Getting ready for our next adventure ...

Wow, it's been a year and a half since we've posted but now it's time! Both Dave and Gail are now retired (OK, wishful thinking but at least temporarily). Gail's facility was closed last year and Dave's contract with GeoEye was terminated when the company was bought by their competitor DigitalGlobe. So no more work excuses, it's time to go sailing again! Starshine is currently on the hard in Oxnard CA where we are in the process of a major re-fit. We have too many projects on-going to even begin to list them all but some of the key ones include: all new canvas, a new watermaker, a Hydrovane self steering system, some new electronics, updated plumbing and lots of maintenance. Here are just a few pictures of some of the upgrades: a rebuilt windlass and anchor locker, new head direct overboard discharge and new companionway cover. Gail also made some awesome cushions for the cockpit and is in the process of making all new sail covers including a stack pack for the main and mizzen. The current plan is to get Starshine back in the water sometime this summer before heading South as part of the Baja Ha-Ha on October 27 (http://www.baja-haha.com/). After cruising the Sea of Cortez and Mexico this winter, we plan to set out on the Pacific Puddle Jump next spring (http://www.pacificpuddlejump.com/), ultimately bound for Australia. In the near term, Dave is headed to the Abacos in the Bahamas to help Chris sail Faro, a Tayana 37, home to the Chesapeake next week.