One of the gremlins that we feared would stop us lifting in on 2 May was that the liferaft failed its service and we needed a new one.
It took a few days to decide on a new one, weighing up safety, dimensions, cost, but with help from Vagelis of Ionian Marine Safety (part of CYS in Lefkas) we eventually placed our order and sat back to wait the 2-3 weeks for it to arrive. The insurance company had given us the OK to cruise without, as long as we didn’t try to cross the Atlantic.
Excitement today as Vagelis has emailed that our new liferaft is here! Fortunately, we’re able to book in for another night here and it will arrive this evening!!!
Ah, no actually, it will arrive tomorrow morning at 9.30. Vagelis is very apologetic and promises it won’t be any later than that, as we need to leave the pontoon. Practicing patience . . .
Update: The liferaft was delivered at 9.30 and installed in its cradle. Vagelis talked us through the paperwork and how to use it. We hope not to need to, but it’s good to have it.
The only problem now is that its fitting is on the aft deck – without the liferaft there it was a covenient place to put drinks, nibbles etc.! A rethink is called for . . .