December 2005 Crossroads
Crossroads Dec 2005
The month of December has presented us with some remarkable events. Alvei and her crew are at a crossroads. This is what has happened, so far.
Dr. Henk and Nelleke from Project MARC, (Medical Aid to Remote Communities), came from the States to visit and discuss using Alvei in their program in Vanuatu. We enjoyed their style and sense of purpose and they were impressed with what Alvei has to offer. They discussed building a clinic on board and expanding their program around Alvei by gradually extending their season from two to five months. They also offered half the funds needed to overhaul the main engine.
The next task was to dismantle the main engine to determine the extent of the repairs. I had earlier been given two quotes. The first was rings and bearings for $12,200 USD. However, if the crankshaft had to be reground, add another $42,200 dollars. I had assumed we could do the lower priced job and simply make due with the crank until more funds could be found.
After pulling the bottom end bearing cap and gauging the journal; it was found to be too far past acceptable tolerances. The crankshaft would have to be reground. The cost of the full engine overhaul, $52,400, is beyond the financial resources of both Alvei and Project MARC.
Dr. Henk felt confident he could find a grant to cover the costs of the engine, but added it would take the better part of a year before we could expect to see the funds.
I believe in miracles, but I don’t expect them. I have resigned myself to unbending sails, striking the upper yards and leaving Alvei on a mooring. Then returning to the States to begin sailing professionally again.
Unless there is a minor miracle, it looks like our 2005 sailing season is about to be cancelled. By the third week in January I will post a notice on the web sites (www.alvei.de and www.alvei.com ) to let everyone know what we will be doing for the 2005 season.
The month of December has presented us with some remarkable events. Alvei and her crew are at a crossroads. This is what has happened, so far.
Dr. Henk and Nelleke from Project MARC, (Medical Aid to Remote Communities), came from the States to visit and discuss using Alvei in their program in Vanuatu. We enjoyed their style and sense of purpose and they were impressed with what Alvei has to offer. They discussed building a clinic on board and expanding their program around Alvei by gradually extending their season from two to five months. They also offered half the funds needed to overhaul the main engine.
The next task was to dismantle the main engine to determine the extent of the repairs. I had earlier been given two quotes. The first was rings and bearings for $12,200 USD. However, if the crankshaft had to be reground, add another $42,200 dollars. I had assumed we could do the lower priced job and simply make due with the crank until more funds could be found.
After pulling the bottom end bearing cap and gauging the journal; it was found to be too far past acceptable tolerances. The crankshaft would have to be reground. The cost of the full engine overhaul, $52,400, is beyond the financial resources of both Alvei and Project MARC.
Dr. Henk felt confident he could find a grant to cover the costs of the engine, but added it would take the better part of a year before we could expect to see the funds.
I believe in miracles, but I don’t expect them. I have resigned myself to unbending sails, striking the upper yards and leaving Alvei on a mooring. Then returning to the States to begin sailing professionally again.
Unless there is a minor miracle, it looks like our 2005 sailing season is about to be cancelled. By the third week in January I will post a notice on the web sites (www.alvei.de and www.alvei.com ) to let everyone know what we will be doing for the 2005 season.