image

  

East Cowes Maiden Trip of 24 - 27th/29th August 2024

 We headed to East Cowes for the maiden voyage of 2024 after the relaunch, all went fine until we arrived in the Medina and attempted to moor up at East Cowes Marina, the new starboard drive suddenly stopped working... We couldn't believe it after all the work, so to make the most of things we decided we'd leave the boat in East Cowes Marina for a few weeks. We headed home via the Isle Wight Cat on Thursday night as we had work and other commitments over the weekend and are heading back on Monday 2nd September for 5 days then we plan to return on one engine on Friday 6th.

Fabulous sunset at East Cowes

Zee enjoying the boat

Blue lights on

We will be back in a few days

Mojitos

Lovely weather

Arriving at Cowes

Cowes bathed in sun

Cowes on the horizon

Finally on the water

We're off

Glorious sun shine as we head out

Finally back to the Water - 23rd/25th August 2024

 After three long months of strife the boat was finally relaunched at Haslar, for the August Bank Holiday Weekend. The weather was awful raining and windy but we wanted to get Greek Princess back in the water. I returned the boat to our mooring which wasn't without hassle when we discovered we need another 0.5M of the tide to reduce before we could get under the bridge whilst trying to hold our position in F5 gusting F6.

Two Drives at last after three months

Both drives complete

Already to go

Just waiting for the lift in

All done

Back in the water

Greek Princess looking good

Normal service resumed

Getting the provisions on board, so good to be back.

Rebuilt Stbd refurbed drive fitted - 22nd August 2024

 The drive was finally complete with all new bearings and seals together with a new cone clutch, all refitted by Black Gang Marine. However it wouldn't engage reverse, so after checking the shift cable system it appeared the last cable from the interchange box to the drive wasn't running freely so we decided to change the shift cable and bingo it now all works.

Both legs back on

Starboard Drive finally back

Boat Antifouled awaiting Drive - 17th & 19th August 2024

 We went to the boat on Saturday 17th August 2024 to completely polish the boat ready for the relaunch now scheduled for Friday 23rd August 2024.  Then on Monday 19th of August 2024 I went to the boat and tidied up the black antifoul on the hull, and sprayed both transom shields and the Port Drive. Also I sprayed up the props with black Trilux.

Starboard Transom ready for the drive

Port Drive & Transom Ready

Port side done

Starboard side done

Starboard props prepped

All ready to be fitted

All ready just need the Port Drive and we can return to water

Yard Clean Up - 11th August 2024

 With Greek Princess now having been ashore since the 20th May 2024 Zena & I headed to the boat on a glorious hot August Sunday, to give the boat a Summer clean up. The Insurance claim was rejected by HKJ claiming 'fatigued' parts which is absolute nonsense. We have logged a formal complaint and will take it to the Insurance Ombudsman if needs be. In the meantime we've purchased a second hand drive and hopefully we can create a usable drive from the two units. 

Complete shampoo and wash outside

All clean just need our drive back