The 131 Task List

I, Kathy, arrived in Fairhaven, Massachusetts to spend most of September with Doug aboard Lady Slipper. This is prep time for the next leg of the journey to the Caribbean. That means work.

Fortunately for me, Doug’s brother Ivan arrived a few weeks before me. There is no one better at seeing what needs doing, organizing it, and getting it done that Ivan Dunmire. By the time I arrived the guys had completed 94 out of the 131 – I kid you not – 131 tasks that needed to be done.

How can boat prep possibly require 131 tasks when we are already mid journey? Good jolt of reality for me when I reviewed the list:

• Clean every nook and cranny inside and outside the boat

• Inspect all equipment, rigging, electronics, for wear and performance. Test, repair and replace as needed.

• Review safety planning and equipment required for the Atlantic leg. Wow, new things are needed: Jerry cans, emergency water, personal locator beacon, ditch bag etc.

• Develop crew, routing, reservation plan. Hmm, how about joining a Rally?

• Assess storage space for efficiency and adjust to carry needed supplies for the next leg.

• Order, order order.

That’s a lot!

Thanks Ivan for organizing, doing, and making this next leg of the journey safer and more enjoyable.