It's the little things

It's the little things that matter.
Sue, doing her stuff, completing the Count from the VICSAIL tender. The finished product looks fantastic!



Outside of the signage, Mike was there fitting the operating switches for the winches. Electric toilets have been installed and Steve has solved some bilge pump / fire fighting equipment puzzles. We're inching closer.



Next week we should see the pushpit and pulpit return along with the dodger and cockpit cover installed.



Shorty (Ian Short Sails) should be down with the sails early next week and who knows the Count may venture out for her first cruise.

A little personality

The weather broke and a call from Sue had me down at Rushcutters for the big day when the Count gained personality.


The process is quite amazing. A vinyl material was used for the signage via computer operated cutting. The graphics are perfect. All that was needed was Richard from Treacle (MIC's web designer) to send over the graphics to Sue.


Sounds easy.......now it gets really tough. Sue's been doing this for a long time and appeared relaxed but this measuring, positioning and essentially making sure it's adhered is not easy.

When you see the methodical steps that Sue takes you can understand why her services are in high demand.

So where's this going?

It's seems like a long path but there's method in this madness.

Have you ever enjoyed something so much that you wanted to share your experience.....well I have. So many of us have busy lives and have little time for ourselves or to do the things we like to do. We aim that if you have the time, we'll Make it Count.

The Count is equipped to traverse oceans but the benefit of this fit-out is that She provides all that a day or weekend sailer or passage maker would want to either privately enjoy or to share with others. When you are a guest of the Count you will be looked after by qualified crew that can guide you through the Harbour to a quiet cove or for the more adventurous take on the elements through the heads. Why not take up the catering offer supplied by Ripples Cafe where your own chef can be aboard to ensure no fuss.

Enjoy these photos of the Beneteau 57 and picture what's possible as a guest of the Count.

What's in a name?

We almost saw the Count gain some identity today but alas....after 6 weeks of virtually no rain when we need dry weather....it rains! Sue (Blue Wren Signs) gave me a call so we could decide the actual placings. We had a shot at it but the clouds were just too threatening.





The good news is that the toilets are being switched, the batteries are hooked up, Steve has been ordering and fitting all sorts of hoses etc.

Are we there yet?

You may be wondering why the Count is still being fitted out. Whilst she is a new Beneteau 57 work has been needed to accommodate Australian survey requirements (to bring her into charter) and then upgrades that I have requested to make her just that little bit more special.
To give you an idea:
Survey work includes upgrades to all lifelines, pushpit and pullpit, replacement of through hull fittings, grey water tanks, bilge pumps, fire pumps, life rafts, life jackets.....as a start.
Additions include, electric winches, electric toilets, upgrade sound system, custom lighting.

The bottom line is that there are rules and requirements to be met so its just got to be done.

Time to unwind

A beautiful Saturday morning, coffee and a newspaper.



Yeah yeah.....we can't really go out yet but we just need to get used to this pace...

All wound -up

Steve installs the electric furler





3 of the 4 electric winches are in place.

Next....

Mike has been attending to the electric winches......I hope he know's how this goes together!



The winch motor from under the deck (Owners Cabin ensuite)



The main saloon with the nav station pulled apart and floor up. You can see the batteries that usually sit under the floor above the keel bolts.

It never stops...

Day 1 at Rushcutters and the familiar dark blue shirt of Steve Kemp is on board.....let's make this look like a sailboat.



AJ from YES drops by to check out he'll be tied to for the next 2 weeks too.

New Digs

Our new home is a lot cleaner and there's something special about being on the water. We're moored next to a new First 35 and by coincidence John Hunt's B 57, Southern Princess, has just arrived from New Zealand. Southern Princess has seen much of the world and is extremely well fitted out.

The coming weeks will see big changes for the Count. Not least of all will be the sign writing. I've been in touch with Sue Turner of Blue Wren Signs.

Rushcutter's

It's been a long day but spirits are high.

Rushcutters Bay will be our home for the next 3 weeks. The fit-out will be completed by Steve and some additional crew. Tasks include installation of the electric headsail furler, electric winches, upgrades to the pullpit and pushpit, etc, etc, etc

Farewell to River Quays

After an anxious "splashing" we are released from the River Quays launching pen.....a very snug fit for the Count!








If you ever have the chance to see a place like River Quays work take up the offer. Watching these guys move a big boat like the Count was amazing, very organised, very calm with most of the communication via hand signals.

We're away and heading for VICSAIL's berth at Rushcutters Bay.

I christen thee......

The moment has arrived, most of the staff at the River Quays are now involved. There is only about 300mm clearance on either side of the Count's 5 metre beam...a very snug fit.












Steve, who's been with the Count since arrival is as anxious as a midwife. That's actually a pretty good description as this is his baby!

The keel touches the water for the first time

The champagne is readied.....

I christen this boat The Count, may God bless all who sail with her....hip hip!

Launch Day

A big day in anyone's life but the first time a boat hits the water is a special moment.

It's scheduled for 10 am but winds up being delayed until around 1:30pm.

The yard is readied and the Count is moving.....

This involves lifting the Count in the sling lift and shuffling around the yard and down to the water for the launch