Long Island is recovering from hurricane Joaquin damage six months later. There there are new roofs and structures changing day by day. Everyone we've met is strong and hopeful, yet the hardship from that storm sits just behind their eyes. Stories are told in subdued tones about the mud that remained after the six foot water surge, people going out in their skiffs to rescue neighbors stuck on their roof, boats washing up on the other side of the road, debris from El Faro lining their beaches. It’s impossible to imagine that experience and aftermath ~ much respect.
Emile and Cameron lost their fishing boat Captain Ryan in the storm and were working to get a new one ready to add to the fleet, so now Sweet Angeline will be joined by Miss Cassidy out on the fishing grounds.
Miss Cassidy needed an expanded freezer hold along with a new compressor and generator. Emile set about to double its size with a few of his crew and Mark & Bill pitching in, while Cameron installed the generator that he was able to salvage from their lost boat.
The result looks perfect as an extension of the floor right off from the cabin.
Another boat needed attention back at home, their A-class racing sloop Rupert’s Legend. Their grandfather Rupert built this classic wooden boat by hand. She stood solid through the storm but the rudder broke off and needed some wood repair and welding of pins.
Since the National Family Regatta is coming up in Exuma this month, Legend also got a new paint job.
For a while, it was uncertain whether they would be able to make the regatta.
It takes plenty of time, work and money to get there and there are still pressing priorities at home.
In the end they decided to go for it, providing pride and inspiration for their island.
Cameron and Mark worked together over a few days to get her nice and shiny again. Mark is handy for any flavor of boat project and happy to be the prep-guy to help other peoples’ projects go smoother.
Technical issues come up… they get resolved… everyone is nice and joking… it’s work but it’s fun.
Not to mention, these guys are our friends who we like to be around.
After sanding, fairing and priming (a few days work), Cameron sprayed the topsides.
At the end of each day, the kids got out of school & friends and neighbors stop by to admire Legend. She looks fantastic with a new coat of white paint, which looks great with the shiny red Awlgrip on the keel. We’ll be front-row to see them race against the other islands in a few weeks.
