End of the Cape Town's refit. Heading to Falklands.
Our yard period in Cape Town comes to an end and it is time to sail Vinson of Antarctica back to the Falklands for the start of an exciting season.
It has been a busy few months which allowed us to make some very useful improvements to the vessel and perform the regular yearly upkeep that keeps the vessel ship shape.
Our first priority was replacing the inner GRP stern tubes with a specialized marine industry polymer, designed specifically for propulsion systems. This work was efficiently completed by a local team while the vessel was hauled out at the V&A Waterfront during the early stages of the refit. We also adjusted the shaft alignment, and we were pleased to see a marked improvement to the drive train during later sea trials.
Team R&M Boatbuilders in charge of the haul out. Daniele, Fabian and Chad.
Luca and Yannick working on the winches.
Marco Grandi machining the inner tubes to accommodate the gland.
John loosening the prop.
Another critical upgrade was the overhaul of our satellite communication setup. We have transitioned to Starlink as our primary internet source, which has provided us with faster connections and broader coverage compared to our previous arrangement. The system has been fine-tuned in conjunction with a fixed Iridium platform, serving as our satellite phone and secondary data source, backed up with three different emergency portable devices. These enhancements will not only facilitate the work of scientists and guests but also keep our families informed of our progress.
Paul and Pascal working on the autopilot.
No less important was the installation of a hydraulic autopilot and the fitting of a new windlass hydraulic motor. The need for reliable means of anchoring and steering are of obvious importance in the remote areas cover by the vessel, and we always look at ways of making improvements where they can be made.
Victor and Jose working on the outboards.
At the left, Chris, our rigger.
These are just some of the key improvements made during our time in Cape Town, but the list of upgrades and modifications is extensive. Alongside these enhancements, we also completed the annual maintenance on our engines, generator, water maker, outboards, and other machinery. Additionally, our sails and rigging was inspected, serviced, repaired where needed, and calibration was performed on our navigational and electrical systems.
It has been a great pleasure to work alongside some of our Captonian friends again, and we thank them for the long hours they dedicated in helping us achieve all of this.
Leaving Cape Town. Mariana and Yannick maneuvering the sails.
Heading to the falklands.
It is now time for us to set sail, and we do so with excitement.
Paul Guthrie
Captain
