This past weekend was our first time aboard Kinship ^I  (her official Canadian registered name) as the proud new owners!

The long drive to Solomons MD was well worth it. Daffodils and t-shirts weather awaited us.

We were able to spend three days getting to know the boat and her myriad of systems.

Any guesses what this is?

If you guessed the AIS you are right.

We had some fun changing the starter battery. You have to be a strong contortionist who isn’t the least bit claustrophobic to do this job – the two of us squeezed into this snake-pit below decks!

With a little help from the riggers at Zahniser’s Yachting Center, a new hydraulic back-stay adjuster was added. Then we rigged the sails (all three of them) and were ready to go.

Unfortunately, we ran out of time to actually take her out sailing! Next time…

One of the last jobs was to get Kinship ready to be repatriated. She was built in St Catharines Ontario, and she will be coming home to Lake Ontario soon. In preparation for that, I peeled off the port of Annapolis letters and applied the port of Ottawa. Matthew climbed up and attached a new Canadian flag, so she is now dressed and ready to come home.

Can’t wait for the delivery trip, which is planned for mid-May…