Hi from the Napa of the North, Okanagan Valley, BC

[missaussierules]

Hi there from the (usually) sunny Okanagan! My fiancee Dave and I are proud owners of a 34' Catalina Mk II. We bought it online in an auction in April 09, after it had been through hurricane IKE. It was actually in quite good shape but needed lots scrapes and dings filled and a total bottom job. We spent a year reaplacing many parts, including upgrading to offshore sizing for many items. It's in the water now and we've had a full compliment of regattas on her. She's a beuatiful boat, and we are excited to be planning a departure for the south pacific and Australia, in 3-4 years time. We will no doubt need many questions answered and will continue to search the net, far and wide! Thanks for being here!

Rose and Dave

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Rose and Dave.

How do Canadians (?) come to name their boat “Aussie Rules”?

[captain58sailin]

Ahoy! Welcome aboard. Sounds like you have a fun program in mind. My Wife and I are on a similar time line for bugging out that way. We may not go out to OZ, but definitely heading for the south pacific, no later than 2013. Good on you.
Brad

[Livia]

Welcome from Victoria BC. If we can help, feel free to email us (email on our blog below).

[capt_douglas]

I spent a lot of time in the Okanagan Valley when was building a boat for an owner in Langley. Great counry, fine folks, and some excellent wine.

Sounds like you got a great deal at the auction. Well done and welcome to the site.

[missaussierules]

Thanks everyone! We did get a great deal in Texas. Dave built a trailer for the boat and spent 10 days driving there and back. We are currently looking at the various systems we still need to tack on before we eventually head out. Watermaker....Windvane....an ICOM or comparable unit, with Ham radio....still lots of research to do and shopping around....that's where I hope all of you may be of some help. Opinions based on the products you've used, to hopefully narrow the field to fewer good options.

Oh the boat is called Aussie Rules certainly in part due to Dave being Australian, and he sometimes makes up his own rules....and he's certainly Ruled our lake, winning every regatta he's gone in several times and the overall for the season of regattas a few times!

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Congratulations! I hope you enjoy your Catalina and this forum.
kind regards,

[Rou-Coo]

Greetings from the next major valley over - the Kootenays!

[missaussierules]

Hi everyone.....just a quick update as we are off to Australia tomorrow....a few last minute emails! We are really enjoying the forums and have LOTS to learn yet....about cruising, especially offshore.

Must get some sleep, although looking forward to spending some serious quality time here to get through the winter til next sailing/racing season! 16 weeks! The countdown begins!

Rose